Psoriatic Arthritis MEB

Hey all!

I'm new to this message board and I've searched around for some insight on this process but would appreciate any new info some of you may have.

I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis last year and have been on Humira for almost 9 months now. I was just informed that I will be going through an MEB in the near future. I'm a little overwhelmed by that prospect since it could end in a shake up for me and my wife.

Is there anyone here that has been through this or anyone that can shed some light on what I can expect going forward and what my best coarse of action is.

Thanks for your time!

 

[Armypilot]

I too was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (PSA). It made me non deployable and due to to the need for constant, weekly injections, it was rated at 60% VA and 60% DoD. The documentation is very important, as well as a well written DBQ form. Best of luck. The PSA stays with you for life, as well as the collateral damage.

 

[Nyjohnny]

I too was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (PSA). It made me non deployable and due to to the need for constant, weekly injections, it was rated at 60% VA and 60% DoD. The documentation is very important, as well as a well written DBQ form. Best of luck. The PSA stays with you for life, as well as the collateral damage.

For the dod to rate 60 percent was it just based on the humira or did the arthritis effect multiple joints?

 

[Armypilot]

Hello, to clarify, the VA rated the PsA at 60% by the constant use of Enbrel injections (weekly) as well as methotrexate (daily, very poisonous chemo pills). Either one was considered being on a “constant immunosuppressant “. The VA also rated many joints (fingers, wrists, elbow, etc) individually (each joint was rated at about 20% to 10% each (L and R). The DoD was funny, instead of rating the PsA by each joint, came up to about 80% on joints alone. Then I had other issues, such as loss of organs, that the DoD rated me at 100% (but of course, it’s capped at 75%). Hope that helps.

 

[fidelis82]

Hello, to clarify, the VA rated the PsA at 60% by the constant use of Enbrel injections (weekly) as well as methotrexate (daily, very poisonous chemo pills). Either one was considered being on a “constant immunosuppressant “. The VA also rated many joints (fingers, wrists, elbow, etc) individually (each joint was rated at about 20% to 10% each (L and R). The DoD was funny, instead of rating the PsA by each joint, came up to about 80% on joints alone. Then I had other issues, such as loss of organs, that the DoD rated me at 100% (but of course, it’s capped at 75%). Hope that helps.

I was informed I would begin the MEB process last week. Working my NARSUM etc. I have seen 60% cited for constant use of immunosuppressant drugs in the past but always wondered how the C&P exams correlated if you do not have a lot of pain or swelling. I have PsA and have been on Humira and Sulfasalizine since 2017. I assume because I am on the medication and it is the only thing that helps they take that into account as well and documented issues
(wrist, knee, Achilles, fingers, toes, foot , neck) that led to the diagnosis are included vice a phsycial exam that demonstrates pain or ROM issues. . looking for some insight to the exam portion versus rating received. Many others have stated the length of time on the medication is taken into account as well. Thanks-

 

[Armypilot]

I hope everything goes well for you. I was in severe pain for probably 15+ yrs before seeking treatment from a Rheumatologist. Since then, been on constant immunosuppressive meds (over 10years now, 7-8 yrs when I was MEB’d). The VA did lots of tests and ROM exams, some of which were not done very well, but the most important piece was a very detailed DBQ done by the Rheumatologist, who is not only a great MD but a Professor in a famous Medical School/University. The DoD took his statements very seriously, as well as the VA, even over the shoddily done ROM VA exams. It proves how important is to have a well written, well documented DBQ. Good luck!