What changed in 2024
Under the updated schedule, GERD is generally evaluated under the criteria for esophageal stricture (DC 7206). Those criteria focus on documented symptoms and treatment, such as daily medication, dilation procedures, and complications, rather than the older list of symptoms. Ratings in effect before the change are generally protected unless your condition improves.
Paths to service connection
- Direct: In-service GI symptoms or treatment
- Secondary: GERD caused or worsened by medications for service-connected conditions (for example, NSAIDs for joint pain) or by other service-connected conditions
- Gulf War presumptive: Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS can be presumptive as medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness for qualifying Southwest Asia service
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Official sources
38 CFR 4.114 (Digestive System) · VA: Gulf War illness
Rating criteria summarized for general information. Read the full regulation for details. Last reviewed October 2026.