Psoriasis rating review

[SPO]

I have had psoriasis for about 10 years, and in my initial VA determination it was determined to be service connected and I got 10% (they only called it a generic skin condition then, it wasn't diagnosed as psoriasis officially until after I had left active duty.)  However, since then I have been on a consistent supply of topical steriods.  I have also been on Humira, otezla intermittently, and will be going on Stelara soon.  The reason I stopped treatment with the systemics was because of insurance being not paying for it and that stuff is crazy expensive.  I have it mostly on my back, chest, scalp and some on my face.  My question is, will that VA take that I couldn't afford it into consideration, but i should have been taking it?  Also does topical corticosteroids qualify as:

Less than 5 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected, and;  no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period 

or

More than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or; constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period                                                                                                                  

Edited September 15, 2016 by SPO

[Richard1954]

On 9/15/2016 at 1:08 PM, SPO said:

My question is, will that VA take that I couldn't afford it into consideration, but i should have been taking it?

The va cannot rate you lower that the assigned rating guide  because you didn't use a perscribed medication.   All the ratings require is that you need tghe medication, not that you actually use them, You should ask the va for the meds if you can't get them thru your insurance.

 

Ratings for dermatitis or eczema are rated based on how frequently medication is needed to control outbreaks and what percent of the body is affected. For instance, if at least 5% of the body is affected and requires medical treatment, a 10% rating will be assigned. If 40% or more of your skin is affected, and you have had to be on medication nearly constantly for the past year, then a 60% rating is warranted.

You will certainly need a doctor to indicate how bad the condition is... ie 40% or more of the skin is effected, or less? Or if you used medication nearly all the time...