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If you develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may be eligible for additional VA disability compensation.
It’s no secret the impact trauma can have on a person’s life, and that includes their digestive system.
In this post, we examine the connection between IBS as a secondary condition to PTSD and the steps to getting the VA disability compensation and benefits you rightfully deserve.
Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect the gut-brain axis, leading to or worsening irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Veterans may qualify for VA disability IBS secondary to PTSD if they can prove a clear connection between their service-connected PTSD and the development of irritable bowel syndrome.
- The VA rates IBS secondary to PTSD at 10%, 20%, and 30% under diagnostic code 7319.
What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine and stomach. It’s considered a functional disorder, meaning it’s related to how the gut and brain interact, rather than a structural issue in the digestive tract.
Stress, depression, anxiety, diet, and other psychological factors often exacerbate IBS symptoms.
IBS symptoms can vary in severity and frequency and may include:
- Belly pain, cramping, or bloating that is related to passing stool
- Changes in the appearance of stool
- Changes in how often you are passing stool
- Mucus in the stool
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
While lifestyle changes can treat most IBS symptoms, severe symptoms may require specific medicines to help keep the condition under control.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic experience and may cause symptoms including:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Severe anxiety
- Uncontrollable thoughts
The Connection Between IBS and PTSD
While the direct link between IBS and PTSD isn’t clear, a 2018 study found PTSD is associated with an increased likelihood of IBS. Research also found that people living with PTSD are 2.8 times more likely to have IBS compared with people without PTSD.
It’s uncertain whether PTSD directly causes IBS or if shared risk factors increase susceptibility to both conditions.
Beyond the psychological toll, PTSD can lead to physiological changes in the body, such as heightened stress responses, which may contribute to the development or worsening of physical health conditions like IBS.
When the body is in a constant state of stress, the gut-brain connection, a communication system between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract can become dysregulated. This dysregulation is believed to play a significant role in the onset of IBS for individuals with PTSD.
How to Prove Secondary Service Connection
To establish a secondary service connection for IBS secondary to PTSD, you must meet three key elements:
#1. Current Diagnosis of IBS in a Medical Record: You need a diagnosis of IBS in your medical records, whether from VA healthcare providers or private physicians.
#2. Existing Service-Connected PTSD: You must already have your PTSD recognized by the VA as a service-connected disability.
#3. Medical Nexus Evidence Between the Two Conditions: You must connect your IBS to your service-connected PTSD. (i.e., a nexus letter)
What is the VA Rating for IBS Secondary to PSTD?
The VA rates IBS secondary to PTSD under diagnostic code (DC) 7319, with VA ratings of 10%, 20%, and 30%, depending on the severity, frequency, and duration of your symptoms.
VA ratings for IBS secondary to PTSD are as follows:
- 10% Rating: Abdominal pain related to defecation at least once during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension
- 20% Rating: Abdominal pain related to defecation for at least three days per month during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension
- 30% Rating: Abdominal pain related to defecation at least one day per week during the previous three months; and two or more of the following: (1) change in stool frequency, (2) change in stool form, (3) altered stool passage (straining and/or urgency), (4) mucorrhea, (5) abdominal bloating, or (6) subjective distension
Note: The diagnostic code 7319 may include functional digestive disorders (see § 3.317 of this chapter), such as dyspepsia, functional bloating and constipation, and diarrhea. Evaluate other symptoms of a functional digestive disorder not encompassed by this diagnostic code under the appropriate diagnostic code, including gastrointestinal dysmotility syndrome (DC 7356), following the general principles of § 4.14 and this section.
Nexus Letter for IBS Secondary to PTSD
Although the VA doesn’t require nexus letters, they are strongly recommended for secondary conditions.
A well-written nexus letter can enhance your claim and provide essential credibility to support your VA disability case.
The key is obtaining a nexus letter from a licensed healthcare professional with high probative value.
A nexus letter with high-probative value should include:
- The physician’s credentials, particularly ones that make them a trustworthy source for the following opinion (i.e., a cardiologist talking about a heart condition, etc.).
- A reference indicating that the physician composing the letter has thoroughly reviewed the veteran’s medical records and military records that pertain to the claim.
- The physician’s opinion regarding the cause of the current diagnosed condition and its relation to the veteran’s military service.
- Medical rationale that fully supports the physician’s opinion.
See More: Example of a Nexus Letter
The 4 Things Every Nexus Letter Should Have (Video)
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Medical Evidence Matters
The VA doesn’t require you to submit medical evidence when filing a disability claim; however, it frequently proves to be the missing link.
Without proper documentation, the VA may not acknowledge or validate your condition, making it harder to approve your claim.
Examples of medical evidence include, but are not limited to:
- Service treatment records
- Personnel records
- Private medical records
- VA medical records
- Buddy statements
- Lay evidence
Filing a VA Claim for IBS Secondary to PTSD
You must file a claim to apply for VA benefits. The easiest way to file a VA claim is online, but you can also download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it in one of the following ways:
- By mail
- Via fax
- In person at a local VA regional center
Eligibility for VA disability benefits
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VA rate IBS secondary to PTSD?
The VA rates IBS secondary to PTSD under diagnostic code 7319 at 10%, 20%, and 30%. Your VA disability rating will depend on the severity, frequency, and duration of your symptoms.
What VA conditions are secondary to PTSD?
Common conditions secondary to PTSD include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Migraines
- Sleep Apnea
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Hypertension
What is the highest VA rating for IBS secondary to PTSD?
The highest VA rating for IBS secondary to PTSD is 30%.
What happens if my IBS secondary to PTSD VA claim is denied?
If your VA claim for irritable bowel syndrome secondary to post-traumatic stress disorder is denied, you have the following appeal options:
Related Guides
10 Most Common IBS Secondary Conditions
10 Most Common Secondary Conditions to PTSD for VA Disability Benefits
What is the VA Rating for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
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Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
