If you suffer from service-connected Crohn’s disease as a veteran, you may be eligible for up to a 100% disability rating from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. This rating amounts to a minimum of $3,621.95 in monthly compensation.
However, not everyone can get the highest rating for Crohn’s disease; it depends on the severity of the condition and how it affects someone’s daily life.
In this article, we will go through the disability rating available for Crohn’s disease, along with instructions on how to get your benefits. Let’s get started.
Definition of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease refers to the inflammation of the digestive tract, and it is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IFD). This condition leads to severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss, among other symptoms.
Depending on the individual, it may be different which section of the bowel gets affected by Crohn’s disease, and it’s also important to know that there is no cure for this condition. Therefore, the only option is to go for medical therapies and long-term management.
Here are the common symptoms of Crohn’s disease –
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Mouth sores
- Kidney stones
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Iron deficiency (anemia)
- Reduced appetite
VA Rating for Crohn’s Disease
You can get up to a 100% disability rating for Crohn’s disease. The rating you may get depends on the severity of your condition. Here are all the available ratings –
- 10% Rating: A 10% rating for Crohn’s disease is assigned when the condition is moderate and the exacerbations are not very frequent. The term “exacerbation” refers to the sudden worsening of the symptoms.
- 30% Rating: If the sudden worsening of Crohn’s disease’s symptoms is frequent, with the condition being moderately severe, you will likely be assigned a 30% rating.
- 60% Rating: Veterans suffering from severe conditions due to Crohn’s disease, with their health being fair only during remissions and facing many attacks a year along with malnutrition, may get a 60% disability rating.
- 100% Rating: A person must have severe Crohn’s disease symptoms that cause considerable malnutrition, anemia (a lack of red blood cells), and general weakness to receive a 100% grade. They may also develop major consequences, such as a liver abscess. This essentially indicates that the condition has a devastating effect on their health, rendering them unable to operate properly owing to serious physical concerns and consequences.
How to Get Disability Benefits for Crohn’s Disease
To get disability benefits for Crohn’s disease, your condition must be service-connected. There are a few ways to go about this. You may present the VA with your service documents that link to an in-service event or injury that could have led to this condition. The best way to go about this is to get a nexus letter from a qualified medical professional.
Moreover, you could get expert help to make your disability claim strong so that you receive the best benefits. In this case, the VA Disability Coach can assist you.
Conclusion
Crohn’s disease can be a terrible affliction for veterans, leaving them unable to participate in their daily tasks and work. As a result, VA’s compensation and health care benefits can be lifesaving for many. Make sure to gather important evidence and buddy statements to make your claim strong before presenting to the VA.