Results Back Today

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bubxter

PEB Forum Regular Member
Results form the IPEB came back this morning, discharege wtih severance.

I was rated 20% 7816-5002

Psoriatic Arthritis taking immuno supressants.
 
In my experience, they almost always make errors in rating PA/RA under 5002. Most often, they fail to rate on minimum ratings on chronic residuals. These cases are very difficult to win without help. If you have joint pain in multiple joints, either constantly or on flares, you might look for some outside help on this. Again, they are hard to win at the PEB, but can be won on appeal.

This issue is one of the most glaring errors at the PEBs (across all services). maparker can give some more insight as he is well versed in these issues, too.

Seems like you should appeal. Little to lose and much to gain. Good luck!
 
Absolutely challenge the rating and demand a formal board. Who did the rating, the VA or the PEB?

Specifically ask why you were not given a 60% rating based on your use of immunosuppressive drugs, assuming you use them constantly or nearly constantly. Also, dive into the chronic residual ratings under DC 5002 as Jason suggests.

I have a lot of experience in these type of ratings. I have psoriatic arthritis/reactive arthritis and it took me five years to get the VA to rate it correctly. I ended up getting 60% for the use of immunosuppressive drugs (Enbrel) and another 60% due to the multiple joints affected under the chronic residual ratings of DC 5002.

What branch of Service are you? I would love to see your rating rationale if you care to share it. Send me a PM to discuss.

Mike
 
Mike,
Is there anything written about people with RA on immunosuppressive drugs?

Jacqueline
 
I would like to know, too, why taking immunosuppressants is disabling for people with psoriatic arthritis, but not rheumatoid. Is there some major complication with psoriatic that makes immunosuppressants riskier?
 
The VASRD psoriasis rating criteria has the provision dealing with immunosuppresive drugs and psoriasis is a component of psoriatic arthritis. 5002 rating criteria was written around 1964 well before immunosuppresive drugs were developed for autoimmune arthritic conditions. I think this is just a matter of the VASRD not keeping up with the times. It is not fair but it is currently what the VASRD states.

Mike
 
I also have PsA and on Humira. I am waiting for my ratings to see how they rate the PsA being on immunosuppressive medication continuously for over two years now. If it is not rated at 60%, I am going to appeal on those grounds. At least I do have the diagnosis and LODs for PsA and psoriasis. (Another issue to point out is that 'normal arthritis', or OA, is normally diagnosed and treated by an Ortho doctor. However, RA and PsA are normally diagnosed and treated by a Rheumatologist.)
We'll see what happens when I get my ratings.

Draco
 
PtDraco
I also take Humira, started twice a month and now every week, for crohn's. I got my Proposed VA rating letter 40% DOD 40% VA
 
The Psoriasis rating is below. I feel if you are taking Humira (as I am), or any other immunosuppressive medication, continuously for over a year, the rating should be 60%.

Draco

7816 Psoriasis:
More than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or; constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period ____________________60%

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or; systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of six weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12-month period ____30%
 
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