LOADING
Chronic NSAID Use is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6299 of 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection) across 3 severity tiers (40%+ -- Severe limitation or ankylosis / 20% -- Moderate limitation / 10% -- Mild limitation or painful motion). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to GERD or Peptic Ulcer Disease under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam, celecoxib, diclofenac) prescribed to treat service-connected musculoskeletal or other painful conditions. Documented side effects — peptic ulcer disease (DC 7304 consolidation per § 4.114), gastritis (rate as DC 7304), GERD (DC 7203 per § 4.114 amendment), chronic kidney disease, NSAID-induced hypertension, and increased cardiovascular events — are eligible for secondary service connection under 38 CFR § 3.310 when the underlying pain condition is service-connected.
Chronic NSAID Use (DC 6299) is evaluated under 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection) using the applicable body-system rating framework. Because it is rated by analogy to the general schedule, the 3 levels below describe the body-system criteria the VA applies — the percentage assigned to Chronic NSAID Use depends on the specific findings (range of motion, frequency, severity, or functional loss) documented at the C&P exam and in the medical record.
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.