Increase of MRSA from 0%-? unknown, having c&p exam on tuesday

[gunnergalaxy84]

Do they go back to the date of the original claim? im just curious, ive had this infection, since i was in the army, and it was and is horrible, losing jobs, and such. thanks in advance

[broncovet]

Your effective date will be the date the doctor says the increase occurred, or the date you applied (for increase), with some exceptions.  Many of these exceptions benefit you.  For example, if you apply within a year of exit from service, your effective date should be the date you exited service.  

[Berta]

Is the "0" % a NSC rating, or a "0"  SC rating?

"Do they go back to the date of the original claim?"

Do you mean you claimed this in the past and they denied, and then you re-opened? Or is this on appeal from the original claim?

Is it documented in your SMRS and Discharge Certificate?

[FormerMember]

MRSA, as a disease process, is always going to be rated at 0% unless you're in the hospital with it and suffering chronic effects. I contracted it in 2009 during my one year staycation at the Seattle VAMC from a contaminated PICC line. After treatment with antibiotics the acute infection resolved. I test positive on any blood tests for it but it is in remission. The body does eventually build an immunity to it of sorts such that you become a carrier for it and can infect others but you, yourself are relatively immune to it unless your immune system becomes compromised. A disease like MRSA is much like Hepatitis B. You become ill and eventually recover and acquire immunity.When that occurs, symptoms abate and there is no outward appearance of the original illness. VA has to rate you at 0% as there is no compensable rating absent any disease symptoms. Merely being turned down for work in the medical sector because you are a "Typhoid Mary" carrier of sorts is not compensable. You have to suffer permanent effects such that it impairs your ability to physically work.