IBS versus diverticulitis for veterans: Understanding the difference and VA disability benefits

Digestive conditions are a common challenge for many veterans. These conditions can impact daily life, especially when symptoms are chronic and painful – making things disruptive on an every day basis.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diverticulitis are two common digestive conditions that veterans face, and while they have some similarities in that they both involve the digestive system, they are two different conditions with different treatments and VA rating scales.

It can be easy to confuse the similarities and differences. Here's what veterans should know about the differences between IBS and diverticulitis:

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder (a condition that affects the digestive tract) impacting how the intestines function. It can be caused or worsened by stress, which is possible for veterans who experience mental health conditions such as PTSD. Dietary changes, infections, or exposure to environmental hazards can also lead to IBS in veterans.

These are common symptoms of IBS:

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Bloating and gas

• Diarrhea or constipation (or going between both)

• Urgent or frequent bowel movements

It's important to note that IBS is considered a functional disorder, meaning the digestive tract appears normal but does not work properly.

What is diverticulitis?

Unlike IBS, diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pouches called "diverticula" form in the walls of the colon, causing inflammation or infection. This becomes more common as people age, but chronic inflammation can bring more serious symptoms and complications.

These are common symptoms of diverticulitis:

• Severe abdominal pain

• Fever, nausea or vomiting

• Changes in bowel movements

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Tenderness in the abdomen

The biggest differences between IBS and diverticulitis

Although they're both digestive conditions, IBS and diverticulitis are completely different on a few important factors. Here's how:

• What causes them: IBS is a functional disorder, whereas diverticulitis is due to inflammation. The root causes, and what's actually happening, are different.

• Their symptoms: As we described above, there are overlapping symptoms, but diverticulitis can cause more serious fever and infection that may require antibiotics.

• The way they are diagnosed: Diagnosing diverticulitis typically requires a CT scan, whereas IBS can be diagnosed based on symptoms.

How to get VA disability benefits for IBS, diverticulitis, and other digestive conditions

Veterans may qualify for VA disability benefits for IBS or diverticulitis depending on their diagnosis and medical records to support their claim. It's also possible to get secondary service-connection if these conditions were caused or made worse by another service-connected condition.

The VA rates digestive conditions based on how severe the symptoms are, along with how much it impacts daily function. As always, gathering compelling claim documents that show the timeline of your condition is the best way to prove your experience to the VA.

Make sure you have all of these 3 elements met before you file your claim.

Need help with medical documentation for a VA disability benefits claim?

We're veterans ourselves and we know how this process goes. MRPY Professional Services is dedicated to helping veterans prove their conditions to the VA through Nexus Letters, DBQs, and other additional services to boost your claim.

• Begin by signing up for a Medical Evidence Assessment (every veteran starts here).

• You can also view other services here.