When I was active duty Navy I was exposed to Tuberculosis, not sure how but I was diagnosed on deployment aboard a Destroyer. I became very ill and was medevac'd from the ship and the remaining onboard were quarantined for a few days until I made it back stateside to be examined. Upon examining, it was found to be that I was exposed to Tuberculosis and it was in a latent stage. I remained sick for about another month which basically felt like the flu and I had this chronic cough that lasted for about three months. I was prescribed Albuterol to treat the cough and I was giving antibiotics and B6 to take for 6-9 months. I completed treatment.
On my second deployment, I was forced to take the Smallpox vaccination. I attempted by all means to resist it but I was threatened with NJP so of course this persuaded me to allow it. Literally, a day later my skin wen to absolute crap. It was disgusting and it was being told to me that it was just results of the vaccination. Okay fine, even though no one else on the ship had any symptoms to my effect. I toughed it out for a few weeks but it didn't get any better so they started trying to diagnose it because it wasn't normal. They didn't really know what it was so they gave me Prednisone to treat it and to my pleasure... IT WORKED!!! But only for a few days, symptoms would come back which was annoying. So they continued giving me shots and then ultimately gave me oral steroids to take. Deployment ended and I went to seek medical assistance from a private physician because the military health facilities were not working. They diagnosed me with pityriasis rosea which I wasn't too confident as well. I received a Skin Biopic from my private dermatologist and they diagnosed me with Eczema and I have been using triamcinolone for the last 8 years and if I don't, after a few days my skin goes crazy and it has hit every part of body except for feet. With the triamcinolone I'm fine however.
Upon separating from the military during my Medical outprocessing I was diagnosed with cataract in my left eye. I was 22 at the time so they advised me that it was rare for my age as it was not inherited and I do not have diabetes. I didn't think anything of it as my vision was okay... but not great.
So I've started my claim a little over five months ago. I started my first round of appointments yesterday and when I went to the C&P Optometry contracted physician he confirmed the cataract. To my dismay, he then found cataract in my right eye as well... both at about 50 percent. This shocked me because I had no idea it had spread. He then asked have I taken Prednisone shots or other steroid shots in which I acknowledged while giving him a background. He assured me he was going to document it and submit it to the VA and seemed very supportive and caring, which was a pleasant surprise after reading up on some many other stories on here. I do suffer from blurry vision, double vision, and difficulty driving at night but I never really thought much of it in terms of a rating.
In conclusion, is there any rating for being exposed to Tuberculosis? I know have to receive chest scans every time I go to the hospital which is very expensive because a PPD will be positive as I am a carrier.
Also, what can I expect in terms of Eczema and Cataract in both eyes? Thanks in advance for any assistance you may be able to provide.