Secondary Service Connection

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as Secondary to Anxiety/Depression

December 7, 2025

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Early-2000s Air Force veteran • Generalised Anxiety disorder with depressive features • Stress-triggered IBS

The Challenge

Service treatment records do not any complaints or diagnosis related to IBS. The evidence does not demonstrate that gastrointestinal symptoms are secondary to your service-connected anxiety/depression. No medical relationship was established.

What Existed Before

IBS diagnosis
SC anxiety/depression
Notes showing symptom flares during MH episodes

Our Contribution

Review of symptom fluctuations tied to stress and mental health episodes
Identification of GI patterns consistent with secondary aggravation
Chronological mapping of mental health treatment and IBS progression
Structured secondary-service-connection explanation using existing evidence

Key Takeaway

Following submission of the new opinion, the veteran later received a favorable decision granting service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). We supported the claim with medical rationale - NEXUS Letter. VA made the final decision.

Content Standards

Written By

Military Disability Nexus Editorial Team

Content authorship and evidence-based educational publishing

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Reviewed For Clinical Accuracy

Military Disability Nexus Clinical Review Team

Clinical review for medically sensitive educational and proof content

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Originally published December 7, 2025 • Last updated March 3, 2026

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