Heart Burn
Heart Burn is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 7206 in the Digestive System category. Maximum rating: 80%.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 80% | Recurrent/refractory esophageal stricture causing dysphagia with aspiration, undernutrition, or weight loss >20% baseline, requiring surgery or PEG tube |
| 50% | Stricture causing dysphagia requiring dilatation 3+ times/year, or steroid dilatation 1+/year, or esophageal stent |
| 30% | Recurrent esophageal stricture requiring dilatation no more than 2 times per year |
| 10% | Esophageal stricture requiring daily medications to control dysphagia; otherwise asymptomatic |
| 0% | Documented history without daily symptoms or medication requirement |
Important Notes
NEW criteria effective May 19, 2024. Focus shifted to objectively verifiable strictures and dysphagia. More restrictive than old hiatal hernia analogy ratings.
Filing Tips
Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.
Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.
Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.
Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.
Review the rating criteria for DC 7206 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.