You bring up a good point, and it is one reason I tell soldiers they MUST know what the VASRD says concerning their conditions.
I was diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis in 2010 that started my MEB. (Yes, I have been in the 'program' for over TWO years!! Mostly due to my rebuttal and addendum based on the NARSUM.) Other soldiers on this site have been diagnosed with the same condition. My rheumatologist told me being diagnosed with PsA made me non-deployable and once I started the medication, I was un-retainable. (Yes, it was considered an 'unfitting medical condition'.)
Now here is where it gets interesting. The soldiers I mentioned above have been given 10% or 20%, as the VASRD does not mention PsA as a ratable condition. Their PsA has been rated as arthritis. HOWEVER, persons with PsA most likely have a psoriasis diagnosis also, as I do. Therefore, if you have been on an immunosuppressive (say, Humira (I have been on it since 2010) or Enbral) constantly for over a year, you should be rated at 60%.
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
20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or; systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of six weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12-month period 30
There are other conditions that are being rated incorrectly because of laziness or ignorance, IMHO.
I am waiting on my ratings, but have already started gathering supporting documentation in case I need to have a relook at my ratings. When I do, I will, not only add the supporting documentation, but reference the VASRD condition number (in this case '7816') as well.
Draco
