Psoriasis Disability Lawyers for Veterans

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to red, inflamed, and scaly patches on the skin. While this condition can affect anyone, Veterans face unique challenges due to the physical and environmental stressors of military service. From the wear and tear of rigorous training to exposure to hazardous chemicals, psoriasis can develop or worsen as a direct result of military service.

Veterans often face significant hurdles in securing the VA disability benefits they’ve earned for psoriasis, especially given the complexities of the VA appeals process. This article explores how psoriasis affects Veterans, the common challenges they face when applying for VA benefits, and how working with a skilled psoriasis lawyer can help Veterans secure the compensation and care they deserve.

Understanding Psoriasis and Its Impact on Veterans

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects the skin, causing rapid cell turnover. This leads to the buildup of dead skin cells, which form thick, scaly patches that can be itchy, painful, and difficult to manage. While psoriasis is not curable, it can be managed with the right treatment. However, for Veterans, psoriasis can significantly impact both physical health and quality of life, especially when it’s linked to military service-related factors.

Psoriasis can appear in various forms, including:

• Plaque Psoriasis: This is the most common form, causing raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales. These patches often appear on the elbows, knees, and lower back.
• Guttate Psoriasis: Often triggered by infections like strep throat, guttate psoriasis causes small, drop-shaped lesions on the skin.
• Inverse Psoriasis: This form of psoriasis causes smooth, red patches that appear in skin folds, such as under the arms, in the groin, or under the breasts.
• Pustular Psoriasis: Characterized by white pustules surrounded by red skin, this severe form of psoriasis can appear on the hands and feet.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A rare, life-threatening type that causes widespread redness and peeling of the skin.

While psoriasis primarily affects the skin, it can also cause joint pain, known as psoriatic arthritis, which affects approximately 30% of people with psoriasis. This dual impact — skin and joint symptoms — can significantly disrupt a Veteran’s ability to function, making it difficult to work, engage in daily activities, and maintain relationships.

Causes and Risk Factors for Psoriasis in Veterans

The exact cause of psoriasis is not entirely understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For Veterans, the risk of developing psoriasis or having it worsen during or after service is heightened due to certain environmental exposures, physical trauma, and stress experienced during military service.

Environmental Toxins and Chemical Exposure

One of the primary factors contributing to the development of psoriasis in Veterans is exposure to environmental toxins. For example, Veterans who served in areas where they were exposed to chemical agents are at a higher risk for developing psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions.

Physical Stress and Trauma

The physical demands of military service are another contributing factor. Repeated physical trauma, injuries sustained during combat, or even the physical strain of carrying heavy gear during training can increase the risk of developing psoriasis. Traumatic injuries that affect the skin, especially those that lead to skin damage or scarring, can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. For some Veterans, the physical stress of combat or training — coupled with underlying genetic predispositions — may result in the early onset of psoriasis.

Psychological Stress

Mental health challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are prevalent among Veterans. Psychological stress has been known to exacerbate autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. Stressful experiences during military service can trigger or worsen psoriasis flare-ups, as the immune system responds to stress by producing inflammatory substances that aggravate skin conditions.

Common Symptoms of Psoriasis in Veterans

The symptoms of psoriasis can range from mild to severe, depending on the type and extent of the condition. Common symptoms that Veterans may experience include:

• Red, Inflamed Patches: Psoriasis typically causes red patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales. These patches may appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
• Itching and Pain: Psoriasis can cause intense itching and discomfort. In severe cases, the pain may make it difficult for Veterans to perform basic activities like dressing, walking, or sitting for long periods.
• Skin Cracking and Bleeding: When psoriasis becomes severe, the skin can crack and bleed, further exacerbating the pain and discomfort.
• Joint Pain: Psoriatic arthritis, which affects the joints, is common among Veterans with psoriasis. This can cause joint stiffness, swelling, and pain, particularly in the knees, fingers, and spine.

The Role of Mental Health in Psoriasis and Its Impact on Veterans

Psoriasis can significantly affect more than just the skin and joints. For many Veterans, the emotional and psychological toll of living with psoriasis is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in the overall impact of the disease. The stress of managing a chronic condition, coupled with the unique challenges of military service, can lead to mental health struggles that complicate the Veterans’ daily lives and their ability to engage in activities that were once part of their routine.

The Psychological Toll of Psoriasis

Chronic pain, discomfort, and visible skin conditions can lead to a range of emotional issues, particularly for Veterans who are already dealing with the physical and mental challenges of life after service. The constant flare-ups of psoriasis can result in significant frustration, anxiety, and depression. Many Veterans may feel self-conscious about their skin, which can affect their confidence and their willingness to participate in social activities. This psychological burden is often compounded by the physical limitations that psoriasis imposes on their daily lives, such as difficulty dressing, walking, or performing tasks at work.

Moreover, psoriasis flare-ups are often unpredictable, and the condition’s chronic nature can create a sense of uncertainty and helplessness. Veterans living with psoriasis may find it emotionally taxing to manage a condition that constantly fluctuates, making it difficult to plan for the future or even maintain consistent work or social schedules. The impact of psoriasis on mental health can also contribute to feelings of isolation, especially if Veterans withdraw from activities they once enjoyed due to discomfort or the perceived stigma associated with the condition.

The Connection Between Psoriasis and Mental Health Conditions

The emotional toll of psoriasis is often linked to an increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Veterans, in particular, are already at higher risk for mental health conditions due to the stresses of military service, including exposure to trauma, combat, and life-threatening situations. Psoriasis can act as an additional stressor that exacerbates existing mental health challenges, making it even harder for Veterans to cope with their condition.

Depression and anxiety are common in Veterans with psoriasis. Constant worry about flare-ups, concerns about visible skin lesions, and the impact on physical function can create or worsen feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue. For Veterans with PTSD, the physical discomfort and social challenges associated with psoriasis can trigger or worsen symptoms of PTSD, leading to further isolation and emotional distress.

Mental Health and Its Role in VA Disability Claims

When filing for VA disability benefits, the impact of psoriasis on mental health should not be overlooked. The VA takes mental health conditions into account when determining disability ratings, and it’s important to demonstrate how psoriasis contributes to emotional distress, decreased quality of life, and reduced functional capacity. If a Veteran’s mental health condition is directly linked to psoriasis, such as through chronic pain or social isolation, it should be addressed in the disability claims process.

Legal representation is critical when navigating this aspect of the claims process. A skilled lawyer can help Veterans present a comprehensive case that includes both the physical and mental health impacts of psoriasis. This can include gathering evidence from healthcare providers who have treated the Veteran for both psoriasis and any related mental health conditions. Additionally, a lawyer can work to secure the proper disability rating by ensuring that all aspects of the Veteran’s health are considered, including the psychological impact of living with a chronic skin condition.

The Challenges Veterans Face in Securing Psoriasis-Related Disability Benefits

Although psoriasis is recognized by the VA as a service-connected condition, many Veterans encounter significant challenges when seeking disability benefits. Proving the service connection, obtaining adequate medical documentation, and securing an appropriate disability rating are common obstacles.

Proving the Service Connection

One of the most significant challenges for Veterans with psoriasis is proving the connection between their condition and military service. Veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals may have an easier time proving their claim due to presumptive service connection; however, those who developed psoriasis due to physical trauma, stress, or other non-presumptive causes must provide substantial evidence. This often includes service records, medical documentation, and expert testimony to show how military service contributed to the development or aggravation of their psoriasis.

Inconsistent or Insufficient Medical Documentation

As with many autoimmune conditions, psoriasis can be difficult to document, particularly in its early stages. Many Veterans may experience flare-ups of psoriasis intermittently, making it hard to maintain consistent medical records. Additionally, Veterans may not seek medical attention immediately after their service or may have gaps in their treatment history. Inconsistent medical documentation can weaken the case and delay the approval of claims or appeals.

Low Disability Ratings

The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of a condition and its impact on daily life. For psoriasis, the VA rating system may not fully account for the wide-ranging effects of the condition, particularly in cases where the disease affects both the skin and joints. Veterans may find themselves assigned a low disability rating that does not reflect the full extent of their psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. In these cases, Veterans may need to file an appeal and provide additional evidence to secure a more accurate rating.

The Lengthy Appeals Process

The VA disability claims process is notoriously slow, and Veterans with psoriasis may experience long delays in receiving the benefits they’ve earned. If a claim is denied or if a Veteran is assigned an inadequate disability rating, the appeals process can take months or even years to resolve. Navigating this process without legal help can be overwhelming for Veterans who are already dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of living with psoriasis.

How a Psoriasis Lawyer for Veterans Can Help

Given the complexity of the VA appeals process, a lawyer specializing in VA disability appeals can make a significant difference in securing the benefits Veterans with psoriasis have earned. Below are key ways in which a psoriasis lawyer can assist Veterans throughout the appeals process:

Gathering and Organizing Medical Evidence

One of the most important aspects of a successful appeal is gathering comprehensive medical evidence. A psoriasis lawyer can help Veterans obtain medical records, diagnostic test results, treatment histories, and expert opinions to support their case. Legal representation ensures that all necessary documents are submitted correctly and on time, which can increase the chances of a successful appeal.

Establishing a Service Connection

Proving the service connection for psoriasis can be challenging, particularly when the condition developed after service. A skilled lawyer can help Veterans gather the necessary documentation and work with medical professionals to establish that the condition was caused or aggravated by military service. Whether through exposure to toxic chemicals, physical trauma, or stress, a psoriasis lawyer will help make the case for service connection.

Fighting for an Accurate Disability Rating

Veterans with psoriasis may receive a disability rating that does not accurately reflect the severity of their condition. A lawyer can help Veterans appeal low ratings by gathering additional evidence and fighting for a higher rating. This can include evidence of the emotional and psychological toll of psoriasis, as well as its physical impact on mobility, daily activities, and employment.

Representing Veterans During Appeals

If a claim for psoriasis benefits is denied or rated too low, a lawyer can represent Veterans throughout the appeals process. Legal representation can ensure that all relevant information is presented to the VA and that the Veteran’s case is heard effectively. With the help of a skilled lawyer, Veterans can navigate the complexities of the appeals process and increase their chances of securing the benefits they’ve earned.