Conditions / Digestive
38 CFR 4.114, diagnostic code 7206 · checked 2026-10-20
VA rating for GERD (acid reflux)
VA rates GERD (acid reflux) under diagnostic code 7206 (Gastroesophageal reflux disease (rated as esophageal stricture, 7203)) at 5 levels from 0% to 80%. The lowest paid level, 10%, is worth $180.42 a month and the highest, 80%, $2,102.15 to a veteran alone at the rates effective December 1, 2025.
- 1Diagnostic code DC 7206
- 2Highest level 80% · $2,102.15
- 3Lowest paid level 10% · $180.42
Rating criteria for DC 7206
| Rating | What the schedule requires |
|---|---|
| 80% | Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of: aspiration, undernutrition and/or substantial weight loss; and treatment with surgical correction of the stricture(s) or a percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal (PEG) tube. |
| 50% | Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation 3 or more times per year, dilatation using steroids at least one time per year, or esophageal stent placement. |
| 30% | Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year. |
| 10% | Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia, otherwise asymptomatic. |
| 0% | Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications. |
Summarized from eCFR, 38 CFR 4.114 Schedule of ratings, digestive system, diagnostic code 7206, checked 2026-10-20. The regulation's own wording governs.
Notes in the schedule
- The stricture must be documented by barium swallow, CT or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
- Recurrent means the target esophageal diameter cannot be maintained beyond 4 weeks; refractory means it cannot be reached despite at least 5 dilatation sessions at 2-week intervals.
- Hiatal and paraesophageal hernia (7346) is rated the same way.
What each level pays
| Level | Alone | With spouse | With tinnitus 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | 82 → 80% |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | 55 → 60% |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | 37 → 40% |
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | 19 → 20% |
| 0% | $0.00 | $0.00 | 10 → 10% |
3 of the 4 compensable levels are 30% or higher, where dependents raise the payment; below that the rate is flat. A 0% level means the condition is service connected but not compensable: it pays nothing by itself, yet it is on record if it worsens. The spread from the lowest paid level to the highest is $1,921.73 a month. The last column shows the combined rating if this condition is joined by a 10% tinnitus rating.
How this rating fits a claim
The top level, 80%, is at or above the 60% that 38 CFR 4.16(a) sets for a single disability to qualify for consideration of a total rating based on unemployability. A rating under DC 7206 is combined with every other rating by Table I, never added; the calculator shows the result with your other ratings and dependents.
The rating is set from the evidence at the time of the decision, usually including a VA examination. If the condition has worsened since, VA accepts a claim for an increase on VA Form 21-526EZ; see how to request an increase.
Related conditions
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (DC 7319)
- Hemorrhoids (DC 7336)
- Hernia (inguinal, ventral, umbilical) (DC 7338)
Pay at the top level: 80% VA pay. At the lowest paid level: 10% VA pay.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26 and 38 CFR 4.114, diagnostic code 7206. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.