Malignant neoplasm of the colorectum - Ulcerative colitis Factor
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease in which the mucous membrane lining the large bowel becomes diffusely inflamed and may ulcerate. Diagnosis is by barium enema and sigmoidoscopy. Treatment may include drug therapy [often corticosteroids] or surgery. Significant medical attention would have been needed at some time although possibly not until symptoms had been present for some time.
Signs and symptoms
- The major symptoms of ulcerative colitis are bloody diarrhoea and abdominal pain, often with fever and weight loss in more severe cases.
- With predominantly rectal involvement, constipation rather than diarrhoea may be present, and straining at stool may be a major complaint.
- Other manifestations include arthritis, skin changes, evidence of liver disease, fever, tachycardia and postural hypotension
- Most patients will suffer a relapse within 1 year of the first attack but there may be prolonged periods of remission with only minimal symptoms.
Last reviewed for CCPS 26 August 2004.
Preliminary questions [3707]
17601 there is some evidence that ulcerative colitis may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
806 the veteran has had ulcerative colitis.
3709 the veteran has established the causal connection between the ulcerative colitis and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.
3713 the veteran has established the causal connection between the ulcerative colitis and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.
or
3712 the veteran has established the causal connection between the ulcerative colitis and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.
Clinical onset and operational service [3712]
32252 the veteran was suffering from ulcerative colitis for at least five years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.
809 the ulcerative colitis is causally related to operational service.
Clinical onset and eligible service [3713]
32253 the veteran was suffering from ulcerative colitis for at least ten years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colorectum.
3715 the ulcerative colitis is causally related to eligible service.