GERD Evaluation & Nexus Letter
Get an independent medical evaluation and expert nexus letter connecting your gastroesophageal reflux disease to your military service or service-connected conditions.
GERD & VA Disability Claims
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition commonly found among veterans, often developing secondary to PTSD, anxiety disorders, and medications prescribed for other service-connected conditions. The chronic stress response associated with PTSD directly affects gastric acid production and lower esophageal sphincter function, creating conditions that promote acid reflux.
Many veterans develop GERD as a direct result of long-term NSAID use for service-connected musculoskeletal pain, or from medications prescribed for mental health conditions. Additionally, the physiological effects of chronic stress — including elevated cortisol levels and disrupted autonomic nervous system function — contribute to gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Proper evaluation and documentation of GERD severity, treatment history, and its relationship to service-connected conditions are critical for establishing a secondary service connection. Our providers understand the specific VA rating criteria for GERD and ensure thorough documentation of symptoms including substernal pain, regurgitation, dysphagia, and their impact on your health and weight.
Commonly Secondary To
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Anxiety Disorders
- Medications (NSAIDs, Psychiatric Medications)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Chronic Stress from Service-Connected Conditions
VA Rating Scale
GI & Service-Connection Documentation
Documented GERD Diagnosis or Symptoms
Treatment records, prescription history for PPIs (omeprazole, pantoprazole) or H2 blockers, or documented complaints of chronic heartburn, regurgitation, or epigastric pain. An endoscopy report is ideal but not required if symptoms are well-documented and treated.
Service Treatment Records or Post-Service Onset Documentation
Evidence that GERD symptoms began during service or are connected to a service-connected condition. For secondary claims, the timeline matters less than the documented relationship to the primary condition.
Records of the Service-Connected Primary Condition
For secondary claims, documentation of the underlying service-connected condition — most commonly PTSD, anxiety, or chronic pain conditions requiring NSAID use. The strength of the secondary claim depends on establishing this primary connection.
Functional Impact Evidence
Documentation of how GERD affects your daily life — sleep disruption from nighttime reflux, dietary restrictions, missed work, or symptoms despite medication. Under the revised DC 7206, esophageal stricture documentation (barium swallow, CT, or endoscopy) is required for ratings above 10%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Included in Your GERD Evaluation
Medical Evaluation
Comprehensive telehealth evaluation reviewing your GERD symptoms, treatment history, medication side effects, and connection to service-connected conditions.
Expert Nexus Letter
A detailed medical opinion establishing the relationship between your GERD and your service-connected conditions or military service, with supporting medical rationale.
Disability Benefits Questionnaire
A completed esophageal conditions DBQ documenting your diagnosis, symptom severity, treatment history, and functional impact — ready for VA submission.
Three Simple Steps
Free Screening
Brief intake form so we can match you with the right provider.
Medical Evaluation
Telehealth visit with a board-certified provider licensed in your state.
Receive Documents
Evaluation report, Nexus letter, and DBQ delivered within 7 days.
Flat Fee Pricing
Veterans Keep 100% of Their Benefits — We Never Take a Percentage. One-time flat fee with no hidden costs.
Ask about pricing. We offer discounts and work with your budget.
Evaluation + DBQ
Medical records review and a completed Disability Benefits Questionnaire.
- Telehealth evaluation with licensed provider
- Medical records review
- Completed DBQ formatted for VA submission
Evaluation + DBQ + Nexus Letter
Medical records review, completed DBQ, plus a nexus letter connecting the condition to military service.
- Everything in the DBQ Service
- Expert nexus letter establishing service connection
- Detailed medical rationale using VA-standard language
Evaluation + Diagnostic Evaluation + DBQ + Nexus Letter
Medical records review, diagnostic evaluation for conditions not yet formally diagnosed, completed DBQ, and nexus letter.
*For veterans who do not yet have a formal diagnosis for this condition
- Everything in the Nexus Letter Service
- Diagnostic evaluation for veterans without a formal diagnosis
- Findings documented in nexus letter and DBQ
Ready to Get Started?
Important:
AIDE is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Department of Veterans Affairs. We are an independent, veteran-owned medical evaluation service. Free claims assistance is available through accredited Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). Our evaluations do not guarantee a specific VA rating or claim outcome. See our full Disclosures for more information.