How the VA Rates GERD

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7206 (esophageal stricture criteria; GERD rated here for claims filed on/after 2024-05-19). Isolated hiatal hernia without GERD remains DC 7346. for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

1. 80%

   $2,102.15/month

   Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss (involuntary loss greater than 20% of baseline sustained for three months, per § 4.112), AND treatment with either surgical correction or a percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal (PEG) tube.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss (>20% of baseline per § 4.112)
   • Surgical correction or PEG tube
2. 50%

   $1,132.90/month

   Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia that requires dilatation 3 or more times per year, dilatation using steroids at least once per year, or esophageal stent placement.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Dilatation required 3 or more times per year
   • Steroid dilatation at least once per year, or esophageal stent placement
3. 30%

   $552.47/month

   Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia that requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture causing dysphagia
   • Esophageal dilatation required up to 2 times per year
4. 10%

   $180.42/month

   Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) requiring daily medication (e.g., a proton-pump inhibitor) to control dysphagia. NOTE: current DC 7206 EXPRESSLY contemplates medication at this level, so the ameliorative-effect rule of Jones v. Shinseki does NOT apply to reach a higher GERD evaluation.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Esophageal stricture documented by barium swallow, CT, or EGD
   • Requires daily medication to control difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.