If you’re a veteran who believes your pancreatitis may be connected to your service, you could be eligible for VA disability benefits. Veterans may be eligible to receive a pancreatitis VA rating based on the frequency and severity of their symptoms. In this article, we will explain how pancreatitis can be tied to military service, how the VA rates the condition, and what veterans can do if their pancreatitis prevents them from working.
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In this article about the pancreatitis VA rating:
What is pancreatitis?
The pancreas is a small organ located behind your stomach. When it becomes inflamed, this is called pancreatitis. It can cause serious symptoms.
There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic.
Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and improves after treatment. Many people with acute pancreatitis need to stay in the hospital to manage pain and give the pancreas time to rest.
The second type of pancreatitis is known as chronic pancreatitis. In people with chronic pancreatitis, inflammation doesn’t go away over time. This can result in long-term damage to the pancreas.
VA benefits for pancreatitis will typically be for chronic pancreatitis, unless an acute bout of the condition causes extended hospitalization.
Pancreatitis VA rating
The VA rates pancreatitis between 30% and 100% under diagnostic code 7347 in the Schedule of Ratings as follows:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain that require three or more hospitalizations per year; and pain management by a physician; and maldigestion and malabsorption requiring dietary restriction and pancreatic enzyme supplementation | 100% | $3,831.30 |
| Three or more episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain per year and at least one episode per year requiring hospitalization for management either of complications related to abdominal pain or complications of tube enteral feeding | 60% | $1,395.93 |
| At least one episode per year of abdominal or mid-back pain that requires ongoing outpatient medical treatment for pain, digestive problems, or management of related complications including but not limited to cyst, pseudocyst, intestinal obstruction, or ascites | 30% | $537.42 |
There must be “appropriate diagnostic studies” concluding a veteran’s abdominal pain is caused by their pancreatitis to qualify for this rating.
Pancreatitis and related conditions
Pancreatitis can be linked to other health conditions, some of which may qualify a veteran for additional VA disability benefits. Below are a few conditions that may be related to pancreatitis in veterans.
VA disability for pancreatitis and Crohn’s disease
People with Crohn’s disease may have a slightly higher (1.4% – 3.5%) chance of developing pancreatitis. Medications like azathioprine, commonly used to treat Crohn’s disease, have been linked to increased risks of pancreatitis. Gallstones are also more common in people with Crohn’s and are a common cause of pancreatitis.
If you’re a veteran diagnosed with both conditions, you may be able to claim pancreatitis as secondary to your service-connected Crohn’s disease.
VA disability for pancreatitis and lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the pancreas. While uncommon, some lupus-related complications, also raise the risk of developing pancreatitis.
If you’re a veteran with service-connected lupus who develops pancreatitis, you may be able to receive additional benefits for pancreatitis as a secondary condition.
VA disability rating for pancreatitis from GERD
Pancreatitis and GERD are two digestive conditions that are sometimes thought to be related. These conditions share some risk factors like heavy alcohol use, obesity, and smoking, and medical evidence suggests those with untreated GERD may have an increased risk of developing acute pancreatitis, though the connection needs to be further evaluated.
Veterans can still receive ratings for both GERD and pancreatitis if the conditions are service-connected. However, it is unlikely they will receive a VA disability rating for pancreatitis from GERD.
Service connecting pancreatitis
Ultimately, to receive a pancreatitis VA rating, veterans will need to prove the condition is connected to their time in service.
In addition to the conditions mentioned above, causes of pancreatitis may include alcohol use, gallstones, or certain medications. Abdominal injuries or high levels of fat or calcium in the blood can also cause this condition.
Agent Orange and pancreatitis
The VA does not currently list pancreatitis as a presumptive condition linked to Agent Orange exposure.
Research shows there might be a connection between Agent Orange and acute pancreatitis, but not chronic pancreatitis. Agent Orange contains a highly toxic chemical known to cause inflammation and damage in various organs, including the pancreas.
If you believe your pancreatitis is related to Agent Orange exposure, you may consider talking to a doctor about whether there is a medical connection.
TDIU for pancreatitis
In some cases, a veteran may be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for pancreatitis and related issues. TDIU is also known as individual unemployability or simply IU. Veterans are eligible for these benefits if they can’t hold down “substantially gainful” employment due to their service-connected conditions.
Veterans with pancreatitis may struggle to work because of frequent pain and hospitalizations. If their pancreatitis is tied to a related condition like lupus or Crohn’s disease, this may make showing up consistently to work and performing duties of a job even more difficult or impossible.
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
While pancreatitis and GERD share some risk factors, such as alcohol use or obesity, there’s no clear medical evidence showing that one causes the other. Because of this, the VA will not likely recognize pancreatitis as secondary to GERD.
Pancreatitis is not listed as a presumptive condition linked to Agent Orange exposure, but some studies suggest that dioxin, a toxic chemical in Agent Orange, may damage the pancreas and cause inflammation. If you believe your pancreatitis may be related to Agent Orange exposure, you may consider talking to a doctor.
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.
