🎧 Episode Summary

In this episode, Leah Bucholz breaks down how gastritis — inflammation of the stomach lining — is evaluated for VA disability benefits.

Many Veterans experience chronic stomach pain, nausea, or digestive issues linked to service-related stress, medications, or other conditions. Leah explains how to build a strong service connection, understand the updated VA rating schedule for gastritis, and use medical evidence and research to support your claim.

Whether you’re filing a new claim or appealing a denial, this episode will help you better understand what the VA looks for and how to strengthen your case.
🩺 Key Topics Covered

[00:00] — Welcome & Introduction
Leah introduces Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting and the focus of today’s episode: helping Veterans understand gastritis and how it relates to VA disability benefits.

[01:00] — What Is Gastritis?
An overview of gastritis, common symptoms, and how it can develop from stress, NSAID use, or alcohol exposure during service.

[02:15] — Updated VA Disability Ratings for Gastritis
Leah explains the revised rating criteria under Diagnostic Code 7307, including:

• 100% rating for post-surgical recovery from perforation or hemorrhage
• 60% for severe symptoms with anemia and hospitalization
• 40% for recurring episodes lasting several days
• 20% for less frequent episodes
• 0% for documented history without current symptoms

[04:00] — Service Connection Pathways
Discussion of the three main types of service connection for gastritis claims:

1. Direct service connection (onset during active duty)
2. Secondary connection (caused by PTSD, GERD, or medications)
3. Aggravation of a pre-existing stomach condition

[06:00] — What the Medical Literature Says
Leah reviews peer-reviewed research showing how chronic stress, NSAID use, alcohol, and Helicobacter pylori infection contribute to gastritis — and how these risk factors commonly appear in Veterans.

[08:00] — Working with Accredited Legal Professionals
Tips on finding VA-accredited attorneys, agents, or Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) to assist with claims.
How to use the VA’s accreditation database and connect with reputable organizations like DAV, VFW, and The American Legion.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Gastritis can be service-connected directly, secondarily, or through aggravation.
• The VA’s updated rating system emphasizes episode frequency, duration, and medical treatment.
• Medical literature supports links between stress, medications, and stomach inflammation in Veterans.
• Working with accredited professionals and medical experts can strengthen your claim and improve outcomes.

🧭 Resources Mentioned

• VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities — Digestive System (38 CFR §4.114)
• VA Accreditation Search Tool: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/

• Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting: https://prestigeveteranmctx.com/
• World Journal of Gastroenterology (2014) — Research on stress and gastritis
• American Journal of Gastroenterology (2010) — NSAID-induced gastric injury