Some veterans with service-connected PTSD may also develop IBS. Studies have shown this connection between mental health and digestive issues is relatively common, making it important to understand the IBS secondary to PTSD VA rating.
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If you believe your PTSD and IBS are related, you may be able to prove a connection between the two conditions and earn VA disability benefits for both. In this article, we explain the VA rating for IBS secondary to PTSD.
Key Takeaways
- Research shows that IBS is about three times more common in people with PTSD than in those without it.
- Veterans with IBS they believe was caused by their service-connected PTSD may be eligible to receive a VA disability rating for IBS on a secondary basis.
- Veterans with service-connected anxiety may also qualify for VA benefits for IBS if they can show the conditions are medically linked.
In this article about getting a VA rating for IBS secondary to PTSD:
IBS in veterans
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition that causes symptoms like stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Some veterans, including those who served in the Gulf War, may be more likely to develop IBS and other gastrointestinal problems.
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes IBS, but they believe it can sometimes be brought on by stress and certain environmental exposures, putting many veterans at a greater risk because of their service-related experiences.
PTSD in veterans
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental disorder that often develops after a person is exposed to extreme trauma.
About 7% of veterans experience PTSD, which is higher than the civilian average, and more than 1.3 million veterans receive VA compensation for the condition. PTSD causes a range of symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks of the traumatic event, and mood swings that can make it difficult or even impossible to complete daily activities.
Can PTSD cause IBS?
Research shows PTSD may be a factor in the development of IBS and other gastrointestinal problems, as IBS is about three times more common in people with PTSD than in those without it. This is because heightened stress levels and the brain chemicals they produce can trigger inflammation and sensitivity in the gut. In short, PTSD disrupts what medical professionals call “the gut-brain axis,” making it more difficult for your body and mind to regulate your gastrointestinal process.
VA rating for IBS secondary to PTSD
During service, you may have witnessed or experienced traumatic events that have stuck with you long after discharge. The effect of those experiences may have led to PTSD, and the psychological stress from PTSD may have also caused your IBS.
The VA rates PTSD using the rating criteria in the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders in the Schedule of Ratings. Mental health disorders can be rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%, depending on the severity and frequency of the symptoms.
IBS, on the other hand, is rated using diagnostic code 7319 in the Schedule of Ratings for the digestive system. Like PTSD, it is also evaluated based on severity and frequency of symptoms.
Veterans with IBS they believe was caused by their service-connected PTSD may be eligible to receive a VA disability rating for IBS on a secondary basis. A veteran can receive a secondary service-connected disability rating for any health condition that is medically related to another condition that’s service connected.
To qualify for a VA rating for IBS secondary to PTSD, veterans must be able to show medical evidence showing a clear link, called a nexus, between your primary condition (PTSD) and your secondary condition (IBS). In other words, you must prove the secondary condition would not have developed, or would not be as severe, without the existence of the primary service-connected disability.
IBS secondary to anxiety VA disability
Research shows that anxiety may also be a factor in the development of IBS because of the stress that can accompany persistent, severe gastrointestinal issues.
Just as it does PTSD, the VA rates anxiety using the rating criteria in the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders in the Schedule of Ratings.
Veterans with service-connected anxiety may also qualify for VA benefits for IBS if they can show the conditions are medically linked.
TDIU for IBS secondary to PTSD
PTSD can cause symptoms like flashbacks, irritability, and trouble concentrating that make it difficult to get through the day, much less maintain a job. If you have gastrointestinal symptoms on top of your mental and emotional symptoms, it may even feel impossible to maintain employment.
Luckily, veterans who can’t work due to their service-connected conditions may qualify for total disability based on unemployability (TDIU) benefits.
Veterans who receive TDIU benefits are compensated at the same level as those with a 100% disability rating, even though their combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
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Frequently asked questions
Veterans with service-connected anxiety may also qualify for VA benefits for IBS if they can show the conditions are medically linked.
Yes, you can get an IBS secondary to PTSD VA rating if you can show a link between your service-connected PTSD and the development of IBS as a secondary condition.
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.
