tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post3408133449492239048..comments2023-05-10T04:47:11.680-07:00Comments on The Blog at Military Disability Made Easy: Proposed Changes to the Ratings of the Skin are Now Open to CommentsMDMEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807695915566004972noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-44947581209681475682018-12-26T17:24:58.478-08:002018-12-26T17:24:58.478-08:00As long as you have those service treatment record...As long as you have those service treatment records that show the original diagnosis and continued treatment of the condition, you shouldn't have a problem getting service-connection and a rating. <br /><br />It would be rated analogously under code 7813 for dermatophytosis on the Basic Rating System, or Scars/Disfigurement. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theskin.html#hMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-74248892418046155712018-12-22T12:53:52.426-08:002018-12-22T12:53:52.426-08:00Hi Dr. Johnson. A question about Tinea Versicolor...Hi Dr. Johnson. A question about Tinea Versicolor. It started during my time in service 15 years ago and I went for treatment while deployed and was prescribed oral and topical medication so I would think my medical records would show that. I've sought treatment over the years including last year or the year before and medications have never caused it to go away. It's on my neck, arms chest and back. Would this be rated under the basic rating and would I have any difficulties in the process with it? Thank you.D.C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06995687575892474928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-32813866954331286662018-07-21T06:34:43.375-07:002018-07-21T06:34:43.375-07:00Basal cell carcinoma is usually only granted servi...Basal cell carcinoma is usually only granted service-connection if it was 1. diagnosed while on duty, 2. diagnosed within 1 year of separation, or 3. caused by exposure to circumstances/substances (like arsenic) while on duty. <br /><br />You basically have to prove that your military service was more likely the cause than anything else to cause the condition. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-47848092774301836462018-07-20T10:30:08.273-07:002018-07-20T10:30:08.273-07:00Is basil cell carcinoma of the face/ears considere...Is basil cell carcinoma of the face/ears considered service related?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11981364696807704189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-38616397757800940112018-07-13T07:58:15.805-07:002018-07-13T07:58:15.805-07:00You are correct. I didn't mean to infer that a...You are correct. I didn't mean to infer that a claim shouldn't be submitted, just that when submitting a claim, it is always more likely to be granted if the conditions claimed are clearly reflected in your medical records. The majority of denials we see are because of listing conditions that weren't officially diagnosed until after service even though evidence of the condition did exist in service. Some conditions, like yours are more easily distinguished and corrected than others. Your case is the exception to the rule because of the type of condition, symptoms, etc. But in Kathie's case, hers was denied, as are most. <br /><br />There is a higher likelihood of a successful claim if you first get your in-service diagnoses and symptoms approved and then apply for conditions diagnosed later as either increases (worsening of the original condition) or as secondary (caused by the original condition). <br /><br />We encourage all veterans to always claim all conditions because you never know, and you do not want to miss out on potential benefits. However, you have to be careful how to do it if you want to improve your chances of a successful claim. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-48370825446548783282018-07-07T16:40:41.220-07:002018-07-07T16:40:41.220-07:00Hi,
I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with yo...Hi,<br /><br />I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with your statement: "Applying for a condition that is diagnosed after discharge is never a good idea." I was diagnosed with Endometriosis 9yrs after service, which resulted in a hysterectomy. A recent C&P established "direct service connections, based on my symptoms recorded in my service and post-service medical records. Sometimes military docs get it wrong, miss the obvious symptoms of something and misdiagnose patients. Sometimes, as the years pass, medical science improves and doctors know more. I am sure you know that diagnosis and onset dates do not always match. Therefore, there is no reason for a veteran to avoid submitting a claim for a condition diagnosed after service.Tee Bmorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03285174834306850715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-32415630937610208302018-06-16T17:41:55.328-07:002018-06-16T17:41:55.328-07:00Thank you sir. Great website. Great service. Thank you sir. Great website. Great service. BoPopshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16615417397474151573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-22020406365850145152018-06-12T08:46:58.856-07:002018-06-12T08:46:58.856-07:00If you are being discharged because of this condit...If you are being discharged because of this condition, then that is basically saying that it makes it impossible for you to do your job when active. The definition of "debilitating" for this code is that it makes you unable to do your job, so it should qualify as such. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theskin.html#iMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-73634205604677985502018-06-07T19:22:00.995-07:002018-06-07T19:22:00.995-07:00I have been diagnosed with Erythema Multiforma. It...I have been diagnosed with Erythema Multiforma. It has been non stop for over year with an outbreak starting shortly after the conclusion of another. It covers the whole of the back of my hands and to a lesser degree up my arms. My knees are completely covered with an area the size of a small pancake and additional outbreaks on my legs and feet. Sunlight seems to be the main stimulant and steroid creams and prednisone only exasperated the problem. I’m being medically discharged after 20 years and am wondering if this would be considered debilitating? My hands hurt when closing them as it breaks the skin open and I cannot be on my knees at all. Thank you for your time. BoPopshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16615417397474151573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-31098873996401602672018-05-26T09:28:42.510-07:002018-05-26T09:28:42.510-07:00Great! Congrats!Great! Congrats!Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-23909479951663388602018-05-16T22:05:41.456-07:002018-05-16T22:05:41.456-07:00Granted!!!Granted!!!LBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10365049851653568919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-45894154040878220702018-05-06T05:38:54.538-07:002018-05-06T05:38:54.538-07:00Thank you for the reply!Thank you for the reply!Erik Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18227288806376926022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-74768067226692833452018-05-06T05:38:17.021-07:002018-05-06T05:38:17.021-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Erik Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18227288806376926022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-58416043011532860692018-04-17T08:29:08.918-07:002018-04-17T08:29:08.918-07:00Hi Erik -
Unfortunately, these would not qualify ...Hi Erik -<br /><br />Unfortunately, these would not qualify for SMC-K. SMC-K is for loss of use of only specific body parts, like hands, feet, reproductive organs, etc. This does not include loss of use of the sweat glands.<br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/specialmonthlycompensation.html#k <br /><br />The VA would rate you directly for the skin condition (psoriasis), and then for rheumatoid arthritis and the affected joints. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-7105599668374945782018-04-15T04:42:14.002-07:002018-04-15T04:42:14.002-07:00Dr. Johnson,
Thank you for creating this website....Dr. Johnson,<br /><br />Thank you for creating this website. Glad you mention the difficulties with skin conditions. Interested in how the VA internally might handle something like the following and whether skin conditions and/or secondaries could qualify for a SMC given the following scenario:<br /><br />Within the past 2.5 years, experienced a sudden onset that was diagnosed by derm as psoriasis and by rheum as psoriatic arthritis w/skin rash. Have been followed extensively with ample documentation (70+ records over 2+ years, failed medications, uniform modifications, joint/nail conditions etc) and at one point became fully erythrodermic. Since the erythrodermic episode, documents note an inability to sweat (entire body) and subsequent hyperthermia, susceptibility to heat. <br /><br />Could the apparent autonomic neuropathy damage and loss of sweat glands be considered for SMC (k)?Erik Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18227288806376926022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-63919014782252647232018-04-13T15:04:21.631-07:002018-04-13T15:04:21.631-07:00Yeah I requested a copy as well (my fingers are cr...Yeah I requested a copy as well (my fingers are crossed)!LBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10365049851653568919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-174917567185098522018-04-13T09:23:54.015-07:002018-04-13T09:23:54.015-07:00Great. With the examiner claiming it (and hopefull...Great. With the examiner claiming it (and hopefully putting it clearly in his notes), then you should have a positive outcome. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-56089770959070721432018-04-11T20:41:37.643-07:002018-04-11T20:41:37.643-07:00Just a little update...I recently had a c&p ex...Just a little update...I recently had a c&p exam to determine if my flat feet would be service connected due to aggravation seeing as it was diagnosed before i went active and the examiner stated that it was so i'm waiting to see now what the decision letter is going to say.LBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10365049851653568919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-5416979668322484142017-09-07T09:47:10.884-07:002017-09-07T09:47:10.884-07:00Hi Kenneth -
Depending on if it is related to yo...Hi Kenneth - <br /><br />Depending on if it is related to your scar, it could be rated as a non-linear scar of the body. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/scars.html#nonlinear<br /><br />For discoloration, there are a couple of codes that cover it, but these are usually diagnosed conditions. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theskin.html#discolor<br /><br />Has your physician figured out the exact reason for the discoloration and made a diagnosis? It'll most likely be rated on one of the discoloration codes, but depending on the exact diagnosis, another code might be more appropriate. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-53182521122961490662017-08-31T13:48:39.945-07:002017-08-31T13:48:39.945-07:00Is there a rating for skin discoloration or change...Is there a rating for skin discoloration or change in appearance after surgery. I had foot surgery and now the skin on my foot is darker and scaly.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11572586298901999608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-58899716651443553692017-06-26T10:04:33.060-07:002017-06-26T10:04:33.060-07:00The plantar fasciitis is secondary to the flatfoot...The plantar fasciitis is secondary to the flatfoot, so yes, flatfoot would be the underlying condition. But if the underlying condition is not considered service-connected, they won't consider the secondary condition that developed after service to be service-connected. <br /><br />Retrocalcaneal enthesophytes are boney growths on the heel around the achilles tendon. These can also be secondary to flatfoot. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-31156435096166394042017-06-23T23:27:24.766-07:002017-06-23T23:27:24.766-07:00An to add on to that i also have retrocalcaneal en...An to add on to that i also have retrocalcaneal enthesophytes on both feet whatever that means.LBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10365049851653568919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-88210356439729815222017-06-23T23:11:39.932-07:002017-06-23T23:11:39.932-07:00Thank you for responding but i thought that would ...Thank you for responding but i thought that would be an underlying condition on how it came to be.LBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10365049851653568919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-60170107902550121012017-06-23T11:28:57.568-07:002017-06-23T11:28:57.568-07:00It's possible, but not likely. If your flatfoo...It's possible, but not likely. If your flatfoot isn't already considered service-connected, they are not likely to consider it so because of a secondary condition that developed after service. The original condition usually has to qualify on its own. However, if you have strong evidence that the plantar fasciitis is a direct result of the flatfoot, then it may stand as evidence that the flatfoot was actually chronic. It's worth a shot to apply again, but don't be surprised if it is denied. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-33295613078642624302017-06-21T03:56:40.130-07:002017-06-21T03:56:40.130-07:00I have a question but its not for the skin but for...I have a question but its not for the skin but for the foot excuse the run-ons as i suck at punctuating but i have flat feet and had treatment while in service for it i got out applied for SC an it was denied because the condition wasn't chronic now i have another disease brought on from having flat feet which is Plantar Fasciitis if i was to submit the new evidence will they service connect me?LBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10365049851653568919noreply@blogger.com