GERD Nexus Letters
What is GERD? (GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is typically a chronic digestive disorder that causes stomach acid or acidic stomach contents to come back up into the esophagus. This is known as acid reflux. The reflux occurs as a result of a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a circular tube of muscle located between the esophagus and stomach. When you swallow, the LES relaxes and makes an opening so food and liquid can enter the stomach. Once the contents are in the stomach, the LES contracts and the opening closes. When the LES fails to close all the way, stomach acid and content can creep back up into the esophagus.
Classic symptoms of GERD include:
- A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn/pyrosis), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down;
- Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid;
- Upper abdominal or chest pain;
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia);
- Sensation of a lump in your throat (globus sensation).
VA Ratings for GERD
In addition to submitting a nexus letter, keeping a log of your GERD symptoms is also useful to demonstrate your level of impairment caused by GERD.
Claiming GERD as a Secondary Condition
Several medications that are prescribed to treat chronic pain conditions can cause or aggravate GERD. GERD can also develop secondary to diabetes, obesity, connective tissue disorders. Several medical conditions can also aggravate the course of GERD including mental health conditions and substance use disorder (i.e. alcohol use disorder).