The VA’s New Changes to GERD Ratings
Understanding the VA's New Changes to GERD Ratings: What Veterans Need to Know
On May 19, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented significant changes to the way it rates Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This update aims to provide a more precise evaluation of the condition's severity and its impact on veterans' daily lives. GERD, a chronic digestive disorder, often manifests with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, difficulty breathing, coughing, painful swallowing, chest pain, and abdominal aches. These symptoms can be exacerbated by mental health issues, injuries, or the overuse of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Here, we break down the new rating criteria and what it means.
GERD Symptoms and Secondary Conditions
GERD can develop directly due to the overuse NSAIDs, dietary habits during military service, or as a secondary condition related to mental health issues or injuries. Recognizing these contributing factors is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
New VA Rating Criteria for GERD
The updated VA rating system for GERD now focuses on the presence and severity of esophageal strictures, which are abnormal narrowing of the esophagus. Here’s a detailed look at the new criteria:
0% Rating
Criteria: You have a documented history of GERD but do not experience daily symptoms or require daily medication.
Implications: This rating indicates a minimal impact on daily life and reflects the difficulty in securing a higher rating for GERD. If you suffer from GERD, but have never been told that you have a stricture, this is the rating you will most likely receive.
10% Rating
Criteria: You have a documented history of esophageal strictures and require daily medications to control dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) but are otherwise asymptomatic.
Implications: This rating is for veterans who need medication to manage swallowing difficulties but do not experience other significant symptoms.
30% Rating
Criteria: You have a documented history of esophageal strictures with dysphagia requiring dilation no more than two times per year.
Implications: Veterans who need occasional medical procedures to manage their esophageal strictures can qualify for this rating.
50% Rating
Criteria: You have a documented history of esophageal strictures with dysphagia requiring one of the following:
Dilation three or more times per year.
Dilation using steroids at least once per year.
Esophageal stent placement.
Implications: This rating reflects a more severe condition requiring frequent medical interventions or the use of specialized treatments.
80% Rating
Criteria: You have a documented history of esophageal strictures with dysphagia requiring at least one of the following symptoms:
Aspiration.
Undernutrition.
Substantial weight loss.
Treatment with either surgical correction or the placement of a PEG tube (a feeding tube placed into the stomach through the abdomen).
Implications: This is the highest rating for GERD, reserved for veterans with severe complications that significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Navigating the VA Rating System
Understanding this new rating criteria is crucial for veterans seeking compensation for GERD. Here are a few steps to help navigate the system:
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including their frequency and severity. Ensure that all medical treatments and interventions are documented.
Seek Medical Evaluation: Regular consultations with healthcare providers are essential. Obtain thorough medical evaluations and documentation to support your claim.
File a Comprehensive Claim: When filing your VA disability claim, include all relevant medical records, treatment histories, and any evidence linking your GERD to your military service or secondary conditions.
The VA's new rating criteria for GERD introduced on May 19, 2024, provides a more structured approach to evaluating this chronic condition. By understanding these changes and preparing thorough documentation, veterans can better navigate the claims process and secure the compensation they deserve. If you need assistance with your claim, please reach out to us. At ForTheVeteran, we're here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve.