Guide by NexusVetClaims, an independent education and claim-prep site. Confirm the current rating criteria and payment amounts with these primary sources:
GERD / hiatal hernia (DC 7346) is rated by symptom intensity. Secondary service connection to PTSD (via stress and medication) is commonly granted. File with a clinical narrative documenting the frequency of epigastric distress.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Two or more of the symptoms for 30% rating, of lesser severity. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Above symptoms, plus material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia, or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.8% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
How to get rated for gerd (acid reflux)
- Document frequency of symptoms: how often do you regurgitate, have heartburn, chest pain?
- EGD (endoscopy) is the objective evidence — get one if you have not.
- Medication list (PPI, H2 blocker) is supportive.
Common secondary conditions
- +Dental erosion
- +Esophagitis
- +Sleep apnea (GERD aggravates airway)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Secondary to PTSD: stress + anxiety-driven gastric acid production → GERD. SSRIs also commonly cause or worsen GERD.
- Secondary to NSAIDs for service-connected pain: well-documented pathway.
What the letter has to say
A nexus letter is the medical opinion tying your GERD (acid reflux) to your service. It is the piece most claims turn on, and the piece most often written in wording the VA throws out. Our free guide walks through what the letter has to establish.
See what GERD (acid reflux) nexus letters must say →Frequently asked
I only take OTC Tums, not prescription meds. Can I still get rated?
Yes — the rating is based on symptom severity, not prescription medication. Document frequency of symptoms in your narrative.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.