Living with eczema can be challenging. The flare-ups of dry, itchy skin can make life at home and work more difficult and more stressful. On top of the physical symptoms of eczema, the condition can increase the likelihood of mental health issues including anxiety and depression.
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Veterans with service-connected eczema could be eligible for financial compensation from the VA. Keep reading to learn more about what eczema is, what causes eczema in veterans, and how to get an eczema VA rating.
In this article about the VA rating for eczema:
Eczema in veterans
Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is an acute or chronic inflammation of the skin characterized by dry, itchy patches of skin that can show up anywhere on your body. These rashes can also lead to infection. The causes of eczema aren’t fully understood but may be triggered by a reaction between your environment and your genetics. A veteran’s environmental exposure and exposure to allergens in service can worsen their condition.
Symptoms of eczema can include:
- Dry skin
- Itchy skin
- Skin rash
- Bumps on your skin
- Thick, leathery patches of skin
- Flaky, scaly, or crusty skin
- Swelling
Eczema is a common skin condition in current and former military personnel. In fact, the condition is one of the five most common skin conditions found among those who serve and have served in the military. So, why is eczema so prevalent?
Dr. Emily B. Wong, a dermatology consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General, reported that several conditions of military service can cause eczema flare-ups.
These can include:
- Environmental extremes like humidity and heat
- Wearing military uniforms made of materials that can’t be swapped out or washed in detergents for sensitive skin
- Sweating
- Lack of access to specialized creams and treatments
- Mental and physical stress
- Exposure to other irritants
- Lack of access to personal hygiene products
Staying in cold, dry places can also worsen eczema. Veterans with asthma or rhinitis, presumptive conditions of exposure to burn pits, can also affect the condition.
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What is the eczema VA rating?
Veterans with eczema can file a claim for VA disability benefits. Eczema is listed under diagnostic code 7806 and is rated using the General Rating Formula for the Skin.
The eczema VA rating assigned is based on the percentage of the body that is affected, the percentage of exposed areas that are affected, and how often treatment or medication is needed to control symptoms. Ratings for eczema can be 0%, 10%, 30%, or 60% as described in the table below.
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| At least one of the following | 60% | $1,3161.88 |
| Characteristic lesions involving more than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected; or | ||
| Constant or near-constant systemic therapy including, but not limited to, corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, psoralen with long-wave ultraviolet-A light (PUVA), or other immunosuppressive drugs required over the past 12-month period | 60% | $1,3161.88 |
| At least one of the following | 30% | $524.31 |
| Characteristic lesions involving 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected; or Systemic therapy including, but not limited to, corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, over the past 12-month period | ||
| At least one of the following | 10% | $171.23 |
| Characteristic lesions involving at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of the entire body affected; or | ||
| At least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of exposed areas affected; or | ||
| Intermittent systemic therapy including, but not limited to, corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than 6 weeks over the past 12-month period | ||
| No more than topical therapy required over the past 12-month period and at least one of the following | 0% | None |
| Characteristic lesions involving less than 5 percent of the entire body affected; or | ||
| Characteristic lesions involving less than 5 percent of exposed areas affected |
Eczema and related conditions
Studies suggest that those with an eczema diagnosis may be at a greater risk of developing other related conditions. Veterans with a secondary condition that can be tied to their service-connected eczema may be eligible for a higher overall rating and additional monthly benefits.
Eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis
Eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis are all inflammatory conditions that are often caused by strong reactions to environmental allergens. Research suggests that if you have eczema, you may be more likely than the general population to develop rhinitis or asthma, and vice-versa.
Eczema and osteoarthritis
Scientists at Stanford Medicine found that having an asthma or eczema diagnosis can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis. In fact, it was found that if a patient had asthma or eczema, there was a 58% increased risk of developing osteoarthritis over about 10 years. If they had both asthma and eczema, the risk increased to 115%.
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Eczema and depression
Eczema is also associated with a lower health-related quality of life compared to people without eczema. A study of more than 180,000 patients with eczema concluded that there is a link between eczema and an increased risk of depression.
Veterans with eczema should be mindful when it comes to mental health problems. If you think your eczema has impaired your quality of life and led to depression, you may want to discuss this connection with a doctor and seek VA benefits for depression secondary to eczema.
TDIU for eczema
Some symptoms of eczema could make it difficult, if not impossible, to work and earn a steady income. For example, if a veteran’s job requires a uniform made of a material that triggers eczema symptoms, or they are constantly exposed to environmental triggers, like dust mites or pollen, this could lead to increased absences at work or poor performance. Veterans with mental health conditions secondary to their eczema may also struggle with sleep, concentration, attendance, and working with others.
For veterans with service-connected disabilities that aren’t rated 100% disabling, total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) could be available. TDIU is a monthly benefit for veterans who are unable to seek or hold gainful employment due to one or more service-connected disabilities. TDIU pays at the same rate as a 100% rating, without the requirement of a 100% rating.
To be eligible for schedular TDIU, veterans must typically have:
- One condition rated at least 60% disabling, OR
- Two conditions that can be combined to reach 70%, with one condition rated at least 40% disabling
If a veteran’s eczema VA rating is less than 60%, that rating can still contribute to their eligibility for TDIU. You may have related secondary conditions you can claim, like those listed above. On average, veterans receiving VA disability are service connected for six conditions each.
Veterans who are unemployable because of service-connected eczema, but fail to meet the criteria for schedular TDIU could qualify for extraschedular TDIU.
How Woods and Woods can help
If you need help getting the VA disability benefits you deserve, contact us at Woods and Woods. Our team of VA-accredited lawyers, legal analysts, case managers, intake specialists, and support staff is here to assist veterans in getting the benefits they deserve. Reach out today for a free case evaluation. You only pay if we win your case.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Veterans with an eczema diagnosis could be eligible for a VA disability rating for eczema. The eczema VA disability rating assigned can be based on the percentage of the entire body that is affected, the percentage of the exposed areas that are affected, and how often treatment or medication is needed to control symptoms.
Both eczema and asthma are inflammatory conditions that are often caused by strong reactions to environmental allergens. Research suggests that if you have eczema, you are more likely than the general population to develop asthma or allergic rhinitis, and vice-versa.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
