MEB Concerns Psoriatic Arthritis

I received the link and reviewed the paperwork. It looks like it addresses treatment of symptoms. I also reviewed the made easy site and it said:

Treatments: If the condition required the almost constant use of medications to regulate the immune system (methotrexate, steroids, etc.) over the past 12 months, it is rated 60%. If the condition required medications to regulate the immune system for a total of 6 weeks or more during the past 12 months, itopical

medications over the past 12 months, it is rated 0%.

Any truth to this as I was told by rheumatologist I will be on Sulfasalazine for a long time which would be over 12 months?
 
Yes, from the VASRD:
Code: 7816 Psoriasis:
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............................................................ 60
 
Indeed, as such in my opinion, it's always a more favorable course of action to be well prepared with medical evidence and/or medical documentation immediately available then trying to obtain such items at the very time of need! ;)

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!




I went back to rheumatologist today and the sulfasalizine is not working. They prescribed me Methylprednisolone for 2 months along with Sulfasalazine. If that doesn't work then they will go to Methotrexate and then Enbril if needed. Do you know if the Methkyprednisolone is board able. Also, should I be gathering records in case the MEB comes back with return to duty. Want to ensure I'm taken care of upon separation and receive compensation for this condition. Any info would be appreciated.
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I received the link and reviewed the paperwork. It looks like it addresses treatment of symptoms. I also reviewed the made easy site and it said:

Treatments: If the condition required the almost constant use of medications to regulate the immune system (methotrexate, steroids, etc.) over the past 12 months, it is rated 60%. If the condition required medications to regulate the immune system for a total of 6 weeks or more during the past 12 months, itopical

medications over the past 12 months, it is rated 0%.
 
Mike,
I too am going through an MEB for psoriatic arthritis. My original profile that triggered the MEB from my Dermatologist states Psoriasis with Psoriatic Arthritis, but I noticed the NARSUM Doc who I meet with this week changed the profile to only reflect Psoriatic Arthritis. I have been on Humira the past few years. I havn't had my VA appts yet but should be scheduled in the next week or so. How should I ensure that it is properly documented and rated? I have 15 AFS years.
Thanks
 
First, do not worry at all about the military calling it EPTS unless this condition was noted on your entrance physical. I dobt it was. What matters is when the condition manifested, not if it has a genetic factor or not. Even if it was EPTS, the military would still compensate the condition under 10 USC 1207a given the fact you are active duty and have 8+ years of active duty. The VA should service connect/compensate/treat the condition unless they can demonstrate the condition manifested prior to entry which I doubt they can.

Whether it triggers a MEB or not will depend on its severity and the drugs used to treat it. Drugs like Enbrel, Humira, Remicade will usually trigger a MEB. However, the systemic use of these immunosuppressive drugs will trigger at least a 60% rating under the VASRD.

If a MEB is triggered, get back to me as there is a lot you need to know about how to proper document and rate psoriatic arthritis.

Mike
How do you properly document and rate psoriatic arthritis while using humira?
 
My psoriatic arthritis saw has been referred to the DAWG and MEB has not started due to still trying to find treatment. I have been in 12 years and would prefer to be medically retired than to separate in a year and a half. By the looks of it I should be covered 60% due to the medication I've been on and will remain for the rest of my life. Should I communicate my desire for medical retirement to my PCM?
 
My psoriatic arthritis saw has been referred to the DAWG and MEB has not started due to still trying to find treatment. I have been in 12 years and would prefer to be medically retired than to separate in a year and a half. By the looks of it I should be covered 60% due to the medication I've been on and will remain for the rest of my life. Should I communicate my desire for medical retirement to my PCM?

Indeed, as it shall show that you have definitely taken the initiative to become well-informed about the DoD IDES process in my opinion.

Of course, the PCM doesn't have any official decision making authority for a military disability retirement albeit he/she can make getting referred into the IDES a lot easier if your desires are known supportable via medical evidence and/or medical documentation. Take care! :)

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
Indeed, as it shall show that you have definitely taken the initiative to become well-informed about the DoD IDES process in my opinion.

Of course, the PCM doesn't have any official decision making authority for a military disability retirement albeit he/she can make getting referred into the IDES a lot easier if your desires are known supportable via medical evidence and/or medical documentation. Take care! :)

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

I sent an email to my PCM voicing my concerns and have also made contact with my Oklahoma VSO state rep to inquire about what I need to do. Hopefully, this will work out. Just want to ensure my Meds and compensation are covered.
 
I have been out of the net traveling to places with very limited internet connectivity. Psoriatic arthritis is rated under VASRD 5009 which refers to the rating criteria of VASRD 5002. The psoriasis component of psoriatic arthritis is rated under VASRD 7816. So if found unfitting for psoriatic arthritis, the psoriasis rating should be included in the DOD unfitting rating. However, make sure every affected joint and other manifestations are properly covered under the chronic residual criteria of the VASRD 5002 rating criteria.

Mike
 
I sent an email to my PCM voicing my concerns and have also made contact with my Oklahoma VSO state rep to inquire about what I need to do. Hopefully, this will work out. Just want to ensure my Meds and compensation are covered.

Good deal, and @maparker definitely provided sound insightful feedback as annotated in post #29 above! :D Take care! :cool:

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
My case was referred to the DAWG and I am starting Humira. Mostly, everyone I speak with tells me they will C code me and return me to duty. My plan was to go to the Reserve but that's not gonna happen. I heard you can speak to your command and have them recommend medical retirement versus separation. Any truth to that? Also, if I do seperate and get my VA disability does anyone know if my Post 9-11 GI Bill can be used by my child. I would have to give a 4 year commitment at this time to transfer but if I'm service connected disabled when I seperate can he get my benefits.
 
I have seen numerous AF cases where the PEB states the use of drugs like Humira is incompatible with the rigors of military service. For them to return you to duty conflicts with these past decisions.

Mike
 
I have seen numerous AF cases where the PEB states the use of drugs like Humira is incompatible with the rigors of military service. For them to return you to duty conflicts with these past decisions.

Mike

Even if I sit at a desk all day? I'm a social worker.
 
Yes. Fitness can be very subjective and all too often is becomes a way to trim the force rather than maintain a fit force.

Mike
 
Yes. Fitness can be very subjective and all too often is becomes a way to trim the force rather than maintain a fit force.

Mike

So it sounds like they will medically retire me then. If for some reason they do return me I can appeal the decision at that point. I wonder how long it will take to get a decision. I start Humira on Friday.
 
Yes. Fitness can be very subjective and all too often is becomes a way to trim the force rather than maintain a fit force.

Mike

They have extended my profile until March 2016. At this point my PCM has backed off until I start treatment. He did provide me with the PEBLO names; should I be contacting them or just wait to hear back.
 
Just wait.
 
How long is this process going to take? If my profile is until 16 March they must believe I getting boarded. My seperation date is Jan 2017. Just hoping it doesn't take that long. Any advice on speeding things up or am I under the mantra hurry up and wait....
 
I started Humira on Friday. Anyone know when I should be hearing from the PEBLO about MEB process?
 
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