Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia (DC 7346) | VA Rating Tool
| Diagnostic Code | 7346 |
|---|---|
| Category | The Digestive System |
| Subcategory | The Digestive System |
| Also Known As | acid reflux, gerd, heartburn, Hiatal and parasophageal, hiatal hernia, reflux, esophagus, stomach acid, indigestion |
| CFR Section | 4.110-4.114 |
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
GERD is most commonly rated at 10% (two or more symptoms of less severity). The 30% rating requires persistently recurrent epigastric distress with substernal, arm, or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health.
Next Steps for This Condition
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 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 |
Conditions Secondary to This
5 linksChronic acid reflux damages the esophageal lining, which can lead to Barrett's esophagus.
Acid reflux can trigger or worsen asthma and other respiratory symptoms.
Repeated acid damage can cause scarring and narrowing of the esophagus.
Chronic GI distress and dietary limitations commonly contribute to depression.
GERD and sleep apnea have a bidirectional relationship, and nighttime reflux can worsen breathing problems.
This May Be Secondary To
11 linksAsthma medications (corticosteroids) worsen acid reflux, and reflux triggers asthma
Bulimia nervosa causes GERD and esophageal damage through repeated purging with stomach acid.
Anxiety increases stomach acid production and worsens reflux
PTSD disrupts the autonomic nervous system, increasing stomach acid production. Stress is a well-documented trigger for GERD.
Post-cholecystectomy syndrome commonly causes bile reflux and GERD symptoms.
Chronic stress and adjustment disorder increase stomach acid production, worsening or causing GERD.
NSAID use for endometriosis pain management commonly causes or worsens GERD and acid reflux over time.
GI conditions often co-occur — shared inflammatory mechanisms
Depression medications and stress worsen acid reflux
Migraine medications such as NSAIDs can cause or worsen GERD.
Sleep apnea increases intra-abdominal pressure, worsening acid reflux.
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.