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Gastrointestinal Disorder Veteran Disability Claims
The VA recognizes many service-related gastrointestinal disorders like acid reflux. We ensure veterans get the appropriate benefits that correspond with these disabilities.
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At Bartlett Legal Group, we understand the unique challenges veterans face when seeking VA disability benefits for gastrointestinal conditions related to their military service. Obtaining these benefits can be a complex and daunting process, often fraught with obstacles and denials.
If your initial claim has been denied, our experienced VA disability benefits attorneys are here to provide the critical support you need. We specialize in guiding you through the appeals process to secure the accurate disability rating and comprehensive compensation you deserve.
Our team is dedicated to ensuring that service-connected gastrointestinal disorders, both functional and structural, are recognized and fairly evaluated. We will advocate tirelessly on your behalf.
Let Bartlett Legal Group help you navigate the intricacies of VA claims and achieve the rightful benefits and ratings for your service-related gastrointestinal issues, such as IBS and acid reflux. Give us a call at (850) 332-6434 or submit this contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Major Types of Gastrointestinal Disorders Common Among Veterans
Veterans frequently encounter a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) problems as a result of their military service. This can significantly impact their daily lives and overall health. These issues are often prevalent and require careful attention and management. Discussed below are some of the most common GI conditions experienced by veterans.
Gastritis in Veterans
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can cause symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, varying from acute to chronic. It is similar to, but distinct from, acid reflux. Veterans may develop gastritis due to factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection, alcohol consumption, stress, or certain medications used during service.
The VA rates gastritis based on the severity and frequency of symptoms. Generally, ratings range from 10% (symptoms controlled by medication) to 30% (multiple small ulcers). If left untreated, gastritis can lead to chronic pain, stomach ulcers, difficulty eating, and potential anemia.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is a prevalent issue among veterans, ranging from mild to severe and impacting daily life. It can stem from stress, exposure to toxins, physical strain, or underlying gastrointestinal disorders.
The VA rates chronic abdominal pain under functional gastrointestinal disorders, with ratings between 10% to 40% based on severity and symptom frequency. This pain can reduce quality of life, hinder daily activities, and lead to anxiety or depression. Additionally, chronic pain can potentially signal more serious conditions like ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease.
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis involves the formation of small pouches in the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflamed or infected. This often causes severe abdominal pain, fever, and bowel habit changes.
Common causes among veterans include low-fiber diets, dehydration, and chronic constipation. The VA rates diverticulitis from 10% for mild symptoms to 30% for frequent exacerbations requiring drainage.
These conditions can lead to serious complications, such as bowel perforation, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and an increased risk of colon cancer, significantly impacting veterans’ health and daily lives.
Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose, watery stools, and it can severely impact veterans’ daily lives. It may persist for weeks or months. Commonly, it stems from other gastrointestinal disorders or as a standalone condition.
Causes include infectious agents, medication side effects, stress, and dietary changes during service. The VA rates chronic diarrhea under functional gastrointestinal disorders or related conditions like IBS, with ratings from 10% to 40%, based on severity and frequency.
Effects of chronic diarrhea among veterans include dehydration, social and occupational impairment, malnutrition, weight loss, and potential for hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in veterans, encompassing Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Consequently, veterans may experience severe abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and weight loss.
These conditions can significantly impact veterans’ quality of life and may lead to complications like malnutrition and anemia. The VA rates IBD based on symptom severity and frequency, with ratings ranging from 10% to 100%.
Potential causes include stress, genetic predisposition, and environmental toxins. Effects include chronic pain, increased colon cancer risk, weight loss, and mental health issues.
Dyspepsia Among Veterans
Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is marked by upper abdominal discomfort, belching, bloating, nausea, and a feeling of fullness after eating. Chronic dyspepsia can significantly hinder a veteran’s quality of life and may indicate other gastrointestinal issues, including a VA rating for acid reflux.
The VA rates functional dyspepsia within the criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders, ranging from 10% to 40% based on symptom severity and frequency.
Causes of Dyspepsia include military service stress, dietary changes, Helicobacter pylori infection, and medication side effects. Effects encompass chronic discomfort, difficulty in maintaining nutrition, weight loss, and potential for GERD or peptic ulcers.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Veterans with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) experience chronic abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and bloating, profoundly impacting their quality of life. The highest VA disability rating for severe, persistent symptoms is 30%, according to the updated VA ratings schedule for the digestive system.
Stress and anxiety from military service, gut microbiome changes due to deployments, and post-infectious IBS following gastroenteritis are potential causes. IBS can lead to secondary conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as social and occupational impairment. Vets with IBS may also suffer physical complications like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, significantly affecting their overall well-being.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or chronic heartburn, occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. When left untreated, acid reflux from GERD can lead to esophageal damage, which warrants a VA rating.
The VA rates GERD under the criteria for hiatal hernia. The VA rating for GERD ranges from 10% to 60% based on severity. Contributing factors include military-related stress, physical strain, dietary changes, and medication side effects. Effects encompass chronic discomfort, esophageal damage, sleep disturbances, increased cancer risk, and potential dental issues.
VA Disability Rating for Gastrointestinal Disorders
The VA evaluates gastrointestinal disorders based on the Schedule of Ratings for the digestive system. Each condition is assessed individually. Therefore, not all gastrointestinal disorders receive the same VA rating. Consequently, service-connected gastrointestinal issues are assigned ratings using a diverse array of diagnostic codes.
For gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, disability ratings can range from 0% to 100%, depending on the condition and its severity:
- A 0% rating is given when symptoms exist but don’t disrupt daily activities
- A 10-30% disability rating is awarded for mild to moderate symptoms that occasionally affect daily life
- A 40-60% rating is awarded for frequent, moderate to severe symptoms that consistently impact daily activities
- A 70-100% VA disability rating for Gastrointestinal disorders is awarded for severe, constant symptoms that profoundly impair quality of life
The VA acknowledges a group of conditions known as Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs), which encompass ailments like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia.
Presumptive Gastrointestinal Disorders
The VA recognizes several gastrointestinal disorders as presumptive for veterans. That means these conditions are automatically considered service-connected without needing proof of a medical link to service.
This includes disorders resulting from exposure to burn pits used during conflicts in the Middle East, which released toxins leading to various health issues. Under the 2022 PACT Act, veterans stationed near these burn pits are eligible for presumptive connections for gastrointestinal cancers.
At Camp Lejeune, veterans who served for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, can receive presumptive benefits for liver cancer due to water contamination.
Gulf War veterans, who served in the Southwest Asia theater from August 2, 1990, to the present, can also receive presumptive service connections for functional gastrointestinal disorders like dyspepsia, IBS, and abdominal pain syndrome if these conditions persist for more than six months.
Prisoners of war held captive for 30 days or more are eligible for benefits for IBS and cirrhosis of the liver. Chronic gastrointestinal conditions like cirrhosis, gallstones, and peptic ulcers are considered presumptive if they develop within a year after discharge.
Additionally, veterans exposed to ionizing radiation are eligible for presumptive conditions for various gastrointestinal cancers. This includes cancers affecting the esophagus, gallbladder, bile duct, colon, liver, and stomach. Veterans can potentially collect multiple types of VA compensation for their presumptive conditions.
How to File a VA Appeal for Gastrointestinal Disorders Claim Denials
At Bartlett Legal Group, our VA disability appeals lawyers are dedicated to helping veterans navigate the complexities of the appeals process. With extensive expertise in VA claims and a commitment to securing the benefits you deserve, our team is ready to provide the support you need.
Whether your gastrointestinal disorder claim has been denied or you require assistance with challenging the VA’s decision on your disability rating through an appeal, Bartlett Legal Group is here to fight for your rights.
Common reasons for claim denial include incomplete medical documentation, lack of sufficient evidence connecting the condition to service, absence of a current diagnosis, and inadequate demonstration of how the condition impacts daily life.
When filing a VA claim for gastrointestinal (GI) issues, we keep these strategies in mind:
- Collect all pertinent medical records, especially those from your time in service.
- Obtain a current diagnosis from a healthcare professional.
- Provide compelling evidence linking your GI condition to your military service.
- Include personal statements from family members or fellow service members who can attest to your symptoms.
- Clearly document how your GI condition affects your daily activities.
- Consider any secondary conditions related to your primary GI issue.
The appeals process generally involves the following steps:
- Filing a Notice of Disagreement (NOD)
- Submitting new, relevant evidence
- Possibly attending a hearing
- Awaiting a decision on your appeal
By meticulously preparing your documentation and understanding the common pitfalls, our VA disability attorneys can help you strengthen your claim. In turn, that can improve your chances of a successful appeal.
Let Bartlett Legal Group Fight for Your Gastrointestinal Disorder VA Benefits
When dealing with VA benefits claims and appeals for gastrointestinal disorders, the expertise and guidance of VA-accredited lawyers are invaluable. Bartlett Legal Group specializes in navigating the complexities of these physical condition claims. That gives you the best possible chance of securing the VA disability benefits you deserve.
Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized support and advocacy every step of the way. Don’t wait—call us today at (850) 332-6434. You can also submit this contact form to book a free consultation session with our VA disability lawyers. Let us fight for your rights and help you achieve the justice you deserve.
