---
title: "DC 7206 - Gastroesophageal reflux disease:"
diagnostic_code: "7206"
body_system: "Digestive System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.114"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/digestive/7206-gerd"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:50.599278Z"
---

# DC 7206 - Gastroesophageal reflux disease:

Rated under § 4.114. Body system: Digestive System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 80% | 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) |
| 50% | 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 |
| 30% | Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year |
| 10% | Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic |
| 0% | Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications |

## Notes

- Note (1): Findings must be documented by barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
- Note (2): Non-gastrointestinal complications of procedures should be rated under the appropriate system.
- Note (3): This diagnostic code applies, but is not limited to, esophagitis, mechanical or chemical; Mallory Weiss syndrome (bleeding at junction of esophagus and stomach due to tears) due to caustic ingestion of alkali or acid; drug-induced or infectious esophagitis due to Candida, virus, or other organism; idiopathic eosinophilic, or lymphocytic esophagitis; esophagitis due to radiation therapy; esophagitis due to peptic stricture; and any esophageal condition that requires treatment with sclerotherapy.
- Note (4): Recurrent esophageal stricture is defined as the inability to maintain target esophageal diameter beyond 4 weeks after the target diameter has been achieved.
- Note (5): Refractory esophageal stricture is defined as the inability to achieve target esophageal diameter despite receiving no fewer than 5 dilatation sessions performed at 2-week intervals.

# Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) — VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 7206)

*Digestive System · 38 CFR § 4.114*

## Understanding the Condition

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 7206. This code covers a range of esophageal conditions and their complications, including:

- Esophagitis (mechanical or chemical)
- Mallory-Weiss syndrome (bleeding at the junction of the esophagus and stomach caused by tears) due to caustic ingestion of alkali or acid
- Drug-induced or infectious esophagitis (from Candida, a virus, or other organism)
- Idiopathic eosinophilic or lymphocytic esophagitis
- Esophagitis due to radiation therapy
- Esophagitis due to peptic stricture
- Any esophageal condition that requires treatment with sclerotherapy

This diagnostic code applies to these conditions but is not limited to them.

A central concept in this rating is **esophageal stricture** — a narrowing of the esophagus that can cause **dysphagia** (difficulty swallowing). The VA recognizes two specific types:

- **Recurrent esophageal stricture:** the inability to maintain the target esophageal diameter beyond 4 weeks after that diameter has been achieved.
- **Refractory esophageal stricture:** the inability to achieve the target esophageal diameter despite receiving no fewer than 5 dilatation sessions performed at 2-week intervals.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of the following disability ratings based on documented history, symptoms, and required treatment:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **80%** | Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of these 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 the stricture(s) or a percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube). |
| **50%** | Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia that 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. |
| **30%** | Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia that requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year. |
| **10%** | Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia, otherwise asymptomatic. |
| **0%** | Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications. |

## What the VA Looks For

- **Objective documentation of findings.** Under Note (1), findings must be documented by **barium swallow, computerized tomography (CT), or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)**.
- **The type and frequency of treatment**, such as dilatation sessions, use of steroids during dilatation, stent placement, surgical correction, or a PEG tube.
- **Whether dysphagia is present** and how it is managed — including whether daily medications are required.
- **Associated symptoms** at the higher rating levels, specifically aspiration, undernutrition, and/or substantial weight loss as defined by § 4.112(a).
- **Whether a stricture is recurrent or refractory**, as defined in Notes (4) and (5).

**Please note:** Under Note (2), non-gastrointestinal complications of procedures are rated under the appropriate body system rather than under this code.

*This information summarizes the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7206 under 38 CFR § 4.114. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114