If you’re looking at how to receive a gastritis VA rating, you’ve found your place!
Gastritis is an uncomfortable, treatable condition found in veterans that could put VA disability benefits in your pocket.
This Ultimate Guide will break down:
- How the VA rates gastritis
- The Gastritis VA rating chart
- How to get a service connection for gastritis
- How to file a claim for gastritis and more!
Let’s get started!
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Gastritis in Veterans
Gastritis is a broad term for several conditions that cause inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to the following side effects:
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Belching
- A feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Fatigue
Common causes of gastritis in veterans include stress, Helicobacter pylori infection, alcohol or tobacco use, or use of pain relievers. As a note, the presence of blood in the stool or vomit typically occurs in severe cases of gastritis or when there’s a bleeding ulcer.
Unfortunately, when left untreated, gastritis puts you at a greater risk for stomach cancer, so it’s essential to address issues immediately.
If you believe your military service caused gastritis, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits.
VA Rating for Gastritis
The VA rates gastritis at 10%, 30%, and 60%, depending on the severity, frequency, and duration of your symptoms.
You can find the gastritis VA disability rating under 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code (DC) 7307, gastritis, hypertrophic (identified by gastroscope).
Gastritis VA Rating Chart
| Severity of Symptoms | Gastritis VA Rating |
| Chronic, with severe hemorrhages or large ulcerated or eroded areas | 60% |
| Chronic, with small nodular lesions and symptoms | 30% |
| Chronic; with small nodular lesions and symptoms | 10% |
Note: Atrophic gastritis, a complication of several diseases, including pernicious anemia, is rated by its underlying condition.
How to Get a Service Connection for a Gastritis
To receive a gastritis VA disability rating and compensation for gastritis, you must meet the following requirements:
- A current diagnosis
- An in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation
- A medical nexus (i.e., link) between the current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, or illness
You should file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifying the connection between your current health conditions and military service.
You generally use VA Form 21-526EZ for disability compensation claims, and it’s essential to include comprehensive details about symptoms, medical treatments, and the impact on your daily life.
5 Steps to Filing a VA Claim for Gastritis
You can file a VA claim for gastritis using the following five steps:
- Gather Documentation: Collect medical records showing current diagnosis, test results, service records, and other evidence, such as Medical Nexus Letter or Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) linking your gastritis to your military service.
- Complete VA Form 21-526EZ: Fill out this form to apply for disability compensation. Include details about your exposure, symptoms, and how it affects your daily life.
- Submit Your Claim: Send the completed form and supporting documents to the VA regional office handling your claim. You can submit it online through the VA website, by mail, or in person.
- Undergo Examinations: The VA might schedule you for medical examinations to evaluate the extent of your gastritis.
- Await the Decision: The VA will review your claim, considering the evidence provided.
The VA will notify you of their decision regarding your eligibility for a VA rating for gastritis, including benefits and compensation.
VA Disability Benefits for Gastritis
While gastritis is common in veterans, it doesn’t mean you don’t deserve eligible VA benefits.
Qualified veterans with gastritis and an appropriate VA rating may be entitled to:
- Health benefits
- Monthly compensation
- Medical care
- Education benefits
- Transportation services
- Prescription drugs
- Employment assistance
Remember, your degree of VA disability benefits and tax-free monthly compensation will depend on your VA rating.
Gastritis and TDIU
While the maximum rating for gastritis is 60%, you may be eligible for total disability based on individual employability (TDIU) if your condition prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
If you qualify for TDIU, you will receive a rate equivalent to a 100% disability rating.
Gastritis VA Rating Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the chronic gastritis VA rating?
The VA rates chronic gastritis at 10%, 30%, and 60%, depending on the severity, frequency, and duration of your symptoms. Your VA disability benefits will depend on your assigned rating.
Can I appeal a denied gastritis VA rating?
You can file an appeal if your VA claim is denied and you feel you deserve VA disability benefits for gastritis or didn’t receive the disability rating owed.
If the VA decision was dated on or after February 19, 2019, you have three options to continue your case:
- File a Supplemental Claim
- Request a Higher-Level Review
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Is gastritis a presumptive condition?
No, the VA doesn’t recognize gastritis as a presumptive condition.
How does the VA determine VA disability ratings for gastritis in veterans?
The VA determines disability ratings for gastritis by assessing the severity of the condition, including whether the veteran experiences severe hemorrhages or large ulcerated areas.
What medical evidence is required for a VA disability claim for gastritis?
To help get you the VA benefits you deserve for gastritis, you should provide the following:
- Medical records showing the current diagnosis
- Test results
- Buddy statements (optional)
- Nexus letter
- Independent medical opinions (IMOs)
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. At VA Claims Insider, we educate you on how to take control of the claims process so you may get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law. If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us!
Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you in building a fully developed claim (FDC)—so you may increase your rating FAST! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!
