Ulcerative Colitis VA Rating Explained: Understanding Benefits for Veterans

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that significantly impacts the lives of those who suffer from it. For veterans, managing this condition can be particularly challenging, given the unique stresses and environmental exposures associated with military service.

In this article, we’ll break down the VA rating criteria for ulcerative colitis, helping you make sense of the process. You’ll learn about the symptoms considered, how the severity of your condition affects your rating, how toxic exposure from your service may be connected to UC, and what steps you can take to secure a fair evaluation for any disability payments that you may be entitled to.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by long-lasting inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the digestive tract. It primarily affects the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Symptoms typically develop over time rather than suddenly and can be debilitating, affecting a person’s quality of life.  People with UC also frequently develop severe or aggressive colorectal cancer.

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

1. Genetic Factors:  Family history plays a significant role in the risk of developing ulcerative colitis. Research suggests that individuals with a first-degree relative with IBD have a higher likelihood of developing the condition. Specific genetic mutations and variations can increase susceptibility to inflammation and immune system dysfunction.
2. Immune System Dysfunction:  Ulcerative colitis is considered an autoimmune condition. The immune system, which usually defends the body against pathogens, mistakenly attacks the cells of the colon lining. This immune response causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.
3. Personal Factors:  Certain personal or behavioral factors can trigger or exacerbate ulcerative colitis symptoms. These may include diet (high intake of fatty, processed foods), stress, infections (gastrointestinal infections may trigger initial onset or flare-ups), and certain medications.
4. PFAS Chemicals:  PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products for their water- and grease-resistant properties. They have been widely used in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and food packaging. Research has indicated that PFAS exposure can have adverse health effects, including endocrine disruption and immune system impairment, which may contribute to the development of inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis. Veterans exposed to contaminated water sources may have a higher risk of PFAS exposure, potentially linking it to the onset of ulcerative colitis.

The VA rating system for ulcerative colitis uses Diagnostic Code 7323, providing ratings from 10% to 100%. These ratings reflect the severity of symptoms and the impact on daily life. The VA considers multiple factors to determine the appropriate rating.

• 10% Rating: Mild ulcerative colitis with infrequent exacerbations. This rating is given when the symptoms are under control with minimal intervention and do not significantly impact the veteran’s daily life.

• 30% Rating: Moderately severe ulcerative colitis with frequent exacerbations. This rating applies when symptoms are more pronounced and require regular medical treatment, impacting the veteran’s daily activities and employment moderately.

• 60% Rating: Severe ulcerative colitis with numerous attacks a year and malnutrition, with only fair health during remissions. This rating is for veterans who experience frequent, severe flare-ups and have significant health issues between episodes, affecting their ability to maintain a normal lifestyle and work capacity.

• 100% Rating: Pronounced ulcerative colitis resulting in marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility, or with serious complications such as liver abscess. This is the highest rating and is assigned when the condition is extremely debilitating, preventing the veteran from maintaining any form of employment and significantly impairing their daily life.

Several elements impact the VA rating for ulcerative colitis.

• Symptom Frequency: The number of exacerbations per year can affect ratings. Frequent symptoms typically lead to higher ratings.
• Symptom Severity: The intensity of symptoms also plays a role. Severe symptoms increase the possibility of a higher rating.
• Diagnosis & Treatment Records: Documented medical evidence is essential. Consistent treatment records and detailed diagnosis reports support higher ratings.

Veterans can enhance their VA rating for ulcerative colitis by ensuring comprehensive medical documentation.

• Regular Medical Visits: Frequent consultations help document the severity and frequency of symptoms.
• Detailed Symptom Log: Keeping a log of symptoms and exacerbations supports your case.
• Supporting Evidence: Provide additional evidence such as hospital records and specialist reports.

To receive VA benefits for UC, veterans need to establish a service connection. The VA examines medical records and service history to determine eligibility. If you developed UC during active duty or it worsened due to service, you may qualify due to exposure to PFAS chemicals through AFFF-contaminated drinking water. 

Proving a service connection for UC involves medical evidence and service records. Submit detailed medical reports showing diagnosis and treatment during or after service.  Statements from fellow service members and physicians’ opinions can strengthen your case.

Veterans seeking disability benefits for ulcerative colitis must follow a specific application process. Here are the key steps:

1. Gather Medical Evidence – Comprehensive medical documentation is crucial. This includes:
         » Diagnosis: A confirmed diagnosis from a healthcare provider.
         » Medical History: Detailed medical records showing the progression and treatment of ulcerative colitis.
         » Symptom Documentation: Evidence of symptoms and their frequency, severity, and impact on daily life.
2. Submit a Claim – Veterans can file a claim for disability benefits online through the VA’s eBenefits portal, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. The claim should include all relevant medical evidence and a personal statement describing the condition’s impact on their life.
3. Attend a Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam – The VA may require a C&P exam to evaluate the severity of the condition. During this exam, a VA healthcare provider will assess the symptoms, review medical records, and possibly perform a physical examination.
4. Receive a Rating Decision – After reviewing the claim and exam results, the VA will issue a rating decision. This decision outlines the disability rating and the effective date of benefits. If the veteran disagrees with the rating, they can appeal the decision.

Understanding how ulcerative colitis can affect your employability is essential. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a pathway called Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for those whose condition severely impairs their ability to work.

TDIU allows veterans with severe ulcerative colitis to receive compensation at the 100% disability rate, even if their rating is less than 100%. This provision helps veterans who can’t maintain substantially gainful employment due to their condition. Severe symptoms such as frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss can make it difficult to perform work-related tasks.

To qualify for TDIU based on ulcerative colitis, your medical evidence must demonstrate that the condition prevents you from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation. The VA considers your service-connected disabilities, employment history, education, and vocational skills when making this determination. Providing updated medical records, including detailed symptom logs and doctor’s notes, strengthens your TDIU claim.

If ulcerative colitis leads to significant work impairments, pursuing TDIU can provide the financial support needed. Knowing how to present your case with thorough documentation can make a significant difference.

Veterans who are diagnosed with UC during or after their military service can also file private claims against manufacturers of firefighting foam (AFFF) that was used extensively on military bases and contaminated base drinking water on almost every US military base.  Contamination from toxic PFAS chemicals has been found to be thousands of times higher in concentration in military base drinking water than any other public drinking water source. 

You can file a private claim in addition to applying for VA disability, as a private claim has no impact on a veteran’s current or future VA disability rating determination.  Claim settlements can range from thousands of dollars to several hundred thousand dollars or greater, depending on your specific case.  If you are a military veteran with UC, you can get your case evaluated and file a claim completely online.

Ulcerative colitis is a challenging condition that significantly impacts the lives of veterans. Understanding the VA disability ratings for ulcerative colitis is important for veterans seeking support and benefits. By gathering comprehensive medical evidence, following the application process, and utilizing available resources, veterans can better manage their condition and improve their quality of life. The VA’s disability ratings and benefits provide essential support, helping veterans navigate the complexities of living with ulcerative colitis.

In conclusion, ulcerative colitis, with its debilitating symptoms and impact on daily life, is a condition that necessitates substantial support. The VA’s disability ratings system provides a structured way to assess and assist veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and application process, veterans can better advocate for their health and well-being, leading to improved management and quality of life.