Public rules

GERD — public rules, in plain words

See that the GERD rule is about documented esophageal stricture and trouble swallowing, not a count of heartburn days.

This page shows VA’s public rules for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) under diagnostic code 7206 (38 CFR 4.114). The lines are about a documented history of esophageal stricture (a narrowing of the esophagus) that causes dysphagia (trouble swallowing). They are not a count of heartburn days. It is education and organizing only. It is not your rating. We do not say you have GERD. You review the words and you submit. We do not file.

Last reviewed 2026-10-16.

The five lines below match 38 CFR 4.114, diagnostic code 7206, on eCFR. Current text checked October 16, 2026. Notes (4) and (5) define recurrent and refractory stricture. Not medical advice.

What we help you do

We help you review your documents against the published rating criteria. Rating criteria are the public rules VA published. This is education and organizing. It is not a promise of a rating. We do not decide the claim.

Official sources

Why the papers have to say it

A VA exam is a short visit. Write how often something happens, how long it lasts, and how it stops normal life, only if that is true. If those facts are not in the papers you send, the exam may not have them. We do not write them for you.

Published levels (38 CFR 4.114, DC 7206)

CFR means the Code of Federal Regulations. DC means diagnostic code. Those are public rule numbers.

Published: 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 of esophageal stricture(s) or percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube) — 80% in the rule book.

The 80 percent line needs a documented recurrent or refractory stricture causing trouble swallowing, at least one of aspiration, undernutrition, or substantial weight loss, and treatment by surgery or a PEG tube. Note (1) says findings must be documented by barium swallow, CT, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (a scope test). This page does not say you meet the line.

Published: 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 — 50% in the rule book.

The 50 percent line is a documented recurrent or refractory stricture that needs dilatation 3 or more times a year, dilatation with steroids at least once a year, or an esophageal stent. Note (5) defines refractory stricture as the inability to reach the target diameter despite no fewer than 5 dilatation sessions at 2-week intervals.

Published: Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year — 30% in the rule book.

The 30 percent line is recurrent stricture causing trouble swallowing, with dilatation no more than 2 times a year. Note (4) defines recurrent stricture as the inability to keep the target diameter beyond 4 weeks after it was achieved.

Published: Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic — 10% in the rule book.

A documented stricture that needs daily medicine to control trouble swallowing, and is otherwise asymptomatic (no symptoms).

Published: Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications — 0% in the rule book.

A documented history without daily symptoms and without a need for daily medicine. A 0 is a published level. It is not a decision about you.

38 CFR 4.114, Schedule of ratings—digestive system

What the rule is about — only what you actually have

A barium swallow, CT, or scope report you already have. Note (1) says findings must be documented by one of those. We do not order a test.
Records of dilatation, a stent, surgery, or a PEG tube, only if those records exist.
Medicine lists that show daily medicine for trouble swallowing, only if that is what the list says.
A statement in your own words. We do not write it. Heartburn days are not the rating lines.

Other conditions

Note (2) says non-gastrointestinal complications of procedures should be rated under the appropriate system. That is a published instruction. It is not advice to claim another condition. Note (3) lists examples this code can cover, including some kinds of esophagitis. The list does not add a rating and does not say you have those conditions.

Questions if a statement leaves these out

Questions only. They do not make up a fact. They do not write the statement.

Do you already have a barium swallow, CT, or scope report that documents a stricture? List only reports you have.
Do the records say how many times dilatation was done, or whether a stent was placed? Only if that is written down.
Do your records show daily medicine used to control trouble swallowing? Only if that is what they say.
Do the records describe trouble swallowing, aspiration, undernutrition, or weight loss? Copy only what is already there.

Check your own statement against this rule

The statement review lines your own words up with the published words on this page and shows which of those words your statement speaks to and which are not mentioned yet. It asks questions. It does not add a symptom, a test result, or a date.

Common questions

Do the GERD rating lines count heartburn days?

No. Diagnostic code 7206 is a documented history of esophageal stricture causing dysphagia (trouble swallowing). Dilatation, a stent, surgery, a PEG tube, and daily medicine are on the lines as the rule writes them.

What do recurrent and refractory mean in this rule?

Note (4) says recurrent stricture means the target diameter cannot be kept beyond 4 weeks after it was achieved. Note (5) says refractory stricture means the target diameter cannot be achieved despite no fewer than 5 dilatation sessions at 2-week intervals.

Is this page medical advice?

No. This page shows VA's published rule in plain words. It is education and organizing only. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not a rating. You review the words. You, or a free accredited representative, submit to VA.

Forms you can open

There is no GERD-only form on VA’s additional-forms page. The disability application is VA Form 21-526EZ. You fill it out and send it. We do not send it.

Application for disability benefits

VA Form 21-526EZ. Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits.

There is no separate form for this condition. This is the disability application. You fill it out and send it to VA. We do not send it.

You fill this out and send it to VA. We do not fill it in with your records. We do not send it. We do not make a packet that is ready to file.

Signed in? The forms list only helps you keep track. It does not fill a form. It does not send it.