If you have GERD, you probably already deal with the persistent acid reflux, burning chest pain, and nausea that comes along with it. As a result, you may even develop Barrett’s esophagus, which can worsen those symptoms and lead to additional discomfort. If you’re a veteran with Barrett’s esophagus, you’ll want to understand the Barrett’s esophagus VA rating and whether you qualify for disability benefits.
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In this article about the Barrett’s esophagus VA rating:
What is Barrett’s esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that develops when the lining of the esophagus heals abnormally, altering its cellular structure. The most common cause of Barrett’s esophagus is gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Barrett’s esophagus does not cause symptoms, but it can be associated with worsening symptoms of GERD. Some of these symptoms include heartburn, indigestion, blood in vomit or stool, or difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, Barrett’s esophagus can lead to esophageal cancer.
Barrett’s esophagus VA rating
The VA rates Barrett’s esophagus using either diagnostic code 7207 for Barrett’s esophagus or diagnostic code (DC) 7203 for stricture of the esophagus, depending on whether the condition causes esophageal stricture. Esophageal stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the esophagus that makes it difficult to swallow.
If there is not esophageal stricture, the Barrett’s esophagus VA rating is as follows:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| Documented by pathologic diagnosis with high-grade dysplasia without esophageal stricture | 30% | $537.42 |
| Documented by pathologic diagnosis with low-grade dysplasia without esophageal stricture | 10% | $175.51 |
If a veteran experiences esophageal stricture, the VA will rate Barrett’s esophagus using DC 7203 as follows:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 80% | $2,044.89 |
| 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 | 50% | $1,102.04 |
| Documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia which requires dilatation no more than 2 times per year | 30% | $537.42 |
| Documented history of esophageal stricture(s) that requires daily medications to control dysphagia otherwise asymptomatic | 10% | $175.51 |
| Documented history without daily symptoms or requirement for daily medications | 0% | [varating0] |
VA disability rating for GERD with Barrett’s esophagus
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic digestive condition in which stomach acid flows back up through the esophagus, damaging the esophageal lining. Over time, damage to the esophagus caused by GERD can result in Barrett’s esophagus. This damage causes thickening and reddening of the esophageal lining.
About 5-15% of people with GERD also develop Barrett’s esophagus, so veterans with a VA disability rating for GERD who develop Barrett’s esophagus may be eligible to receive a Barrett’s esophagus VA disability rating as a secondary condition. In this case, the veteran would need to provide a medical nexus, or a professional medical opinion linking the two conditions.
Because Barrett’s esophagus is so commonly caused by GERD, veterans who have already established a service connection for GERD should, in theory, be able to easily make a case for Barrett’s esophagus as a secondary service-connected condition.
Barrett’s esophagus and Agent Orange
Exposure to Agent Orange – an herbicide used widely by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to remove leaves from trees and plants – is directly linked to the development of many different health conditions. The VA has a list of diseases that are presumptively related to herbicide exposure, which means to be eligible for disability benefits you only need to demonstrate you served in a specific location during a specific period of time and were diagnosed with one of those conditions.
Although some studies have found a correlation between Agent Orange exposure and esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of esophageal cancer, neither this nor Barrett’s esophagus are currently recognized by the VA as presumptive conditions of exposure to the herbicide.
However, this doesn’t mean veterans with these conditions can’t receive a service connection for disability benefits. It just means they will need to prove service connection by providing a medical nexus linking an in-service event to their diagnosis. Additional documents such as discharge papers, medical records, and lay statements can also help build your case.
TDIU for Barrett’s esophagus
Veterans with severe Barrett’s esophagus may find the symptoms make it difficult for them to maintain a full-time job. For example, severe cases of Barrett’s esophagus with esophageal stricture can make it difficult to swallow food, which may result in rapid weight loss and thus cause a myriad of other problems such as fatigue, weakness, and poor concentration. Veterans who find themselves in a situation like this may be eligible to receive TDIU.
A veteran can be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) benefits if they can’t maintain “substantially gainful employment” due to their service-connected conditions.
TDIU pays at the same level as a 100% disability rating, even when the veteran’s combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Veterans with Barrett’s esophagus without esophageal stricture may be assigned a Barrett’s esophagus VA disability rating of 10% or 30%. Veterans with the condition who experience esophageal stricture, however, may be rated at 30%, 50%, or 80%, depending on its severity.
Unfortunately, there is no evidence that Agent Orange exposure causes Barrett’s esophagus, but veterans with the condition may still be able to receive VA disability benefits for the condition if they are able to prove service connection.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
