Veterans Service Connection for Gastrointestinal Problems

There are numerous gastrointestinal problems for which service-connection can be obtained. These may involve ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), colon cancer, other forms of cancers, as well as hemorrhoids. Other common disabilities that we frequently see in the office involve irritable bowel syndrome. Of course, irritable bowel syndrome can be something that falls under the category of Gulf War Syndrome and if you served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf and have irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, then you may strongly wish to consider obtaining service-connection for the condition.

Like any other claim, gastrointestinal disabilities are often rated and analyzed under the same basic service-connection principles. An important consideration is the extent to which a service-connected gastrointestinal disability can affect your mental outlook and produce a state of depression. The depression in turn could be service-connected on a secondary basis. If you have been denied for a gastrointestinal disability, and you wish to pursue your legal options, then I invite you to contact our office.