Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly referred to as acid reflux, is a condition that can affect veterans and may be eligible for VA disability compensation.
GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation, heartburn, and other symptoms. Veterans suffering from GERD may qualify for VA disability if the condition is related to their military service. Understanding the VA disability rating for GERD is essential for veterans filing a claim.
How Does the VA Rate GERD?
The VA GERD rating is based on the severity of the symptoms and how they impact the veteran’s daily life. GERD is rated under the VA’s schedule for rating digestive conditions, and the percentage assigned depends on the frequency, intensity, and impact of the symptoms.
Here are the typical GERD VA rating percentages:
- 10% GERD rating: Mild symptoms that cause occasional discomfort but do not significantly impair daily life.
- 30% GERD rating: More severe symptoms, such as persistent heartburn, regurgitation, and frequent discomfort that impacts daily activities. Veterans with moderate impairment often receive a GERD VA rating of 30 percent.
- 60% GERD rating: Severe symptoms, such as frequent, persistent regurgitation, vomiting, and pain, leading to significant impairments in daily life and work activities. This would result in a GERD VA rating 60 percent.
The VA uses gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as a basis for assigning these percentages for an acid reflux VA rating. Veterans with more frequent and debilitating symptoms may qualify for a higher rating. For more details on recent updates to the VA’s digestive system rating schedule, you can visit this VA News article.
AI Powered Chatbot for VA Disability Claims
Learn more about the VA Disability process and get help with our VA Disability Claim Chatbot programmed and trained by AI
VA Disability for GERD and Acid Reflux
Veterans diagnosed with GERD or acid reflux can file a VA disability claim if they believe the condition is service-related. The VA considers a variety of factors when assigning ratings for digestive conditions, such as:
- GERD symptoms: These may include heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
- Impact on daily activities: The VA will assess how GERD affects the veteran’s ability to work and perform daily functions.
The VA disability rating for GERD is determined based on the overall severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced. Veterans can file for both GERD and acid reflux if they have documented medical evidence linking the conditions to their military service.
VA GERD Rating Criteria
The VA GERD rating criteria are outlined in the VA’s rating schedule for digestive disorders. Veterans seeking a higher GERD disability rating should provide comprehensive medical documentation, including reports from healthcare providers and diagnostic tests that show the severity of their symptoms.
- VA disability for GERD: Veterans need to demonstrate that their GERD was caused or worsened by military service. This can include evidence of long-term medication use, frequent heartburn, or lifestyle factors during service that contributed to the condition.
- VA disability for acid reflux: Similar to GERD, acid reflux can also qualify for disability compensation. The acid reflux VA rating is based on the frequency and severity of symptoms.
One thing to keep in mind is even after you’re rated the VA can potentially reduce your rating. Learn more about how and when the VA can reduce your compensation.
Is GERD a Presumptive Condition?
Veterans often ask, is GERD a presumptive condition? The VA does not currently recognize GERD as a presumptive condition. This means that veterans must provide medical evidence showing that their GERD is linked to their military service to receive compensation.
However, certain conditions related to military service, such as exposure to chemicals or long-term physical strain, may lead to GERD. In such cases, veterans can file a VA GERD claim and present supporting evidence to establish service connection.
VA Compensation for GERD and Acid Reflux
The VA compensation for GERD is determined by the veteran’s disability rating, which reflects the severity of the condition. Veterans with more severe symptoms may qualify for higher compensation rates. The average VA rating for GERD is typically around 10% to 30%, depending on how the condition impacts the veteran’s daily life.
- How much VA disability for GERD? Veterans with severe symptoms and frequent discomfort may receive higher compensation rates.
- Heartburn VA rating: Heartburn, as a common symptom of GERD, is included in the overall rating for the condition.
Veterans who have GERD alongside other service-connected conditions can potentially qualify for additional compensation if they can demonstrate how each condition affects their health and daily function.
Filing a VA Claim for GERD
To file a VA claim for GERD, veterans should gather:
- Medical Evidence: Veterans need a clear diagnosis of GERD from a healthcare provider, along with medical records that document the symptoms, treatments, and any related conditions.
- Service Connection: Veterans should establish how their GERD or acid reflux is linked to their military service. This may include documentation of exposures, lifestyle factors, or incidents that may have contributed to the condition.
- Disability Rating: The VA will assign a rating based on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on daily life.
Once you are rated for GERD, its still possible that the VA may reassess your rating. Learn more about how and when the VA may reduce your compensation.
Veterans with both GERD and acid reflux should include all relevant medical documentation in their claim. The VA GERD rating criteria take into account the frequency and severity of the symptoms, and veterans should work with their healthcare provider to ensure that all symptoms are properly documented.
The VA disability rating for GERD is based on the severity of the condition and how it affects the veteran’s daily life. Veterans suffering from acid reflux or GERD due to their military service should gather all relevant medical documentation and file a VA claim for compensation. Understanding the GERD VA rating criteria and ensuring that all symptoms are documented can help veterans secure the benefits they deserve.
For more information on the latest updates to the VA’s disability rating system for GERD and other digestive conditions, you can read this VA News article. A GERD VA rating of 60 percent is the highest you can get.
