Posted on June 02nd, 2025
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) affecting veterans. Those diagnosed with UC often have symptoms that can significantly disrupt their daily lives. As a result, the VA considers it a disability, allowing veterans to receive benefits and compensation that can help with their treatment.
According to the VA, approximately 200 out of 100,000 veterans are diagnosed with UC. A 2013 study also noted an increasing trend of IBD occurrences among veterans, including cases of UC, a chronic condition that causes swelling (inflammation) and sores (ulcers) in the inner lining of the rectum and colon.
People with mild UC can lead active lives as they can manage the symptoms, which include:
- Diarrhea (with or without blood)
- Increased bowel movements
- Tenesmus (inability to pass stools)
- Mild cramping or tenderness in the abdominal or belly area
However, severe ulcerative colitis negatively impacts the ability to work and perform daily tasks. That's why the VA recognized it as a disability, allowing veterans to get the support they need.
VA disability rating for ulcerative colitis
Under Diagnostic Code 7323, the VA's disability ratings for UC are as follows:
- 100%: Symptoms of the condition are severe. Additionally, they cannot be managed even with treatment. Veterans with this disability rating also require at least one hospitalization per year to manage symptoms.
- 60%: UC shows moderate symptoms and can be managed on an outpatient basis through certain treatments and medications.
- 30%: The condition exhibits mild to moderate symptoms that can be managed with oral medicines and other topical agents.
- 10%: UC has minimal to mild symptoms and can be managed with oral or topical agents.
In cases of severe and persistent symptoms of UC, veterans may file for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). It allows them to receive the maximum 100% disability compensation rate if the condition prevents them from working. TDIU can be beneficial for veterans with combined disability ratings of less than 100% but physically unfit to work.
Causes of ulcerative colitis
Until today, the cause of UC remains unknown. In the meantime, the prevalence of UC in the military has been attributed to a complex mix of factors, ranging from service-related to lifestyle risks.
Recently, scientists also uncovered a worrying connection between exposure to PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), a cancer-causing compound belonging to the PFAS family, and a higher risk of developing UC. PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals that have contaminated over 700 military bases nationwide, posing health risks both to current and former service members.
Get help filing your ulcerative colitis VA claims
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with PFAS-related ulcerative colitis, and may be linked to military service, you may qualify for VA benefits and compensation in addition to filing PFAS claims. You can contact our team if you need professional help in filing your VA claims. For over 30 years, ELG Law has supported numerous veterans by helping them navigate the complex processes of filing for VA claims and secure the benefits they deserve.
