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GERD & IBS secondary to Mental Health Conditions

Do you need a nexus letter for GERD, IBS or another gastrointestinal condition secondary to an already service connected PTSD, anxiety, depression or other mental health condition? Dr. Finnerty would be happy to review your medical evidence and review the scientific literature associated with this.

Sample nexus letter statements and research used by Dr. Finnerty:

It is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent chance or greater) that the veteran’s psychiatric difficulties (to include PTSD) and the medications related to these and other service connected difficulties both cause and substantially aggravate his significant GERD. It is notable that his PTSD and GERD both contribute to chronic sleep impairment, which in turn can be expected to contribute to significant functional deficits. This, in conjunction with the sleep problems associated with his PTSD, has an additive effect on his sleeping difficulties. Gradus, et. al (2017) [see Jaimie L. Gradus, Dóra Körmendiné Farkas, Elisabeth Svensson, Vera Ehrenstein, Timothy L. Lash, and Henrik Toft Sørensend. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Gastrointestinal Disorders in the Danish Population. Epidemiology. 2017 May; 28(3): 354–360] found significant connections between PTSD and gastrointestinal disorders in a large sample of people. This is consistent with the large percentage of Veterans with PTSD who experience gastrointestinal symptoms. Menon, et. al. (2013) [see Menon, Laila MD; Kelly, Leighann Litcher PhD; Brand, Douglas MD, FACG; Shaw, Robert MD, FACG. PTSD, Depression, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts: What’s the Relation? American Journal of Gastroenterology: October 2013 – Volume 108 – Issue – p S571]. They found that Veterans with a positive PTSD or depression screen tend to also be more likely to have GI symptoms, including GERD. The research literature supports a link between PTSD and GERD.

Ready to get a nexus letter for your VA disability claim?

You can reach out to Dr. Finnerty by filling out this form here: Free Consultation – Nexus Letters from a Psychologist