Interesting Facts about Colitis

Colitis (also called ulcerative colitis) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the colon—your large intestine or bowel. Colitis causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the lower section, called the ileum.

The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcers form in places where the inflammation has killed colon lining cells. The ulcers bleed and produce pus and mucus. You may have abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, painful spasms (tenesmus), lack of appetite, fever, and fatigue. (from eMedicineHealth)

From: The Department of Defense Instruction Number 1332.38

SUBJECT: Physical Disability Evaluation

Subparagraph:

E3.P1.2. Medical Evaluation
E3.P1.2.1. Purpose. The medical evaluation element of the Disability Evaluation System shall document under departmental regulations the medical status and duty limitations of Service members referred into the DES.

Actionable medical conditions include those of:

E4.7. GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
E4.7.1. General. Any organic condition of the Gastrointestinal System that prevents adequate maintenance of the service member's nutritional status, or requires significant dietary restrictions to include
E4.7.2. Inflammatory and/or Infectious Conditions.
E4.7.2.6. Ulcerative Colitis.