Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 14% of Gulf War veterans, significantly impacting their quality of life and daily functioning. If you’re a veteran diagnosed with IBS, you may be eligible to obtain VA benefits for your condition. This guide tells you everything you need to know about VA ratings for IBS and how to file and win your VA claim.
When Is IBS a Presumptive Condition?
The PACT Act, signed into law in 2022, expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. While exposure to chemicals is thought to be one of the causes of IBS, research hasn’t supported the link strongly enough for IBS to be made a presumptive condition under the PACT Act.
However, VA does recognize a presumptive connection between IBS and military service for former POWs and many Gulf War veterans. Veterans who were held as a POW for at least 30 days or served in the Persian Gulf War in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, Afghanistan, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, or Jordan, may receive presumptive service connection for IBS as part of MUCMI. This means they do not need to prove a direct link between their IBS and military service.
How to Prove Service Connection for IBS
If IBS is not covered under the presumptive conditions, veterans can establish entitlement through direct or secondary service connection.
Direct Service Connection
To establish a direct service connection for IBS, you will need:
- Medical Evidence: Detailed medical records showing a diagnosis of IBS during or shortly after military service.
- Nexus Letter: A letter from a qualified medical professional linking IBS to your military service.
- Service Medical Records: Documentation of IBS symptoms or related gastrointestinal issues during service.
Secondary Service Connection
IBS can also be a secondary condition resulting from other service-connected disabilities. For example, conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD can exacerbate IBS symptoms. Providing evidence that links IBS as secondary to an already service-connected condition can strengthen your claim.
Case Example: VA Rating for IBS Secondary to PTSD
A veteran who served in the Army from 1966 to 1969 was previously service-connected for PTSD related to his combat experiences in Vietnam. In 2003, he filed a claim for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. VA granted service connection for IBS, recognizing that it had been aggravated by the veteran’s PTSD.
How the Veteran Proved His IBS Was Secondary to PTSD
- Diagnosis: Medical records confirmed a current diagnosis of IBS.
- Nexus Opinion: The veteran’s private physician provided a statement in support of the claim, noting that the IBS symptoms worsened during periods of increased PTSD symptoms, such as flashbacks and nightmares.
- Medical Literature: VA sought a VHA medical expert opinion from a gastroenterologist, who cited medical literature supporting a link between psychological stress (such as PTSD) and exacerbation of IBS symptoms.
- Veteran’s Testimony: At DRO hearings, the veteran and his wife provided consistent testimony about the relationship between his PTSD symptoms and IBS flare-ups.
Case Example: VA Rating for IBS Secondary to Anxiety
In this case, a veteran of the Army Air Corps with a diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder which began in service also reported a long history of stomach problems. The veteran was diagnosed with IBS and filed a VA claim for both anxiety and IBS. The Board granted direct service connection for generalized anxiety disorder and service connection for IBS as secondary to a psychiatric disorder.
Key Evidence for the Secondary Service Connection
- Established service connection for underlying psychiatric disorder
- Veteran’s credible reports of long-standing stomach issues
- Current diagnosis of IBS
- Medical opinion linking anxiety to IBS
What Is the VA Rating for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
IBS is assigned a VA rating of 10%, 20% or 30% under diagnostic code 7319, for abdominal pain related to bowel movements and other symptoms (such as stool changes or abdominal bloating), based on their severity and frequency.
- 30% rating: Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension.
- 20% rating: Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension.
- 10% rating: Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension
Important: The rating system for IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders has been updated by the VA in May 2024. Veterans with existing ratings may be re-evaluated under the new criteria.
IBS VA Rating 30% Eligibility
To qualify for a 30 percent rating, veterans must demonstrate that their IBS causes severe symptoms. This includes constant abdominal distress and frequent episodes of bowel disturbance, such as diarrhea and/or constipation. The medical evidence must support the severity of the condition and it might be worth getting a lawyer’s help to make sure you have all the necessary documentation and support.
How to File a VA Disability Claim for IBS
- Log in to your VA.gov account.
- Fill out VA Form 21-526EZ: “Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits.”
- Provide detailed information about your IBS: Include when it was first diagnosed and its connection to your service.
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Upload Supporting Documents:
Medical records and treatment documentation.
Service medical records showing IBS symptoms.
Nexus letter from your doctor.
Additional supporting documents, like statements from family or coworkers. - Review your information for accuracy and submit the claim: Keep track of your VA claim status through your VA.gov account, and be prepared to provide additional information or attend a VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam if requested.
VA Denied My IBS Claim, What Do I Do?
If your IBS claim is denied or you don’t approve of your disability rating, don’t lose hope! There are steps you can take to strengthen your case and appeal the decision:
- Understand the Reason for Denial: Carefully review VA’s decision letter to understand why the claim was denied.
- Gather Additional Evidence: Collect any new or missing medical records, statements, or expert opinions that support your claim.
- File an Appeal: Submit a Notice of Disagreement and consider seeking legal assistance to strengthen your appeal.
It’s common for VA to deny initial claims. By appealing the decision and providing additional evidence, you can still obtain the benefits you deserve. Reach out to our team for a free evaluation of your IBS disability claim.
How to Increase Your IBS VA Rating
If you believe your IBS rating does not accurately reflect the severity of your condition, there are steps you can take to increase it. One effective way to increase your rating is to identify and document any secondary conditions related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. These conditions can significantly impact your overall rating. Check out our secondary conditions guide for more information.
Another method is to appeal the VA decision for IBS itself and provide medical evidence that shows a worsened condition or new symptoms that could change the rating. The recent update for IBS ratings may also provide an opportunity to increase your rating if the new criteria more accurately reflect the impact of your Irritable Bowel Syndrome on your daily life.
Example: How a Veteran Won a 10% to 30% IBS Rating Increase
In this case, a veteran who served in the Army National Guard with active duty from 1969 to 1972 filed a claim for disability benefits due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Initially, the veteran was awarded a 10% disability rating. However, the veteran believed that their symptoms were more severe than what the rating reflected and appealed the decision.
Outcome of the Appeal: After reviewing the evidence, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals increased the veteran’s disability rating to 30%, acknowledging the severe and constant nature of the veteran’s IBS symptoms, including alternating diarrhea and constipation with ongoing abdominal distress.
What Contributed to an Increased VA Rating
- Detailed Medical Evidence: The veteran’s case was strongly supported by comprehensive medical records from both private and VA healthcare providers. These records documented the ongoing severity of IBS, highlighting frequent and alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation, along with constant abdominal pain.
- Consistent Symptom Documentation: Throughout medical visits and examinations, the veteran consistently reported their symptoms, creating a clear and continuous record of the impact IBS had on their daily life. This consistency was crucial in demonstrating the severity of the condition.
- Thorough VA Examination: A VA examination was conducted to assess the severity of the veteran’s IBS. The examination confirmed the veteran’s severe symptoms, including unpredictable bowel movements and significant abdominal discomfort, which supported the case for a higher disability rating.
- Personal Statements: The veteran provided personal accounts detailing how IBS affected their daily life, offering a compelling narrative that reinforced the medical evidence. These statements helped illustrate the real-world impact of the condition.
Content Reviewed by
Attorney Matthew Hill
Attorney Matthew Hill, licensed in Florida and Washington D.C., a dedicated advocate for disabled veterans with over two decades of experience, reviewed the information in this post.
