Iowa Veterans Benefits & Iowa Veterans Cemetery Update

Iowa Veterans Benefits & Iowa Veterans Cemetery Update

Strategic Insights on IBS and PACT Act Claims

A review of recent case notes shared by experienced Iowa Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) highlights a critical area of focus: the frequent, erroneous denial of service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The VA often fails to recognize documented IBS as a qualifying Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder or a Medically Unexplained Chronic Multi-symptom Illness (MUCMI), despite the veteran having a formal diagnosis and qualifying service in Southwest Asia. To help reverse these denials and secure the compensation our veterans deserve, VSOs and advocates should utilize the following strategic pathways:

Navigating Pre-PACT Act Denials via Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE)

For veterans who were denied service connection prior to the passage of the PACT Act, VSOs can pursue a formal revision under 38 CFR § 3.105(a) for Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE).

• The Burden of Proof: The claimant must demonstrate that both the qualifying theater service and the active disability were officially of record at the time of the original denial, or within the VA's constructive custody.
• Historical Constraints: Keep in mind that prior to the PACT Act, the recognized geographic theater was more limited, and the condition was required to manifest to a compensable level of 10% or greater to qualify.

Utilizing PACT Act Expansion & Liberalizing Law

The PACT Act significantly expanded qualifying locations—most notably adding Afghanistan to the eligible theater list.

• Supplemental Claims: If a veteran was previously denied due to location restrictions, filing a Supplemental Claim under the new guidelines can successfully establish service connection and active compensation.
• Effective Dates: Once service connection is granted, VSOs can evaluate downstream opportunities for an earlier effective date. If the PACT Act directly established the veteran's entitlement, liberalizing law under 38 CFR § 3.114 applies, potentially dating back to August 10, 2022, provided all criteria are met.

Applying Updated Rating Schedule Criteria

The VA modernized the rating schedule criteria for IBS on May 19, 2024, creating a much smoother path for proper evaluation:

• Removal of the 10% Hurdle: If a veteran's past claim was denied solely because the condition was deemed "non-compensable" (0%), the PACT Act has completely removed that barrier.
• DBQ Alignment: The old rating system relied on subjective, vague evaluative tiers ("mild," "moderate," or "severe") that did not align well with the VA's automated evaluation tools. The 2024 updated criteria match perfectly with the modern Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), ensuring more accurate and fair ratings.

VSO Pro-Tip: IBS is frequently secondary to a wide array of other service-connected disabilities. Always screen your clients' medical records thoroughly for gastrointestinal symptoms. If you track veteran data within a claims management system, search Diagnostic Code (DC) 7319 to identify past files that may be ripe for a successful reopen or increase.

Iowa Veterans Cemetery (IVC) Updates

A Memorable Memorial Day Service

The Iowa Veterans Cemetery hosted its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, 2026, under beautiful late-spring skies. The morning program welcomed more than 200 visitors, families, and community members to the hallowed grounds.

• Opening Remarks: IDVA Commandant Todd Jacobus opened the service and welcomed Congressman Zach Nunn (U.S. House of Representatives, 3rd Congressional District of Iowa), who provided moving opening remarks to the crowd.
• Keynote Address: The keynote address was delivered by COL Eric Soults, Commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division (Iowa Army National Guard). COL Soults recently returned from deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, bringing a deeply personal and timely message of service, sacrifice, and modern remembrance.

Volunteer Force Honors Our Heroes

The flawless presentation of the cemetery grounds was made possible by an incredible display of community support. On Friday, May 22, more than 50 volunteers gathered at the cemetery to meticulously place an American flag in front of every single headstone and columbarium niche cover.

We extend our profound thanks to the volunteers, civic groups, and staff members who gave their time to ensure that the final resting places of Iowa’s heroes were beautifully honored throughout the holiday weekend.

For technical assistance with a Supplemental Claim, or to learn more about pre-need burial determinations at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, connect with our bureau specialists at dva.iowa.gov.

Iowa Veterans Benefits Bureau & Cemetery in the News