5 common autoimmune conditions veterans can claim for VA disability benefits

Autoimmune diseases (also sometimes called autoimmune disorders) occur when the body's immune system attacks the body instead of defending it. This is the result of an over-active immune system, and it can affect basically every part of the body depending on which condition develops.

Veterans who have experienced the physical and mental stresses of military service might be more likely to develop autoimmune diseases as a result. Although getting service-connection from the VA for disability benefits can be difficult when it comes to autoimmune diseases, some are actually considered presumptive (meaning veterans automatically qualify if they served during a certain period).

Here are 5 common autoimmune conditions that veterans can claim for VA disability benefits:

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease eligible for VA disability benefits when properly diagnosed and documented. This condition has a range of different symptoms and severity, most commonly including: joint pain, fatigue, red rashes, fever, headaches, chest pain, skin lesions, and sensitivity to the cold in extremities.

Lupus is considered presumptive if it appears within one year after discharge, so be sure to get your appointments made and records kept if you are experiencing symptoms and suspect it could be lupus.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

With inflammatory bowel disease (IBD for short), the body's immune system attacks its own digestive tract. This causes chronic inflammation, leading to long term damage and other related symptoms. This term acts as an umbrella over other conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

IBD is common among veterans, and can be eligible for service-connection to get VA disability benefits. It can be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines and immunomodulators.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissues surrounding joints throughout the body. This common diagnosis can make it hard for veterans to transition back into life as a civilian, limiting their comfort and mobility on a daily basis. Symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, tiredness, fever, and lack of appetite.

Arthritis is common in veterans – upwards of 25% will experience this condition. Getting VA disability benefits for rheumatoid arthritis requires the right documentation to prove that it is service-connected rather than simply genetic or a result of lifelong wear and tear.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis has a bunch of different symptoms, which can make it quite difficult to diagnose and even harder to prove to the VA. It's not impossible, however. The Mayo Clinic defines multiple sclerosis (MS) as a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective coverings of nerves within the body, which can lead to permanent nerve damage.

One of the most challenging aspects of getting VA disability benefits for multiple sclerosis is that oftentimes veterans don't have the historical medical records to prove it. With such vague symptoms, many will push off medical testing until it becomes unbearable. Read more about getting VA disability benefits for MS here.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin, along with other internal organ and digestive tract problems. When it comes to getting VA disability benefits for scleroderma, there actually isn't a specific VA diagnostic code for rating – but veterans can still get service-connection with other skin-related rating processes. Scleroderma is rated analogous to whatever other conditions align the most with the symptoms it is producing.

For example, if the primary disability is in the GI tract, it would be rated analogous to one of those conditions – versus a primary disability on the skin, which would be rated analogous to a skin condition.

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