Crohn's Disease and PTSD in Veterans Disability | All You Need To Know

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Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.
Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.

In this video, Leah discusses Crohn's disease in the context of VA disability, particularly how it can be connected to PTSD and other mental health conditions. She defines Crohn's disease as an inflammatory bowel disease causing swelling in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Leah explains the process for service connection of Crohn's disease, which can be directly diagnosed during active duty or secondary if related to other medical conditions like PTSD. She cites studies showing the impact of stress on the brain-gut axis and its contribution to gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn's. Furthermore, Leah touches on the VA examination and rating process for Crohn's disease, emphasizing the importance of consulting with a legal professional for current ratings and legal advice.

Creators and Guests

Leah Bucholz
Host
Leah Bucholz
Leah Bucholz is an Army combat veteran, board-certified Physician Assistant, former VA C&P examiner, and the founder of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting. Through her work in medical evidence review and veteran education, Leah helps veterans better understand the medical side of the VA disability process, including nexus letters, DBQs, C&P exams, and complex medical opinions. She is also the host of The Veterans Disability Nexus podcast, where she discusses VA disability medical evidence from an educational and evidence-based perspective.
Crohn's Disease and PTSD in Veterans Disability | All You Need To Know
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