“Today we’re going to talk about lupus and how this chronic illness can impact your veterans disability benefits.
“Hi, my name is Krystal Lechner. I’m an attorney with Woods and Woods. We’re a veterans disability law firm that practices across the nation. Today, we’re going to be talking about lupus.”
What is lupus?
“Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body. It affects different organs and body systems, and it impacts people differently. Every individual is different, making it difficult to treat and diagnose.
“Symptoms vary from person to person and different body systems. Symptoms can be fatigue, chronic pain, aches, muscle issues, rashes, chest difficulties, memory loss, and chronic breathing problems, among many others.
“Other conditions that are associated with lupus include headaches, back pain, muscle issues, depression, and anxiety, among many others. People with lupus are more likely to develop fibromyalgia, and chronic lupus can lead to kidney issues that are very severe, as well as heart issues because of clogged arteries.”
VA rating for lupus
“The VA rates lupus for three different conditions. The most common is rated under diagnostic code 6350 and it ranges from a 10% rating to a 100% rating. The 100% rating is acute with frequent exacerbations producing severe impairment of health. But what does severe impairment of health mean?
“We recently won an award for a veteran with a 100% rating due to a combination of symptoms of hair loss, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and joint issues. We were able to explain to the VA how all of these conditions created a severe impairment of health.”
“Woods and Woods are the only attorneys I would recommend for veterans, they did a great job for me. 100 percent P&T disability, very caring and understanding. They will not quit until they win. I am so thankful for what they did for me.”
B.C., a Navy veteran in California
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
Presumptive service connection for lupus
“It’s important to know that if your condition manifested within a level warranting a 10% rating within one year of service, you may be entitled to a presumption, meaning that you don’t have to prove service connection. You don’t have to prove that lupus started while you were in service.
“But the difficulty here is that diagnosing lupus is hard. Your symptoms may change day to day, making it difficult for you to get a proper diagnosis.”
How Woods and Woods can help
“We help veterans in this situation all the time get the proof they need to show the VA that they have lupus and to get the presumption that they’re entitled to.
“So, why is this important for you to know? Lupus cases are complex. They require expertise and guidance. At Woods and Woods, we handle these every day. Pick up the phone or visit our website. We’re happy to help you.
“I’m Krystal Lechner. Thanks for watching.”
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
Krystal Lechner
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Krystal Lechner earned her law degree from Indiana University. Her prior experience includes civil litigation and corporate in-house counsel. She joined Woods and Woods in 2018.
