Sjogren's syndrome

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease - Sjogren's syndrome Factor

The RMA has defined Sjogren’s syndrome to mean “a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by xerostomia (dry mouth), xerophthalmia (dry eyes) and lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands”.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder characterised by dryness of the mouth, eyes and other mucous membranes and often associated with rheumatic disorders sharing certain autoimmune features (eg rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus).  In some, SS affects only the eyes or mouth (primary SS; sicca complex; sicca syndrome) but in others there is an associated generalised collagen-vascular disease (secondary SS).  In advanced cases, the cornea is severely damaged and epithelial strands hang from the corneal surface.

If a person had Sjogren's syndrome, he or she would almost certainly have sought medical attention at some time.  Such medical treatment would normally be recorded in doctors' notes and/or hospital records.  However, if these records cannot be obtained, a reliable history of appropriate medical treatment or symptoms at a particular time will be accepted, unless there is contradictory evidence.  Seek medical advice if it is unclear whether the claimed symptoms and treatment at that time can be attributed to Sjogren's syndrome rather than to some other condition.

See also: Connective tissue disease

Last reviewed for CCPS 18 July 2005.

Preliminary questions [34887]

34888 there is some evidence that Sjogren's syndrome may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.

8615     the veteran has had Sjogren's syndrome at some time.

34889  the veteran has established the causal connection between Sjogren's syndrome and VEA service for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

34896 the veteran had Sjogren's syndrome at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

34890   the veteran has established the causal connection between Sjogren's syndrome and VEA service for the clinical onset of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

34892  the veteran has established the causal connection between Sjogren's syndrome and operational service for the clinical onset of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

or

34893  the veteran has established the causal connection between Sjogren's syndrome and eligible service for the clinical onset of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

or

7334     the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.

7335     the condition under consideration permanently worsened.

34897   the veteran had Sjogren's syndrome at the time of the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

34891   the veteran has established the causal connection between Sjogren's syndrome and VEA service for the clinical worsening of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

34894  the veteran has established the causal connection between Sjogren's syndrome and operational service for the clinical worsening of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

or

34895  the veteran has established the causal connection between Sjogren's syndrome and eligible service for the clinical worsening of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Clinical onset and operational service [34892]

34898  the Sjogren's syndrome is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [34893]

34899  the Sjogren's syndrome is causally related to eligible service.

Clinical worsening and operational service [34894]

34898  the Sjogren's syndrome is causally related to operational service.

34900  the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of operational service to which the Sjogren's syndrome is causally related.

Clinical worsening and eligible service [34895]

34899  the Sjogren's syndrome is causally related to eligible service.

34901  the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of eligible service to which the Sjogren's syndrome is causally related.