Can GERD be service connected?
Getting Service Connection for GERD Most veterans will be service-connected for their GERD on a direct basis. Direct service connection requires three elements: A current diagnosis. An in-service event, injury, or symptom.
Can you claim GERD on VA disability?
There is no specific VA rating for acid reflux or GERD. It is commonly rated under “Diagnostic Code 7346, Hernia, Hiatal” under § 4.114 Schedule of ratings – digestive system. A hiatal hernia is a common cause of GERD.
How Much Does VA disability pay for GERD?
VA Ratings for GERD Disability ratings for GERD can range from 10% to 60%. To receive a 60% rating, the condition must cause weight loss, vomiting, pain, and blood in the vomit or blood in the stool with moderate anemia or produce a combination of symptoms that cause a severe impairment of health.
What disabilities are secondary to GERD?
GERD may also occur due to another existing condition, such as a hernia, migraines, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). GERD is also linked to mental health conditions that are common among veterans, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
How do you prove GERD?
Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) down your throat, to examine the inside of your esophagus and stomach. Test results can often be normal when reflux is present, but an endoscopy may detect inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) or other complications.
How Much Does VA pay for anxiety?
When it comes to mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder, the likelihood of receiving at least a 30% rating is high. Again, you just have to prove that the condition is service-related. Those who deal with minor social and occupational impairment because of their anxiety receive a 30% VA rating.
What causes GERD or acid reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time, allowing stomach acid to back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other signs and symptoms. Frequent or constant reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Is sleep apnea secondary to GERD?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Studies show that there is a link between sleep apnea and GERD. This connection is bidirectional, meaning, while GERD can induce and worsen the effect of sleep apnea, sleep apnea can also induce and worsen the effect of GERD.
What is the VA rating for insomnia?
Insomnia can be rated anywhere on the VA disability rating scale — from 0–100% — which means Veterans could receive up to $3,221.85 from the VA for their insomnia. A 0% disability rating for insomnia is not enough to qualify a Veteran for benefits.
How can I prove my VA disability for anxiety?
The VA’s requirements for anxiety claims You must have a formal diagnosis of your condition and link the disability to your active duty service. You must also present any medical records and lay evidence that shows the severity of your anxiety.
Can a GERD be considered a service connected condition?
For example, the VA’s regulations on presumptive Persian Gulf War conditions (conditions which are automatically considered service-connected if you meet the qualifying criteria) include gastrointestinal disorders. However, there is a caveat to this and VA Ratings for GERD.
Why is Gerd considered a secondary disability claim?
In addition, GERD is a common secondary VA disability claim, especially GERD secondary to PTSD due to the side effects of medication taken to manage mental health symptoms. A veteran’s final VA rating for GERD depends upon the frequency and severity of their symptoms, meaning, the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating for GERD.
Can you get VA disability benefits if you have Gerd?
While the VA ratings for GERD may not mimic that of other conditions, that doesn’t mean you can’t obtain veterans benefits for your medical condition. The veterans disability law firm Hill & Ponton is available to help former service members obtain disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Are there different ways to receive Gerd benefits?
There are different ways to receive benefits for GERD including through direct service connection as well as Secondary service connection. GERD is one of those interesting and rather inexplicable exceptions to the VA rules.