The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced changes to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) related to digestive conditions. The updates include new or modified rating criteria for 55 medical conditions, which take into account modern medical knowledge and advancements in treating specific disabilities. These changes aim to provide Veterans with more accurate compensation for their disabilities.
Three significant changes that will impact Veterans include the new evaluations for celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hemorrhoids. Starting May 19, Veterans with celiac disease will be evaluated under specific diagnostic codes and eligible for an evaluation ranging from zero to 80 percent. Previously, they were evaluated using rating criteria that ranged from zero to 30 percent. The rating criteria for IBS have also been adjusted, and Veterans may be entitled to 10, 20, or 30 percent evaluations based on the frequency of symptoms. Additionally, mild or moderate hemorrhoids will now qualify for the 10 percent evaluation.
The VA has updated the rating schedule for several body systems since September 2017, including dental and oral conditions, endocrine system, gynecological conditions, organs of special sense (eye conditions), skin, hematologic and lymphatic systems, infectious diseases, immune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies, musculoskeletal system, and muscle injuries, genitourinary and cardiovascular systems.
It is important to note that there will be no change to any Veteran's current rating based solely on these updates. However, if a Veteran currently receives compensation for a service-connected condition, they can apply for increased compensation. A reduction in evaluation will only occur if there is an improvement in a disability sufficient to warrant a reduction under the former criteria. Claims related to these body systems that were pending on May 19 will be considered under both the old and new rating criteria, and whichever criteria is more favorable to the Veteran will be applied.
For more information, Veterans can visit the Federal Register webpage for a complete list of the conditions impacted by this schedule change and VA benefits or apply for compensation.