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VA rating guide · Digestive

GERD & IBS VA Rating: The 2024 Criteria

The VA rewrote its digestive system ratings in 2024. GERD is now rated mainly on esophageal stricture, and IBS on how often you have pain tied to bowel symptoms. Here’s what the current rules require.

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Current 2024 criteria
What changed for GERD
IBS frequency rules
Gulf War presumptive

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What changed

The 2024 Digestive Rating Update

In May 2024, the VA replaced its digestive system rating criteria. The biggest change for many veterans: GERD is now rated based on esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus), not general heartburn and reflux symptoms. Under the new rules, GERD controlled with daily medication and no documented stricture generally rates 0%.

If you were already rated under the old criteria, the change in rules alone doesn’t reduce your existing rating. But new claims and increases are decided under the current criteria below.

38 CFR 4.114 · DC 7206

GERD Rating Criteria

2026 pay shown for a veteran with no dependents.

From 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7206 (current as of October 2026). Findings must be documented by barium swallow, CT, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
Rating	VA criteria	2026 pay (alone)
80%	Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia with at least one of: aspiration, undernutrition, and/or substantial weight loss, and treatment with either surgical correction of esophageal stricture(s) or a PEG tube.	$2,102.15
50%	Documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires at least one of: dilatation 3 or more times per year, dilatation using steroids at least once per year, or esophageal stent placement.	$1,132.90
30%	Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year.	$552.47
10%	Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia, otherwise asymptomatic.	$180.42
0%	Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications.	$0.00

38 CFR 4.114 · DC 7319

IBS Rating Criteria

IBS is rated on how often you have abdominal pain related to bowel movements, plus at least two other symptoms.

From 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7319 (current as of October 2026). This code may also cover functional digestive disorders such as dyspepsia, functional bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
Rating	VA criteria	2026 pay (alone)
30%	Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension.	$552.47
20%	Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension.	$356.66
10%	Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension.	$180.42

Service connection

Gulf War Presumptive & Secondary Paths

IBS and functional GI disorders for Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans

Functional gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS, are presumptive conditions for veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, and in certain other countries since 2001, under the VA’s Gulf War illness rules (38 CFR 3.317). You don’t need to prove what caused it.

Secondary connections

GERD secondary to medications, such as long-term anti-inflammatory (NSAID) use for a service-connected joint or back condition
GERD or IBS secondary to PTSD, anxiety or depression
GERD secondary to sleep apnea or other service-connected conditions, with a supporting medical opinion

Track your symptoms

IBS ratings depend on how many days a month you have symptoms over the previous three months. A simple symptom log makes those numbers easy to document.

FAQ

GERD & IBS VA Rating: Common Questions

Why is my GERD only rated 0%?

Under the criteria in effect since May 2024, GERD is rated mainly on documented esophageal stricture. GERD without stricture, or controlled with medication, generally rates 0% unless other complications are documented.

Will the 2024 changes lower my existing GERD rating?

A change in the rating criteria by itself doesn’t reduce an existing rating. New claims and claims for increase are decided under the current criteria.

Is IBS a presumptive condition?

Yes, for many veterans. Functional gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS, are presumptive under the Gulf War illness rules for veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations and in certain other countries since 2001.

How do I prove how often IBS symptoms happen?

Keep a daily symptom log for at least three months showing days with abdominal pain related to bowel movements and the other symptoms you have. Share it with your doctor so it’s reflected in your records.

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