Skin condition

[ShrekTheTank]

So the VA is saying my Dercums disease and scaring have the same issues as they both cause pain in the skin.  So in my last rating they stated I had not maxed out the rating.  I don't understand what this is as I am at 60% under general.  How can i go any higher on this rating as I feel this condition is by far the worst?   

[GBArmy]

Shrek If I understand your issue, you have to get an IMO from a specialist that will eval your conditions and say that it is difficult to determine how much pain is attributable to one verses the other but based on their rationale is is more likely than not that x (the higher rated condition) contributes pain more than the other. Not easy to get I would think but get a doc like Arnise or Ellis to consider your situation.

[ShrekTheTank]

I am just not sure it is worth fighting this one as I can see now how they are evaluating it.  

But what do they mean by i have not meet the high rating possible?

Is there a higher rating possible?

Edited September 17, 2020 by shrekthetank1

[GBArmy]

Shrek It may be worth a 30% rating See this case https://www.va.gov/vetapp14/Files2/1419164.txt Citation 1419164

[ShrekTheTank]

Yep so this further proves the point of you either get scaring or general rating for skin.  

[Buck52]

I hear Dr Ellis out of Okla city is a great with Veterans and writes up very favorable IMO/IME's

 The only thing there is the Veteran needs to travel to him and they have a Motel near by his clinic, this Dr will need to examine you in person, now unless he can give his medical opinion without examining you?  which Dr Ellis is a honest Dr, you can call his office and talk to the clerks, I know 2 veterans that have used him and won their claims based on Dr Ellis IMO/s but the only thing is they had to travel to him..His.IMO were fairly reasonable if I remember right  his IMO Letters are different prices starting at or around 500.00$$  to like 750.00..1500.00..depends on what it is and how many records he needs to read...but he is a good Dr for IMO'S

[LightofSolitude]

On 9/16/2020 at 5:03 PM, shrekthetank1 said:

But what do they mean by i have not meet the high rating possible?

What the VA is saying here is that you may meet the criteria for a higher rating under "another diagnostic code" for your skin disability. Double check your original award letter and see what "Diagnostic Code" they rated you under. Then you can construct an argument for a higher rating under another diagnostic code.

You said that you are not sure if it's worth fighting. In my humble opinion, it is worth it if an increase under another diagnostic code is warranted which could also generate a potential "SMC award." Ultimately the decision is yours. I wish you the best!