Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7319
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Secondary to Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) when it develops after Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia.
Why Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Is Linked to Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
Anxiety and panic can trigger gastrointestinal issues.
Primary condition · VASRD 9434
Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
Panic disorder is marked by sudden episodes of intense fear, often leading to avoidance of public places.
Secondary condition · VASRD 7319
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A chronic condition causing abdominal discomfort, bloating, and frequent diarrhea and/or constipation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia — severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
50% Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia + 10% Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) = 55%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 50% and 10% combine to 55%, not 60%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Secondary Claim
- •A GI specialist's diagnosis, since IBS is typically diagnosed by ruling out other conditions through specialist evaluation.
- •A documented history of symptoms over time, showing the frequency and pattern the rating tiers are based on.
- •Your Gulf War or Southwest Asia deployment history, if applicable, to support presumptive service connection.
Common questions about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) secondary to Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
- Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) be service-connected as secondary to Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Anxiety and panic can trigger gastrointestinal issues. You'll need a current Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to you…
- What VA rating can I get for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as a secondary condition?
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 7319 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 30%, 10%, 0%. The rating depends on the severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) itself, not on the severity of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia.
- How does a secondary Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 50% rating for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia combined with a 10% rating for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 55%, not 60%. Approving Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as second…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as secondary to Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) diagnosis includes: A GI specialist's diagnosis, since IBS is typically diagnosed by ruling out other conditions through specialist evaluation.; A documented history of symptoms over time, showing the frequency and pattern the rating tiers are based on.…
Primary condition
Full Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia guide
Secondary condition
Full Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) guide
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See how Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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