You’re dealing with painful, swollen lumps under your skin that keep coming back and seem to only get worse. The discomfort interferes with your sleep and makes it challenging to focus. If your hidradenitis suppurativa can be linked to your military service, you may be eligible for VA compensation.
This article explains more about the hidradenitis suppurativa VA rating and related conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Hidradenitis suppurative does not have its own VA rating, but can still be eligible for VA disability benefits.
- Diagnostic codes that may be used to rate the condition include 7804, 7806, 7816, and 7820.
- If your hidradenitis suppurativa leads to other health complications like autoimmune disorders or psoriasis, you could be owed additional monthly compensation from the VA.
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In this article about the hidradenitis suppurativa VA rating:
What is hidradenitis suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa, or acne inversa, is a chronic skin condition that causes painful bumps under the skin. It most often occurs in areas where skin rubs together, like the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts, and leads to scarring. The condition typically worsens over time.
Signs of hidradenitis suppurativa include:
- Blackheads
- Painful lumps that persist for weeks or months and multiply
- Leaking bumps, sores, or abscesses
- Tunnels under the skin that connect the lumps
Women are more likely to get hidradenitis suppurativa than men, which doctors believe is related to hormones. It is also more common in African American people.
Hidradenitis suppurativa VA rating
There is no specific diagnostic code in the Schedule of Ratings for hidradenitis suppurativa. Therefore the VA will use a diagnostic code for a different condition that best fits your symptoms and specific situation. This is known as an analogous rating.
Analogous diagnostic codes that have been used for hidradenitis suppurativa VA ratings include:
- 7804 for painful scars
- 7806 for dermatitis or eczema
- 7816 for psoriasis
- 7820 for unlisted infections of the skin
However, this list is not exhaustive. A VA adjudicator will decide what diagnostic code best fits your symptoms and will grant you an appropriate rating.
Service connecting hidradenitis suppurativa
In order to get VA disability compensation for hidradenitis suppurativa, veterans will need to be able to show military service caused or worsened their condition.
Evidence should ideally show the severity of the veteran’s condition as well as how it can be linked to their military service.
Veterans experience skin conditions for a variety of reasons. Research suggests crowded living quarters, environmental exposures, and exposure to irritants may make veterans more prone to skin diseases and disorders like hidradenitis suppurativa. Additionally, veterans may be more likely to develop hidradenitis suppurativa because of exposure to drastic cold and hot weather conditions.
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With this in mind, you may have begun experiencing new or worsening hidradenitis suppurativa in the military. Sick bay records from your time in service may help further support a service connection for the condition.
Other common types of supporting evidence include:
- Service records
- Medical records documenting the disability
- Lay and buddy statements
- Employment records
- Results of veterans’ C&P exams
Hidradenitis suppurativa and related conditions
Hidradenitis suppurativa may be directly tied to your military service or it may be secondary. If hidradenitis suppurativa is caused by a different service-connected condition, you could still be eligible for VA benefits for the condition. Similarly, if you service-connected hidradenitis is causing another health issue, you may be owed additional VA disability compensation.
Research suggest hidradenitis suppurativa may be associated with increased risks of:
- Metabolic disorders, including obesity
- Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction
- Autoimmune disorders, including lupus and inflammatory bowel disease
- Mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression
- Psoriasis
TDIU for hidradenitis suppurativa
In some cases, a veteran may be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for serious skin conditions. TDIU is also known as individual unemployability or simply IU. Veterans are eligible for these benefits if they can’t hold down “substantially gainful” employment due to their service-connected conditions.
Veterans with hidradenitis suppurativa may not qualify for TDIU for the condition on its own except in especially severe, debilitating cases. Their odds may increase if they are able to claim multiple related conditions.
Veterans who receive TDIU benefits are compensated at the same level as those with a 100% disability rating, even though their combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
How Woods & Woods can help
Woods & Woods has been fighting for people with injuries and disabilities since 1985. Our team of accredited VA disability lawyers, case managers, legal analysts, and intake specialists know the ins and outs of the VA so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get VA disability benefits for hidradenitis suppurativa, but only if you can prove that your condition was caused or worsened by your military service.
The VA disability rating for hidradenitis suppurativa depends on the severity of the condition and how it’s impacting you. There is no specific diagnostic code for hidradenitis suppurativa, so the VA typically uses an analogous rating. Examples of diagnostic codes that may be used include 7804, 7806, 7816, and 7820.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
