I was referred to MEB/PEB for severe allergic dermatosis. I have read the VASRD on eczema and am wondering how the VA will determine body area affected? The eczema pops up on different parts of my body at different times. For example, right now my upper thighs are covered in eczema, a month ago it was only on my ankles. I have records of eczema on my whole body except my face at different times. At the C&P exam will i only get "credit" for where I currently have eczema? or will they look for where it has occurred in the past?
Allergic Dermatosis
- Thread starter bearsfan8004
- Start date
Your medical records should provide evidence. On the form they will ask you to fill out at or before the C&P exam be prepared to list all affected areas, not just current areas.
Thanks for the response. The other half of VASRD on eczema refers immunosuppressive medications constantly/ near constantly for 12 months for a 60% rating, or for greater than 6 weeks for 30% rating. I just started methotrexate, which made me undeployable. Prior i was on prednisone but only periodically. I will only have been on Methotrexate constantly for a month or two before my C&P, but the intent is that I am on methotrexate indefinitely to prevent flare ups. Anyway to avoid getting 30% during IDES process and having to request an increase from the VA to 60% when I have been on methotrexate for the 12 months?
I faced this same situation last year with humira for psoriasis but it follows the same ratings. When I had my C&P exams, I was only on the immunosuppressants for 7/8 months. Before my appointments I had my derm and rheumatologist put in their notes I will be on these meds constantly for more than a year or until they stop working.
Even with these notes, I was only marked near constant but not constant usage on the exams. They rated me at 30% for it, but I also feel my exams as a whole were pretty bad and black and white medical notes from my docs were completely ignored for other issues.
I dragged out my MEB up to the Secretary of the Air Force which extended it until May of this year when I did my VA Rating Reconsideration.
Since I was on the meds at 12 months at this point it was a pretty slam dunk appeal and my Air Force legal counsel really pulled the package completely together. They ended up increasing it to 60%, I plan on fighting the rest of my ratings (primarily psoriatic arthritis related) after I separate.
At the very least take heart you will get the magical 30% for immunosuppressant use and if they don’t give you the 60 off the bat, you can ask for it later.
Good luck, I hope it goes smoothly for you.