For many veterans, gastrointestinal issues can be tied not only to diet and lifestyle, but also to years of physical stress, disrupted routines, and the long-term health effects often caused by military service.
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In this article, we break down what diverticulosis is, how it differs from diverticulitis, and how a diverticulosis VA rating can open the door to VA benefits and potential compensation down the road.
Key Takeaways
- Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pockets form on the inside of the intestinal wall, most commonly in the large intestine.
- The VA only offers a non-compensable, or 0%, VA rating for diverticulosis. This means the VA recognizes you have a service-connected condition, but it isn’t severe enough for monetary compensation.
- If diverticulosis leads to diverticulitis, the VA will evaluate your condition under diagnostic code 7327. Potential ratings for diverticulitis include 0%, 20%, and 30%.
In this article about the diverticulitis VA rating:
What is diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pockets form on the inside of the intestinal wall, most commonly in the large intestine. As you digest your food, your intestines push against weak spots in the outer wall, causing these pockets, called diverticula, to form.
Most people with diverticulosis do not experience any symptoms. If you do have symptoms like abdominal pain or fever, you may have diverticulitis (an infection). We go into more detail on the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis in the next section.
What causes diverticulosis?
Diets low in plant-based fiber and high in processed starches can lead to stool that is denser and moves more slowly through the intestines, which can lead to diverticulosis.
In addition to diet, genetics may also play a role in the development of the condition.
For veterans specifically, chronic stress, exposure to toxins, infections, and diet changes from military service are linked to an increased prevalence of chronic gastrointestinal issues among veterans, including diverticular disease.
Diverticulosis vs. diverticulitis: What’s the difference?
There are two types of diverticular disease: diverticulosis and diverticulitis. These conditions have similar names, but they are two different diseases with different symptoms, treatment, and outlook. Understanding how these two conditions are different, yet connected, can help you better navigate the VA benefits process to get the benefits you deserve.
The main difference between the two is the severity of symptoms.
Diverticulosis is when small pockets form on the inside of the intestinal wall. Most people with this disease do not experience symptoms, and some may never know they even have the disease.
Diverticulitis develops when those small pockets, called diverticula, become inflamed, causing symptoms like sudden severe abdominal pain that can be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Unlike diverticulosis, diverticulitis symptoms may require hospitalization, antibiotics to fight infection, or procedures to stop bleeding.
Can you get a diverticulosis VA rating?
If you’re a veteran with a diverticulosis diagnosis, you may be wondering if you are eligible for a VA rating for the condition.
The VA only offers a non-compensable, or 0%, VA rating for diverticulosis. This means the VA recognizes you have a service-connected condition, but it isn’t severe enough for monetary compensation. Veterans with a non-compensable rating may still be eligible for other benefits through the VA.
Getting service connected for diverticulosis can help you get a compensable VA rating if your condition develops into diverticulitis. Statistics show that about 15% of people with diverticulosis develop diverticulitis.
If diverticulosis leads to diverticulitis, the VA will evaluate your condition under diagnostic code 7327. Potential ratings for diverticulitis include 0%, 20%, and 30%. Ratings depend on severity of symptoms, complications, and whether or not your condition requires hospitalization.
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Frequently asked questions
The VA only offers a non-compensable, or 0%, VA rating for diverticulosis. This means the VA recognizes you have a service-connected condition, but it isn’t severe enough for monetary compensation. Veterans with a non-compensable rating may still be eligible for other benefits through the VA.
Diverticulosis is when small pockets form on the inside of the intestinal wall. Diverticulosis is when these small pockets become infected and start causing gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
