Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the digestive tract, causing symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and weight loss. The condition can significantly impact a veteran’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities and maintain employment. For veterans who developed Crohn’s disease during or as a result of their military service, the VA offers disability benefits to help cover the cost of medical care and provide compensation for the limitations caused by the condition. The VA disability process for Crohn’s disease involves determining whether the disease is service-connected, assessing its severity, and assigning a disability rating based on symptoms.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to apply for VA disability benefits for Crohn’s disease, how the VA rates the severity of your symptoms, and the compensation amounts you can expect to receive. Additionally, we’ll explain the criteria for secondary service connection and how veterans can pursue higher ratings based on the progression of their condition.
Overview: VA Disability for Crohn’s Disease
| Benefit | Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Service Connection for Crohn’s | Veterans with Crohn’s disease linked to military service | Must prove the disease is related to military service, either directly or as a secondary condition. |
| Disability Rating | Based on the severity of symptoms | Ratings range from 10% to 100%, with higher ratings for more severe symptoms. |
| Compensation | Monthly, tax-free payments based on disability rating | Compensation amounts vary from $175.51 to $3,831.30 per month in 2025. |
| TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) | Veterans whose Crohn’s disease prevents them from working | Compensation at the 100% disability rate if unable to secure or maintain substantial employment. |
| Secondary Service Connection | Veterans with Crohn’s disease caused by another service-connected condition | Can receive benefits if Crohn’s disease is linked to an existing service-connected condition. |
| VA Presumptions | Conditions presumed to be linked to service | Currently, Crohn’s disease is not a presumptive condition for VA benefits. |
| Companion Conditions | Conditions related to Crohn’s disease | Conditions like anemia, arthritis, and depression may be linked and eligible for additional benefits. |
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the intestines, causing inflammation, ulcers, and irritation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal system, but it typically impacts the small and large intestines. The symptoms vary in severity and can include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea and rectal bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss and fatigue
- Infections around the anus
For veterans, the onset of Crohn’s disease may be linked to stress, environmental factors, or exposure to harmful chemicals during military service.
Service Connection for Crohn’s Disease
To receive VA disability for Crohn’s disease, you must establish a service connection, proving that your condition is related to your time in the military. This can be done through direct service connection or secondary service connection.
Direct Service Connection
For direct service connection, the veteran must show:
- A Diagnosis: Confirmation of Crohn’s disease through tests like an endoscopy.
- Evidence of Service-Related Event: Documentation of a specific incident, exposure, or illness during service that contributed to the onset of the disease.
- Medical Nexus: A doctor’s opinion linking Crohn’s disease to the veteran’s military service.
Secondary Service Connection
If Crohn’s disease developed as a result of another service-connected condition (e.g., anxiety or PTSD), veterans can apply for secondary service connection. This requires proving that the secondary condition is a direct result of the primary service-connected disability.
VA Disability Ratings for Crohn’s Disease
Starting in May 2024, Crohn’s disease will be rated under Diagnostic Code 7326 in the VA’s disability schedule. The rating criteria are based on symptom severity:
| VA Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Severe IBD unresponsive to treatment, requiring hospitalization, and accompanied by severe symptoms like daily diarrhea or rectal bleeding. |
| 60% | Moderate IBD, treated with immunosuppressants or biologic agents, characterized by recurrent pain, diarrhea, and intermittent toxicity. |
| 30% | Mild to moderate IBD, treated with oral or topical agents, with fewer episodes of diarrhea and minimal toxicity. |
| 10% | Minimal to mild IBD, treated with basic medications, characterized by mild symptoms like occasional pain and diarrhea. |
How Much Is VA Compensation for Crohn’s Disease?
Compensation amounts for VA ratings depend on the severity of the condition. As of 2025, the following monthly compensation is provided:
| VA Rating | Monthly Compensation |
|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 |
| 20% | $346.95 |
| 30% | $537.42 |
| 40% | $774.16 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 |
| 60% | $1,395.93 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 |
| 80% | $2,044.89 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 |
| 100% | $3,831.30 |
Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Veterans whose Crohn’s disease significantly impacts their ability to work may qualify for TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability), allowing them to receive compensation at the 100% rate even if their disability rating is lower than 100%.
- Schedular TDIU: Available if the veteran has one disability rated at 60% or higher or if the combined rating is 70% or higher, with at least one condition rated at 40% or higher.
- Extraschedular TDIU: For veterans who do not meet the schedular criteria but are still unable to work due to Crohn’s disease.
“TDIU is a valuable benefit for veterans whose Crohn’s disease has made it impossible to maintain substantial employment. This ensures they still receive the highest level of compensation,” says Jennifer Clark, a VA disability expert.
How to Apply for VA Disability for Crohn’s Disease?
To apply for VA disability benefits, veterans need to follow these steps:
- File a Claim: Complete and submit a VA disability claim for Crohn’s disease, including medical records and a diagnosis from a healthcare provider.
- Provide Supporting Documentation: Submit military medical records, evidence of an event or exposure during service that could have caused Crohn’s disease, and a nexus letter from a physician linking your condition to service.
- Attend a C&P Exam: A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam may be scheduled to assess the severity of the disease and its impact on your daily life and ability to work.
- Wait for Decision: After reviewing the evidence, the VA will assign a disability rating based on the severity of the condition.
FAQs
How can I prove my Crohn’s disease is service-connected?
To prove service connection, you must show a formal diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, evidence of an in-service event or exposure, and a medical opinion linking the disease to your military service.
Can I receive VA compensation for Crohn’s disease even if it’s not service-connected?
If Crohn’s disease developed due to a service-connected condition (like anxiety), you may qualify for a secondary service connection.
What symptoms of Crohn’s disease qualify for a higher rating?
Symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or hospitalizations may qualify for higher ratings (60% or 100%).
Can I qualify for TDIU with Crohn’s disease?
Yes, if your Crohn’s disease prevents you from maintaining substantial employment, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), even if your disability rating is below 100%.
How much is the monthly VA compensation for Crohn’s disease?
Compensation varies based on your disability rating, with monthly amounts ranging from $175.51 for 10% to $3,831.30 for 100%.
