Urticaria VA Rating: How the VA Rates Chronic Hives

If itchy, red welts are keeping you up at night (sometimes literally) and don’t seem to stay away for long, here’s some good news it’s possible to get a chronic urticaria VA rating. Skin conditions such as chronic urticaria, also known as chronic hives, can be connected to your military service, and if you can prove it, the VA will compensate you.

Continue reading for more information about chronic urticaria, including how the VA rates the condition and how it may be connected to your service.

What is Urticaria?

Urticaria, more commonly known as hives, is a skin reaction that starts with itchy red spots. These spots swell into welts that, when chronic, can last up to six weeks and recur over months or years. Although the exact cause of urticaria remains unknown, experts believe it can be triggered by various factors such as stress, medications, or allergens.

Chronic urticaria can significantly affect daily life, especially when the hives persist and reappear frequently. The symptoms of chronic urticaria can be managed, but they often require ongoing treatment.

“Chronic urticaria can be exhausting. It’s not just the physical discomfort but the mental toll it takes as well. Many veterans with this condition struggle with sleep disruption, stress, and self-confidence,” says Dr. Emily Rodriguez, a dermatologist specializing in autoimmune-related skin conditions.

Symptoms of Urticaria

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of chronic hives include:

• Batches of welts, called wheals, that can form anywhere on the body.
• Welts that might be red, purple, or skin-colored depending on skin tone.
• Welts that vary in size, change shape, and appear and fade repeatedly.
• Intense itchiness (pruritus).
• Painful swelling (angioedema) around the eyes, cheeks, or lips.
• Flares triggered by heat, exercise, or stress.
• Symptoms that persist for more than six weeks and recur often and anytime, sometimes for months or years.

Overview of Urticaria VA Rating

Severity Level	Symptoms	VA Disability Rating	Treatment Type
Mild to Moderate	Occasional hives with manageable symptoms	10%	Antihistamines, over-the-counter treatments
Moderate to Severe	Frequent flare-ups with pain and swelling, requiring stronger treatment	30%	Corticosteroids, sympathomimetics, leukotriene inhibitors
Severe, Chronic	Persistent hives that do not respond to regular treatments, severe swelling and pain	60%	Third-line treatments (e.g., plasmapheresis, immunosuppressants)

How to Prove Service Connection for Chronic Urticaria?

To receive compensation for chronic urticaria, you must prove that it is service-connected. There are two primary ways to establish service connection for chronic urticaria: direct service connection and secondary service connection.

Direct Service Connection

To establish a direct service connection, you need the following:

1. A current diagnosis of chronic urticaria.
2. Documentation of an in-service event that caused or aggravated the condition.
3. A nexus linking the condition to military service. This could be a letter from a qualified healthcare provider that explains how your service is linked to your current diagnosis of chronic hives.

In-service risk factors that might contribute to chronic urticaria include:

• Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Grooming and hygiene standards/access.
• Stress.
• Occupational exposure.

Veteran Michael Davis recalls, “I developed chronic hives shortly after being deployed to the desert. The extreme temperatures and stress from combat exacerbated my condition. It wasn’t until years later that I connected the dots between my service and the hives.”

Secondary Service Connection

While the exact cause of chronic urticaria remains unclear, research suggests that it can be related to autoimmune conditions, asthma, liver disease, lymphomas, and stress/PTSD. If your chronic urticaria is caused or aggravated by another service-connected condition, you may qualify for a secondary service connection.

For example, if you already have a service-connected disability such as PTSD or a respiratory condition, and these conditions worsened or triggered your chronic urticaria, you could file for secondary service connection.

Treatment for Chronic Urticaria

The treatment for chronic urticaria generally progresses through several stages, starting with antihistamines and escalating to more aggressive therapies if needed.

• First-line treatments: Antihistamines are typically the first line of treatment. These medications block histamine receptors in the body and reduce itching and welts.
• Second-line treatments: If antihistamines are not effective, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids, leukotriene inhibitors, or other immunosuppressive medications to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.
• Third-line treatments: In severe cases, treatments like plasmapheresis or immunotherapy may be required to control the condition. These treatments are often used when the symptoms do not respond to standard medications.

C&P Exam for Chronic Urticaria

After filing a claim for chronic urticaria, the VA may require you to undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. During this exam, the VA will review your medical records, assess the severity of your symptoms, and determine whether your condition is service-connected.

While a C&P exam is not required for all claims, it can provide crucial evidence that may strengthen your case. Failing to attend the exam may delay your claim or result in an unfavorable decision.

Final Thought

Chronic urticaria can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts your quality of life. If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic hives and believe they are connected to your military service, it’s essential to pursue your VA disability claim. Whether through direct or secondary service connection, veterans can receive compensation for chronic urticaria if they can provide the necessary documentation and evidence.

If your condition is severe enough to require ongoing treatment and has a noticeable impact on your daily life, you may be eligible for a VA rating of 10%, 30%, or 60%. With the right support and understanding of the VA claims process, you can secure the compensation you deserve.

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