Digestive Conditions VA Disability Claim
Digestive Conditions That Qualify for VA Disability(And How to Win Your Claim)
Digestive conditions affect thousands of veterans every year. These issues can impact daily life, work, sleep, and long-term health. They can also qualify for VA disability compensation when linked to military service.
Digestive conditions like GERD and other disorders are common and compensable. Let Warrior Allegiance help you with your VA Disability Claim.
Digestive Conditions Overview
| Digestive Condition | Common Symptoms | Possible Causes | VA Rating Factors | Reference Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GERD (Acid Reflux) | Heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation | Stress, NSAIDs, physical strain, deployment food | Severity, frequency, impact on daily life | |
| IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) | Bloating, pain, diarrhea, constipation | Chronic stress, deployments, food exposure | Frequency of attacks, need for medication | |
| GERD Secondary Conditions | Cough, throat issues, dental erosion | Primary GERD, medication side effects | Documented link to primary condition | |
| Chronic Gastritis | Burning, nausea, vomiting, weight loss | H. pylori, rations, chronic meds | Severity and nutritional impact | |
| Hiatal Hernia | Chest pain, swallowing problems, reflux | Heavy lifting, strain during service | Functional loss and symptom severity |
Are You Rated 90% or Less?
At Warrior Allegiance, we fight for every veteran until they receive what they deserve. No upfront fees, no risk—only results.
What Are Digestive Conditions for VA Disability?
Digestive conditions are disorders that affect the stomach, esophagus, intestines, or digestive system as a whole. Many veterans develop these problems during military service due to stress, intense physical activity, diet changes, medications, environmental exposure, and repeated injuries.
The VA recognizes many digestive disorders as compensable, including:
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Gastritis
Hiatal Hernia
Ulcers
Gallbladder disease
Diverticulitis
Chronic abdominal pain
These conditions often get ignored or misdiagnosed. Many veterans assume stomach issues are “normal.” But chronic digestive problems can limit daily life and deserve compensation.
Digestive Conditions and Military Service: Why Veterans Are at Higher Risk
Digestive disorders are common in the veteran community. Service brings unique stressors and exposures that can damage the digestive system. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Military Stress
High stress increases stomach acid and disrupts digestion. Many veterans develop GERD, IBS, or ulcers due to constant stress.
2. Deployment Food and Conditions
MREs, rapid meals, and irregular eating schedules stress the gut. Many veterans report long-term digestive issues after deployments.
3. Long-Term NSAID Use
Painkillers used during service can cause reflux, gastritis, and ulcers.
4. Heavy Lifting and Physical Strain
This can lead to hiatal hernias, which cause severe reflux.
5. PTSD and Mental Health Links
Digestive disorders are frequently secondary to PTSD due to stress-driven body reactions.
Warrior Allegiance has seen thousands of digestive cases where veterans struggled for years without support. Our team knows how to present these conditions correctly to the VA so you can get the rating you deserve.
Common Digestive Conditions Veterans Can Claim
GERD (Acid Reflux)
GERD is one of the most common digestive disabilities among veterans. Symptoms may include burning, chest pressure, a sour taste, or breathing problems at night.
The VA rates GERD based on severity, not a fixed schedule, which means strong evidence is key. This is where our medical team helps.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is rated under Diagnostic Code 7319. Ratings depend on how long attacks last and how frequent they are. Many veterans qualify for 30% (the highest rating).
IBS is common after deployments due to food exposure, stress, and infections.
Gastritis and Ulcers
Stomach inflammation and ulcers are often caused by medications, contaminated water, or deployment conditions. Severe gastritis can cause anemia, weight loss, and ongoing pain.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia happens when the stomach pushes into the chest. It can cause severe reflux, trouble swallowing, and chest discomfort.
Many veterans develop this due to heavy lifting, carrying gear, or physical strain.
Secondary Digestive Claims
You can often file digestive issues secondary to:
PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Back pain medications
Knee pain medications
Sleep apnea
Diabetes
Weight gain caused by service-connected conditions
These secondary claims are powerful but often overlooked. Warrior Allegiance knows how to build the medical link the VA needs.
How the VA Rates Digestive Conditions
Digestive conditions fall under the VA Schedule of Ratings for the Digestive System. Ratings depend on:
Severity of symptoms
Frequency of flare-ups
Impact on nutrition and weight
Need for continuous medication
Impact on daily life
The VA often underrates digestive issues because symptoms “come and go.” But with proper documentation, veterans can receive:
10% for mild symptoms
30% for moderate recurring symptoms
60% for severe or chronic impairment
100% in rare cases with extreme nutritional loss
The key is medical evidence, symptom logs, and strong DBQs—which Warrior Allegiance helps you secure.
Are You Rated 90% or Less?
At Warrior Allegiance, we fight for every veteran until they receive what they deserve. No upfront fees, no risk—only results.
How Warrior Allegiance Helps With Digestive Condition VA Claims
Warrior Allegiance is a veteran-led team with one mission: help veterans win their VA disability claims. We guide veterans with digestive conditions through:
Free Consultation
We listen to your symptoms and review your service history.
Medical Review
Our team reviews your medical records and highlights evidence the VA cannot ignore.
Strategy Creation
We design a plan that focuses on linking your digestive condition to your service.
Doctor Support
We connect you with licensed doctors who understand VA criteria.
Claim Submission
We handle all paperwork and communication to avoid mistakes and delays.
Over 90% Success Rate
Most of our cases result in favorable outcomes.
Digestive issues are real disabilities that deserve attention and fair compensation. You don’t have to fight alone.
Are You Rated 90% or Less?
At Warrior Allegiance, we fight for every veteran until they receive what they deserve. No upfront fees, no risk—only results.
FAQ: Digestive Conditions VA Disability
Can digestive conditions be service-connected?
Yes. Many digestive issues start during or because of military service.
Can I claim GERD as a VA disability?
Yes. GERD is compensable when linked to service.
Can digestive issues be secondary conditions?
Yes. PTSD, medications, stress, and physical injuries can cause digestive disorders.
What rating can I get for IBS?
You can receive up to 30% if symptoms are severe and constant.
How can Warrior Allegiance help?
We guide you through every step and help gather strong medical evidence.