You may not know this, but if you’re a veteran taking oral or injectable medication for a skin condition related to your service, you could be missing out on a 60% VA disability rating and possibly years of back pay.
I’m Robert Hoffman, a disabled veteran and your advocate here at Veterans Guide. I want to help you understand a VA rule that many veterans and even some VA reps overlook.
Let’s say you were rated for a skin condition like psoriasis, eczema, or even herpes. If the VA focused only on how much of your skin was affected and gave you a 0% or 10% rating, they may have missed a critical part of the law.
According to the VA’s own rules specifically 38 CFR Section 4.118, if you have had to take oral or injectable medication for that condition for longer than 12 months, you may qualify for a 60% rating.
Here’s what that means. If you’re taking something like methotrexate or Humira for psoriasis, or Valtrex for herpes, and you’ve been on it for longer than 12 months, that counts as systemic treatment. That puts you in the 60% rating territory.
And here’s the kicker: if you were already service-connected when you started those medications and the VA didn’t factor that in, you may be able to get your rating increased and backdated. We’ve seen this happen to veterans. The VA often only looks at how much skin is affected, but they must also consider systemic medications.
So, what can you do? First, review your current rating decision. Second, gather medical records that show your diagnosis and medication history. Third, reach out to us for help. At Veterans Guide, we work with professionals who know how to challenge these low ratings and get you what you deserve.
You served. You earned it. Don’t leave benefits on the table. If you’re dealing with a service-connected skin condition and taking medication for it, let’s get you the rating and compensation you’ve earned. Call us today at 888-982-1009.
