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Gastrointestinal (GI) problems can affect every aspect of a veteran’s life, including work, daily activities, and overall well-being. The VA offers financial compensation to veterans who can show that their gastrointestinal condition is linked to their time in service.
But linking irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, colon cancer, or other GI issues to military service isn’t always easy. What are VA claims reviewers looking for when assigning disability ratings for gastrointestinal conditions?
Types of Gastrointestinal Problems Eligible for VA Disability
The VA recognizes a variety of gastrointestinal conditions that may be linked to military service. Here are some of the most common GI issues that the VA grants disability benefits for:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is an inflammatory gastrointestinal disorder that affects the colon. Symptoms may include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of these. Veterans often report that IBS developed or worsened after experiencing significant stressors during their military service, including combat or deployment. IBS can profoundly impact quality of life, leading to missed work and difficulty performing daily tasks.
Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are abrasions that develop on the stomach lining or upper small intestine. Ulcers are often caused by stress, bacterial infections (like Helicobacter pylori), or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed to alleviate pain during and after military service. Symptoms include burning stomach pain, bloating, and nausea.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a chronic condition where bile or stomach acid irritates the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. GERD is often linked to long periods of stress, poor diet, and the use of medications that irritate the stomach. Given the stressful nature of military service, veterans are at high risk of developing GERD.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are inflamed blood vessels near the rectum or anus that can cause itching, pain, and rectal bleeding. Military service can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids due to physical strain from heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, poor diet, or long periods of physical inactivity.
Colon Cancer and Other GI Cancers
Colon cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers, like esophageal or stomach cancer, can be linked to military service in several ways. Exposure to toxins, chemicals, and other environmental hazards increases the risk of developing these cancers.
The VA recognizes certain cancers as presumptively service-connected for veterans exposed to hazardous materials during their time in service. For example, liver cancer is a presumptive condition for those exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Any type of gastrointestinal cancer is a presumptive condition for veterans who served around burn pits in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other areas.
Veterans who experience any of these gastrointestinal problems should consider consulting with an experienced VA disability lawyer to understand their eligibility for benefits and the process of obtaining service connection.
Why Veterans Are at Higher Risk for Gastrointestinal Problems
Veterans may show a higher risk of developing gastrointestinal problems than civilians due to a variety of service-related factors. Stress, environmental variables, and exposure to toxic substances can all play a role in the onset or exacerbation of GI conditions. Below are several key factors that contribute to the elevated risk:
Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD
Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorder are prevalent among veterans, particularly those who have experienced combat, military sexual trauma (MST), or other traumatic events during their service. The body’s stress response can alter gut function and increase the risk of developing chronic GI conditions. Studies show that anxiety and depression can lead to the development of GI problems, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux.
Gulf War Syndrome
Gulf War Syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that veterans who served in the Gulf War report experiencing. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, bloating, and stomach cramps. Many Gulf War veterans report that their GI symptoms started or worsened during their deployment and persisted after returning home. The exact cause of Gulf War Syndrome remains unknown. Still, exposure to chemicals, pesticides, and environmental toxins during the conflict is thought to play a significant role in developing GI issues.
Burn Pit Exposure
Burn pits were used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones to dispose of waste, including plastic, rubber, and chemicals. Exposure to toxic smoke from burn pits has been linked to a variety of health problems, including respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. Veterans who worked near burn pits during their service may experience chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune
From the 1950s to the 1980s, toxic chemicals were detected in the drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Veterans who served at or lived around Camp Lejeune during this time show an increased risk of developing various cancers, including gastrointestinal cancers like liver cancer.
Filing VA Disability Claims for Gastrointestinal Conditions
Like other VA disability claims, veterans seeking service connection for gastrointestinal disabilities must demonstrate that their condition is related to their military service. The basic principles for establishing service connection for GI issues are as follows:
Evidence of a Current Disability
To qualify for VA benefits, the veteran must first have a diagnosed gastrointestinal condition. This requires medical evidence from a doctor or specialist confirming the presence of the condition. Veterans should seek medical care and keep all relevant records of their diagnosis and treatment history.
In-Service Event or Exposure
If not on a presumptive list, the veteran must show that the gastrointestinal condition is linked to their time in service. This may involve proving that an event, such as exposure to toxins, stressful combat situations, or environmental hazards, contributed to the development of their GI condition.
Nexus Letters for GI Conditions
A nexus letter is often required to prove a link between the GI disability and a service-related event or exposure. In a nexus letter, a medical expert provides an opinion stating that the veteran’s GI condition is more likely than not related to their time in service.
Getting a good nexus letter can often be the most difficult aspect of a claim. The easiest route is to speak with a VA disability lawyer who can assist in obtaining a medical nexus letter and other necessary documentation to strengthen the claim.
Learn more about filing a winning VA disability claim in our free eBook, VA Disability Claims: An Essential Guide for U.S. Veterans.
Secondary Service Connection for Gastrointestinal Disabilities
In some cases, veterans may experience gastrointestinal issues as a result of other service-connected conditions. For example, veterans with chronic pain from service-connected injuries may be prescribed opioid painkillers, which can lead to GI problems like constipation, bloating, and nausea. Similarly, veterans with anxiety or PTSD may experience stress-related GI symptoms, including acid reflux or IBS.
In such cases, the veteran can file a secondary service connection claim, showing that their primary service-connected condition has contributed to or worsened their gastrointestinal problems.
The process of obtaining VA benefits for GI conditions can be complex, but an experienced VA disability lawyer can help you collect the compensation you deserve.
Whether you are seeking direct or secondary service connection for gastrointestinal issues, our VA disability lawyers are here to assist you in securing the benefits you have earned. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your VA disability claim.