Many veterans develop additional health issues that are linked to their GERD, which may qualify for additional compensation. Veterans should work closely with their healthcare providers to document these secondary conditions and ensure that all relevant medical evidence is submitted with their claim. Here’s what you may be eligible to claim.
VA Secondary Conditions to GERD
- Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus caused by chronic acid reflux.
- Barrett’s Esophagus: A condition where the esophageal lining changes due to long-term acid exposure, potentially leading to cancer. Read more below.
- Asthma: GERD can exacerbate respiratory issues by irritating the airways.
- Dental Erosion: Stomach acid can damage tooth enamel, causing decay and sensitivity.
- Laryngitis: Repeated acid exposure may cause inflammation of the voice box.
- Sleep Disorders: Nighttime acid reflux can disrupt sleep, leading to insomnia or other sleep-related issues.
VA Disability Rating for GERD with Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus, a potential complication of GERD, occurs when the lining of the esophagus changes due to chronic acid exposure. Veterans with Barrett’s esophagus may qualify for higher VA ratings due to the risk of cancer and the severe impact on health.
To establish a rating for GERD with Barrett’s esophagus, veterans must provide medical documentation of their diagnosis and treatment. Barrett’s esophagus may qualify veterans for up to 80% disability, depending on the severity of symptoms.
Winning a VA Disability Claim for GERD with Hiatal Hernia and Barrett’s Esophagus
In this case, a veteran who served from August 1983 to August 2003 filed a claim for disability benefits for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia and Barrett’s esophagus. Initially, the veteran received a 0% rating in 2003. After further appeals, the rating was increased to 10% and later to 30% as of June 2005, but the veteran believed their symptoms warranted a higher rating throughout the appeal period.
The Board ultimately decided to assign a 30% rating retroactively from September 1, 2003, finding that the veteran’s symptoms, including stomach pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation, were present consistently and deserved a higher rating earlier than previously awarded.
Key Factors That Contributed to Winning the Claim
- The veteran experienced consistent gastrointestinal symptoms like dysphagia, heartburn, and epigastric pain, documented in multiple medical records, supporting a higher rating.
- A June 2005 VA fee-basis examination confirmed that the veteran had suffered from Barrett’s esophagus and GERD for 10 years, with symptoms of reflux and stomach pain, justifying the increased rating.
- The Board considered the veteran’s entire medical history and evidence from both VA and private medical examinations, establishing that the symptoms were present and impairing the veteran’s health from the beginning of the appeal period.
- The absence of more severe symptoms like material weight loss, vomiting, or anemia prevented a higher rating but did not negate the need for a 30% rating based on the documented symptoms.
The Board concluded that the evidence supported a 30% VA rating from the initial claim date of September 1, 2003, leading to a successful outcome for the veteran.
Content Reviewed by
Cassandra, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.
