Diagnostic Code 7206: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.114
- Rating range
- 0% to 80%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Digestive system
The VA rates Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease under diagnostic code 7206 in 38 CFR § 4.114. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 7206 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications What raters look fordocumented history; no daily symptoms; no daily medications required |
| 10% | Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic What raters look foresophageal stricture; daily medications to control dysphagia; otherwise asymptomatic |
| 30% | Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year What raters look forrecurrent esophageal stricture causing dysphagia; dilatation no more than 2 times per year |
| 50% | Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires at least one of the following: (1) dilatation 3 or more times per year, (2) dilatation using steroids at least one time per year, or (3) esophageal stent placement What raters look forrecurrent or refractory stricture causing dysphagia; dilatation 3 or more times per year; dilatation using steroids at least once per year; esophageal stent placement |
| 80% | Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the symptoms present: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a) and treatment with either surgical correction or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube) What raters look foraspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss; surgical correction or PEG tube |
DC 7206 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 1,170 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 7206 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 44.6%, denied 43.5% and sent 11.9% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Recorded exam issues in remanded DC 7206 rulings
Percentages use all 139 rating rulings under this code the Board remanded, 2021 to 2026. Some rulings have no recorded exam classification, and small categories are not shown, so these rows need not total 100 percent.
- The VA exam or opinion was not adequate87.8%
- The exam was out of date or the condition had worsened7.9%
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 7206 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for GERD. The GERD condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to GERD appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 13,787 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on GERD, 2021 to 2026. The GERD condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe GERD appeals generally rather than DC 7206 specifically. The DC 7206 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7206?
Diagnostic code 7206 is the VA rating schedule entry for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, found in 38 CFR § 4.114. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 7206?
DC 7206 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7206 require?
The 80% rating for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease requires: Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of the symptoms present: (1) aspiration, (2) undernutrition, and/or (3) substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a) and treatment with either surgical correction or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 7206?
In 1,157 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 7206 from 2021 to 2026, 44.0% were granted, 44.0% denied and 12.0% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
Free help filing a claim
An accredited veterans service officer (VSO) can file your claim and represent you at no cost. Find a VSO office near you, with phone numbers and addresses in all 50 states and DC.