Military Service and Psoriasis

[RDean]

There have been several posts in a recent related subject. I've responded to two, but believe there are many more psoriatics out there looking for help in this area. I've had many years military service and many years experience with psoriasis. I've served a number of years as a service officer with the DAV, helping veterans and processing claims for disability ratings with the VA. I've been there, done that, etc. As an old retiree I've got plenty of time and am willing to help anyone in any way I can. -- Col Bob

flordean@cfl.rr.com

[RDean]

Since my posting three years ago on this subject I have received a number of requests for information or even advice. Obviously I cannot be an authority, but I may have been able to give some help in struggling with the problem.

It is commonly reported that psoriasis is disqualifying for military service, yet there are cases of entry with a waiver. There are even cases where some with mild psoriasis have been able to enter service even without a waiver. None of the military services seem to be crystal clear on qualification or disqualification.

I would like to hear from anyone who has had experience in this matter. With all this information I may be better qualified to answer personal questions on the subject. There are both physical and psychological aspects that need to be reviewed in each case of an individual who wishes to join the military service and is unfortunate to have psoriasis.

Col Bob
flordean@cfl.rr.com

[SandraJean]

Hi,

I remember last year we have had people write on the boards that were in the military and were stationed in Iraq. At that point they were in need of over the counter medicene supplied to them and I remember some of us did send them some packages.

I'm glad to hear you are working with our service men to help them in any way you can. My husband was in the Navy for 4 years from 1969-1973.

Thanks,

Sandy

[Thaedes]

Hey there, I'm currently serving in the Canadian Forces as an Infanteer. I too have psoriasis, and have had it since I was 14.

When I started the joining process I had heard of disqualification based on having psoriasis, so I chose not tell them of my condition. That choice is essentially illegal, and could cost me seriously in the future. However I feel that regardless of my skin my service is still more valuable then not.

I believe I will soon see military doctors about my psoriasis, as I cannot manage it on my own without professional care. I only hope that I can continue to serve, as I love my job very much.

[Resist]

The military doesn't have to know how long you have had Psoriasis. For all they know it just started showing up on your skin. Now the question would be if they will allow you to stay in.

[grannyfranny]

Ever heard of background checks? The military can find out any thing they want to know about any one.

[Resist]

Not if you've never been diagnosed as having Psoriasis. I know, I was in the military and have had scalp Psoriasis since I was little. I didn't get diagnosed until I was in my mid twenties and long since out of the military.

[ktmrider]

Good afternoon,
New to forum and just found this post. This ? is for Colonel Bob.
I got out of the Air Forcein the mid eighties. I tried to cross train but with the military downsizing I took an early out and did not have a phsyical when I discharged. Would it be worthwhile to file a claim and if so what would be the benefits? I was first afflicted/diagnosed in the Air Force. I currently have a light case psoriasis {knees,elbows, etc} with 3 or 4 major outbreaks in the last 20 years. any info would be appreciated.
thanks Bryan

[RDean]

For ktmrider:

Assume your psoriasis was not detected until after you joined the AF. Was the diagnosis made by the AF and therefore a part of your AF medical record? Since you did not get a medical discharge your only recourse now is to have the VA determine if the psoriasis was caused by military service. It's unfortunate that you did not have an evaluation by the VA within a year after your discharge. There are several ways for you to file a claim. If you are near a Veterans Administration clinic or hospital you will find a representative there who will help you. Veterans organizations like the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, DAV, etc. have service officers who will help you.

Col Bob

[MichaelaCFP]

Col Bob,

Thank you for the help which you give many of our younger members. My discharge experience was in the late seventies. I enlisted in the Coast Guard and had some initial trepeidations as I had been receiving some inconsistent information regarding my Psoriasis. At that time, mild Psoriasis was allowable.

In order to meet the physical requirements, the Coast Guard required me to have my skin looked at over at the Naval hospital. They had diagnosed me with Seborric Dermatitis which was inconsistent with the Psoriasis which I was diagnosed with.

Anyway, I did pass the physical, went to Basic Training in Cape May, NJ and two weeks before graduation was fired (discharged) due to the fact that my skin had gotten worse. I carried that stigma (of not being a good person because of my skin) for a very long time due to the insensitivity of the Physicians and the actual process they had me go through.

I hope that the military has done a better job nowadays of selecting General Practitioner Physicians who have a bit more sensitivity to the issues we face.

Anyway, my life has turned out wonderfully, and looking back - I am ever so grateful that I was discharged as I would never have been happy in the military dealing with the Psoriasis.

Michael

[RDean]

Michael's post brings up a couple factors that must be reviewed when discussing miliary service and psoriasis. It is well known, of course, that the disease is unpredictable. This why there are inconsistencies in diagnosis and treatments. And this is why the military services are inconsistent in their treatment of applications.

Military service is not a free ride into an easy and profitable life. There are hardships at every turn and suffering with psoriasis while in the service may not be pleasant as Michael points out. As honorable as it is to want to serve in the military, one must consider that it is a two way street. The military wants you if you can meet qualifications, and this means both physical fitness and proper attitude. The benefits from being a part of and completing a successful military career are great, but they have to be earned.

Col Bob

[ktmrider]

Col Bob

Thanks for the quick and outstanding response. And yes to all the above. Did not have psoriasis when I joined it showed up two years into my enlistment and the Air Force did not seem to care as it did not affect my duties. Finished my enlistment minus two months (early out). Ignorant of me not to get a physical during separation. Although I have fairly good insurance I am just exploring my options as I was unaware how bad psoriasi can get until I discovered this site ie PA etc.
thanks again
ktmrider Bryan

[Psoriasux]

Hello all, I'm new to this but wanted to share my personal experience.

I tried to join the Navy in 1992 and it was then I learned that the small dry skin on my knees was psoriasis. I was sent from Vermont where I lived to Massachusetts for a physical and to get sworn in and I was turned down and told my skin condition disqualified me from entering the military. I was determined to join any way. For the next 6 months I began gathering letters of recomendation from peers, school teachers, guidance counselors, etc and I mailed them with a lengthy letter to my state congressman and senators. I corresponded with them for 6 months and was sent back to Mass for a 2nd opinion which I did not pass either. I was frustrated but did not give up. I wrote a 3rd set of letters to my state and included a letter from my father expressing his support. A month later I received a Congressional Medical waiver and the commanding officer of the Springfield, Mass MEPS medical facility endorsed an Admiral's medical waiver and I was sworn in to active duty. I spent 4 years in California where my psoriasis was great as I spent a lot of time in the sun and salt water. Sadly the career wasnt for me and I was honorably discharged when my 4 years were up. I moved back to Vermont and my psoriasis flared up from the dry winters and lack of sunlight. Fastword to 2006 and I have it on both upper arms, elbows, knees, shins, calfs, and ankles in various patches. I hurts at times, itches others and my wife is finding me less attractive because I have not taken care of it. The bottom line is, don't let it get the better of you, unless it is severe, if you want to join the military, you can, with the proper backs being scratched so to speak, however, never forget, this is disease that lasts lifetime and just about anything can cause it to flare. Be it stress, change in environment, change in laundry detergent, you name it! So take care of yourself and don't let it get the better of you!

[jeffiner]

I didn't get my P until I was 30 and had already been in for some time. At my last physical, the Doc told me countless times I could not reenlist due to the P. It doesn't matter for me since I am an officer and resign when I want to (Or retire which is very soon).
But that is the scoop.

[Nessa]

hey I was reading your posts regarding P. and the military and I fit the pattern unfortunately. I was in the navy and a few years later I began working with a chemical named PD-680, a dry cleaning solvent known to cause chronic dermatitis. Well my first outbreak occured on my feet and I went to medical complaining of burning itching feet and was told that I had tenia pedis (athletes feet), of course there was no skin biopsy done, just a look from the doc. 20 years later I have that same condition not only on my feet but over 20% of my body. 10 years ago I put a VA claim in for p. and was denied because my med. records did not confirm it, I was told that a dermatologist would have to write a letter stating the my P. could have been military connected and could have occured from the use of chems. Is there help for me Col Bob, please respond thank you

[ktmrider]

To Nessa
Mixed PD-680, water, soap in a pressurized vessel and washed C 5's & C 141 aircraft while in the Air Force and got Psoriasis like right now. Think theres a connection?
Ktmrider

[Psoriasux]

Jeffiner, stating that you CAN'T join the Navy with P is not accurate. As I explained I was able to join AFTER I was told I had it. You do require a medical waiver for it and are allowed to reenlist. (Perhaps officers have more strick medical guidelines than enlisted?) In any case, it IS possible but the docs will just tell you you have to seperate unless you press the issue. As far as the cleaning solvent causing P, that isnt the case. P is predetermined in your genetic make up. Granted the cleaner may have irritaded the skin to the point where it caused it to flare, but it wasn't CAUSED by it. I cleaned jets before I was promoted to Petty Officer and the same compound didn't effect me or anyone else that came in contact with it. The VA will likely say that even if you didnt have noticeable patches prior to joining the Navy, its not like coming in contact with asbestos (sp?) and contracting lung cancer, it's something your body would have in it already. I may be wrong, but they are big on preexisting conditions.

[waitev]

I am currently in the USAF. I was just diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I started getting the psoriasis while I was stationed in Turkey. The doctor's said they did not know what it was. I finally saw a rheumatologist and she diagnosed me almost immediately. My doctor is already talking about doing a Medical evaluation board. Can anyone given me any help.

I have been in the Military for 15 1/2 years and have worked to long to just leave without a retirement.

Any and all help would be appreciated.

[RichJ]

hi waitev,
sorry i can't help much but welcome to the p family will you have met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to meet you and maybe more will come through and help you

have a good night all

richard

[waitev]

Thank you so much. I am so glad that my Dr. told me about this site. I thought I was going crazy or making just making something out of nothing. It feels really good to know that I am not alone.

[RichJ]

hi waitev,
your welcome and im gald i could help some

have a good night all

richard

[mtracyfam]

I stated this in another thread but just found it would fit here. USAF instructions say you can't join per AFI 48-123v2 section A3.28.14 dated 5 June 2006. "Current or history of P is disqualifying". The other US branches of the service are most likely the same. If you develop P while in the service, and if you wish to remain in the service, then the condition must be evaluated when... A2.16.18. "P or paraP, extensive and not controlled by treatment or controllable only with potent cytotoxic agents."

Col Bob, I have been in 21yrs and was dignosed w/P 7 years in and then PA at 12 years in. MEB is next on the list as my knees swelled and I couldn't do the PT test. (got everything under control and then took the pt test and passed) 12 wavier and with the AF slimming down I am looking for any answers I can get. Will Tricare-For-Life pay for the sometimes expencive treatments? (Embrel, Mtx, Arava?) What are the chances that I will get disability percentage?

MSgt T

[grannyfranny]

Hi,
My husband is AF retired. Tri-Care for Life is excellant. I am on Medicare and have Tri-care For Life.
I was approved for Enbrel and just had a small co-pay. Too bad,,,Enbrel didn't work for me. My derm called on the phone and they approved it right then.

For my meds that I have to take all the time, I get a prescription for three months for up to a year. We use Expressscripts and I can renew on the Internet. For something I need NOW, I can get it locally. Another good thing is NO PAPER WORK!!!!!!!

[mtracyfam]

Great! Well that pretty much firms up the Tricare-for-Life issue. Although we had desided a long time ago that finacially it was the cheapest route.

Military folks: The thing to note on the AFI as it was just revized June 2006, so what may have been acceptable or waiverable last year isn't now.

waitev: Did you ever have the MEB? Has anyone out here had an MEB for P/PA?

[Stillworking]

I am not in the service, but I see the end result of this as a Nurse for the VA. I have had patients with P and PA. They get Remicade and topicals just like the private sector. i don't know about service connection (if it was diagnosed while in the military or aggrevated by conditions in the service), but it is something to check out.

[RDean]

I have posted before on this subject and have received many personal messages. I replied to all but one which could not be processed because his computer apparently has some restrictions for receiving my e-mail.

I would like to copy three paragraphs from a recent reply as the words may apply to others contemplating military service:

"I left the military service many (37) years ago and certainly there have been many changes since then. From what I hear there are many inconsistencies in qualifications for military service. Since there are so many psoriatic conditions I would expect that this would influence the acceptance or disqualification. It sounds to me that your condition is very mild and probably would not disqualify you. If you really want to serve I would recommend that you do everything you can to reduce the appearance of your psoriasis condition before making your application. You should get help from a good dermatologist. It would be worth the cost, and better than trying to learn from all the comments in the NPF bulletin board even though there is much valuable information there. You must remember that there are inconsistencies in psoriatic conditions and response to treatments of this disease.

"I'm sure you have considered your commitment when you sign up for military service. But there are other factors for you and others with psoriasis. There may be assignments that would adversely affect your psoriasis . . . stress conditions, adverse climatic conditions, unavailability of medical treatment, etc. Then, there is always the feelings you will have when others in close contact with you see your skin condition and make comments. They just don't understand.

"I hope this will be helpful for you, ________. I'm sure, if you make it, that the AF will benefit from your service, and you will receive the many benefits of having served. Best of luck to you, and may the year 2007 be the best ever."

Col Bob

[theateamx3]

I have been in the Army for 11 years. Currently I am stationed in Alaska. I was diagnosed with P about 4 months ago. I was an Army Recruiter from 2002 to 2005. The severity of the P is the determining factor for joining the service. That determination is made by the Doctor at MEPS, (Military Entrance Processing Station) based on the individual service standards. I had a couple of my applicants get accepted for Army service with P.

[grannyfranny]

I have been in the Army for 11 years. Currently I am stationed in Alaska. I was diagnosed with P about 4 months ago. I was an Army Recruiter from 2002 to 2005. The severity of the P is the determining factor for joining the service. That determination is made by the Doctor at MEPS, (Military Entrance Processing Station) based on the individual service standards. I had a couple of my applicants get accepted for Army service with P.

Thank you for what you do,,,,my DH did 23 years,,,AF!
I like your Signature!

[yglesiasj]

Hi Dean,
iam in Army Active duty (Reserve), will retire in 3 years and would like to know how to get my disability for Psoriasis, been with P for about ten years.
Please let me know. Million Thanks
Jose
yglesiasj87@yahoo.com
There have been several posts in a recent related subject. I've responded to two, but believe there are many more psoriatics out there looking for help in this area. I've had many years military service and many years experience with psoriasis. I've served a number of years as a service officer with the DAV, helping veterans and processing claims for disability ratings with the VA. I've been there, done that, etc. As an old retiree I've got plenty of time and am willing to help anyone in any way I can. -- Col Bob

flordean@cfl.rr.com

[yglesiasj]

Hi Sarg
Iam also a Army Reserve Recruiter in NY, and also have Psoriasis, I feel you and is not comfortable to have P.
Take care,
SSG Yglesias
yglesiasj87@yahoo.com
I have been in the Army for 11 years. Currently I am stationed in Alaska. I was diagnosed with P about 4 months ago. I was an Army Recruiter from 2002 to 2005. The severity of the P is the determining factor for joining the service. That determination is made by the Doctor at MEPS, (Military Entrance Processing Station) based on the individual service standards. I had a couple of my applicants get accepted for Army service with P.

[RichJ]

hi jose,
welcome to the p family. you have met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to meet you.


have a good day all

richard