Diagnostic code
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 medication |
| 10% | Documented history of esophageal stricture requiring daily medications to control dysphagia, otherwise asymptomatic What raters look forstricture; daily medication; dysphagia |
| 30% | Recurrent esophageal stricture causing dysphagia requiring dilatation no more than 2 times per year What raters look forrecurrent stricture; dysphagia; dilatation up to 2 times/year |
| 50% | Recurrent or refractory stricture causing dysphagia requiring 3+ dilatations per year, steroid dilatation, or stent placement What raters look forrefractory stricture; 3+ dilatations/year; stent; steroid dilatation |
| 80% | Recurrent or refractory stricture causing dysphagia with aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss requiring surgical correction or PEG tube What raters look foraspiration; undernutrition; substantial weight loss; surgery; PEG tube |
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 2,248 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with GERD as the primary issue. The GERD condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe GERD appeals generally rather than DC 7206 specifically. 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: Recurrent or refractory stricture causing dysphagia with aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss requiring surgical correction or PEG tube.