Chronic Condition- When To File

[ruby]

I have a question regarding filing for a chronic condition perhaps someone can help me understand what I need to do so I don't screw this one up

Wings posted this in another thread:

For the showing of chronic disease in service, there is required a combination of manifestations sufficient to identify the disease entity, and sufficient observation to establish chronicity at the time, as distinguished by merely isolated findings or a diagnosis including the word "chronic." When the disease identity is established, there is no requirement of evidentiary showing of continuity.

Continuity of symptomatology is required only for the condition noted during service is not, in fact,

shown to be chronic, or where the diagnosis of chronicity may be legitimately questioned. When the fact of chronicity in service is not adequately supported, then a showing of continuity after discharge is required to support the claim. 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(.

The chronicity provision of § 3.303(B) is applicable where evidence, regardless of its date, shows that a veteran had a chronic condition in service or during an applicable presumption period and still has such condition. Such evidence must be medical unless it relates to a condition as to which, under the Court's case law, lay observation is competent. If the chronicity provision is not applicable, a claim may still be.... reopened on the basis of § 3.303(B) if the condition is observed during service or any applicable presumption period, continuity of symptomatology is demonstrated thereafter, and competent evidence relates the present condition to that symptomatology.

In 1975, I had ie a cyst that was documented in my SMR I also recieve a 0% for scar.

This cyst reoccurred and I took care of it while in the service, this was located in a area that would be embrassing to most. When I got out of the service within the first year it appeared again really bad and I had to get medical treatment from the VA. Antibiotics and pain meds. Over the past 30 years I have taken care of this problem by lancing them when need be.

Now 30 years later I am told this is a disease process, I have the scars to show that this condition has occurred many times. It can cause tunnelling from one cyst to another and you can have more than one. I can show that I have tunnelling which is bad.

I only have one doc that mentioned this cyst was a disease that probably caused my reactive arthritis. This is too complicated to file for at this time, I just want to file for the new dx of hidradenitis--

So do I file for an increase for the scarring or a new dx.

I know I need to get more docs to agree with this but whats the best way to get a higher rating for now--money is more important at this time. I can't fight for anything for a long period of time at this point.

[ruby]

That is what I wanted to know to file for a new SC. I am trying to locate people who knew I lanced these cyst by myself for the last 25 years. I have the scars that I feel can show this is chronic and I am fairly sure I have tunneling also, you get other little nasty things too, that I have removed and it feels like someone is ripping your insides out when its removed.

Thanks for all the help will get appoint with primary so she can refer me to Derm. I understand they have to make the DX as far as the VA is concerned or at least that's what my rheumatologist said.