GERD is more than occasional heartburn.
A physician-written medical opinion explaining how GERD may be secondary to PTSD, anxiety, depression, or the medications used to treat them.
What Is GERD
A condition that can drive sleep, mood, and quality-of-life problems
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is chronic acid reflux that can cause heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, cough, disturbed sleep, and dental erosion. For veterans, GERD often does not stand alone — it interacts with mental health conditions and the medications used to treat them.
GERD secondary to PTSD
Chronic stress and hyperarousal alter autonomic tone, lower esophageal sphincter function, and eating patterns — all of which can cause or worsen reflux. Peer-reviewed literature supports the link between PTSD, anxiety, and functional GI disorders including GERD.
GERD secondary to medications
SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, opioids, and other commonly prescribed medications for veterans can reduce esophageal motility or lower sphincter tone, contributing to reflux.
When A Nexus Letter Helps
What a GERD nexus letter should address
- The current GERD diagnosis and its documented severity
- The pathway — causation, aggravation, or medication-induced
- The specific service-connected condition being pointed to
- Timeline of symptoms in relation to the primary condition
- Peer-reviewed medical reasoning applied to the veteran's records
GERD & IBS
Can veterans receive separate ratings for GERD and IBS?
Yes — when the medical evidence supports two distinct diagnoses with independent symptom profiles. GERD and IBS are frequently conflated but often warrant separate analysis. Read about IBS nexus letters →
Considering a GERD secondary claim?
An independent, evidence-based opinion after a real review of your records.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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