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Q655: I thought I read that you can claim a rare disease, where you have a medical problem with no known cause. Is this true? I currently get 90% disability with unemployability. This does not count my rare disease.
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A1: I would see if some of underlying problems if rare disease stem from current disability. (AJ) 2/2/21
A2: You might be able to if you served in Desert Storm or the current conflict as an undiagnosed illness. (GR) 2/2/21
A3: You might be 90% but getting paid at 100%. You can't get any higher. God bless you!!! (EA) 2/2/21
A4: Any time you feel that a claim has merit (you think is related to your military service) you can file for service connected (SC) compensation. Remember, to get SC for a disability, you have to meet the rule of three: in-service occurrence, current diagnosis, and a nexus, or link, to the in-service occurrence. If your "rare disease" may be life threating, then, certainly file you claim and tell the VA how you feel the "rare disease" is related to your military service. Doing a little research before you file can help your claim along. The other thing is medical evidence. The VSRs are not doctors, so presenting them with competent medical evidence can help them make a decision. If you served in the Gulf War, get a Gulf War registry exam. What the doctors find go into a data base. When it is shown that veterans have a higher incidence of the disability, it may be added to the list of disabilities related to serving in the Gulf. Same applies to Vietnam service. (DS) 2/3/21
A5: You need to contact the VSO that handled your claim he/she should be able to answer your question. Or contact an Accredited
VSO with the Am Legion, Am Vets, DAV or VFW. You did not say what rare disease you had, if you had a diagnosis or where you may have been exposed. They can give you the answers. Take all of the information that you have concerning this disease and the article that you have seen regarding this rare disease. (GH) 2/3/21
A6: You can file for the rare disease but I would certainly be careful in doing so. Once you file, you are no longer considered P&T and the VA can relook at any of your disabilities and there's a possibility of being reduced. We always have veterans' sign a form saying they understand the risks. I would certainly obtain competent medical evidence relating your rare disease to your military service. Remember, rule of three. In-service occurrence, current diagnosis, and a nexus, or link, between you current diagnosis and your in-service occurrence. The VA rates based on competent medical evidence. You may not get SC from the regional office but could on appeal. Just weigh your risks. (DS) 1/31/23