VA Disability Rating For Herpes
Herpes is frequently overlooked for disability benefits. It’s common to feel embarrassed or uneasy about filing a claim for this diagnosis. However, the significant effects experienced by veterans with service-connected herpes are grounds for compensation, just as they would be for any other condition.
Veterans can get a VA disability rating for herpes if they can prove the initial infection or aggravation of an existing infection occurred during military service. Both oral and genital herpes, officially named herpes simplex 1, or HSV-1, and herpes simplex 2, or HSV-2, can qualify for VA disability benefits. To qualify for a VA rating, the veterans must prove
If you were diagnosed with HSV-1 or HSV-2 as a result of your military service and experience regular outbreaks, you could be eligible for compensation. The veterans’ benefits attorneys at Veterans Guide can inform you about your options and help you file a claim for a new VA rating or file a claim for a rating increase.
How Does the VA Rate Herpes?
The VA evaluates herpes under VA diagnostic code 7806, which uses the general rating formula for conditions affecting the skin. The VA issues ratings of 0, 10, 30, and 60 percent for herpes based on the severity of your symptoms.
A 0 percent rating is the lowest possible disability rating you can receive from the VA. This rating means that the VA recognizes your diagnoses and finds it is service-connected, but concludes your symptoms are not severe enough to warrant monthly compensation.
A 10 percent rating for herpes is the lowest rating you can receive that qualifies for monthly compensation. The VA assigns this rating when the herpes impacts a small percentage of the body or requires brief systemic therapy. A diagnosis that affects more of the body, but still less than half, or requires systemic therapy for more than 6 weeks, may be assigned a 30 percent rating. Herpes is rated at 60 percent when it causes major outbreaks requiring constant systemic therapy.
If you think your herpes VA disability rating is too low, contact us to speak with a veterans’ benefits attorney for help requesting an increase.
| Rating | Symptoms | Monthly Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Mild or infrequent outbreaks requiring only topical treatment | None |
| 10% | 10% Outbreaks cover 5-20% of the body or require brief systemic therapy, which is typically less than 6 weeks $175.51 | $175.51 |
| 30% | Outbreaks affect 20-40% of the body or require systemic therapy for 6+ weeks | $537.42 |
| 60% | Frequent, widespread outbreaks requiring constant or near-constant systemic therapy over 12 months | $1,395.93 |
Note: Compensation rates shown are available to a single veteran with no dependents.
How To Establish a Service Connection for Herpes
To receive VA benefits for any condition, you must prove your injury or illness is connected to your service. To establish a service connection for herpes, you’ll need to demonstrate the following:
- You have a current diagnosis of herpes, either HSV-1 or HSV-2.
- The condition arose or was exacerbated during military service.
One commonly overlooked aspect of a successful VA benefits application is a nexus letter from your medical provider. These letters document the link between your military service and your diagnosis. While optional, they are extremely helpful.
Insufficient proof of the nexus between a veteran’s condition and their service is a common reason for the VA to deny claims. If your claim was denied because you couldn’t prove your herpes was service-connected, a veterans’ benefits attorney can help you appeal the decision.
Secondary Conditions Linked to Herpes
Secondary service-connected disabilities are conditions caused or exacerbated by your primary service-connected condition. A secondary disability can qualify you for an increased rating depending on the nature of the disability, its impact on your life, and the connection to your original disabling condition.
Some veterans with herpes may experience complications that could qualify as secondary conditions. These can include urinary tract infections, bladder issues, scarring, nerve pain, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
To qualify for a secondary VA rating, you must establish a medical diagnosis for the secondary disability and prove it is linked to your primary condition. A nexus letter from your treating providers can serve as key evidence for a secondary condition.
If the VA approves your secondary claim, it uses the Combined Ratings Table to calculate a new rating based on the rating for each condition.
Mental Health and the Emotional Toll of Living With Herpes
Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection, often called an STI or STD. Thus, it is socially stigmatized and can have a significant psychological impact on veterans who live with the condition. This is especially true among veterans with military sexual trauma, or MST, who acquired the disease due to sexual violence during service.
For many veterans, herpes is a lifelong reminder of a painful event that can cause or exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These mental health conditions can be severely disabling, leaving affected veterans unable to work.
A mental health condition linked to service-connected herpes may qualify you for a secondary disability rating. Talk to an attorney to discuss your potential secondary eligibility for mental health symptoms.
If you struggle with suicidal ideation connected to herpes, you’re not alone. Resources are available to help veterans in crisis cope with thoughts of suicide or self-harm. If you have been the victim of sexual assault, battery, or harassment while serving in the military, the VA can cover emergency mental health care and some follow-up treatment, regardless of your existing VA benefits status.
How To Increase Your VA Rating for Herpes
Many veterans receive VA ratings for herpes that are too low to adequately compensate them for the impact HSV-1 or HSV-2 has on their lives. You have options for increasing your VA disability rating if you believe the one you received is incorrect.
Steps you can take to increase your rating include:
- Keep a detailed record of outbreak frequency, duration, and impact. The VA rates herpes using information about outbreaks, so keep careful notes of how and when they occur.
- Thoroughly document medications, including side effects, usage timelines, and whether treatments are systemic or topical. Medication is the second factor the VA considers for herpes ratings, so pay close attention to and record all treatments you receive in detail.
- Consider submitting a nexus letter. Nexus letters are valuable additions to a request for a rating increase because they can establish the full extent of your symptoms and their relation to your service.
- File a claim for any secondary conditions. If you have an additional condition linked to your herpes, you may be able to increase your rating by filing a secondary claim.
- Contact Veterans Guide for help. Our dedicated team of veterans and allies is committed to helping veterans maximize their VA benefits.
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