Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a prevalent and often stigmatized condition affecting many individuals in the United States. Leah talks about the relationship between Herpes Simplex Virus and VA disability benefits, providing insight for veterans who may be navigating the process of filing claims for service connection. Despite the sensitivity surrounding the topic, it is crucial to address it, as many veterans may be eligible for compensation if they can establish a link between their herpes diagnosis and their military service.
Herpes Simplex Virus: An Overview
Types of Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus comes in two primary strains: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Traditionally, HSV-1 has been associated with oral herpes or cold sores, while HSV-2 is linked to genital herpes. However, the distinction between the two has become less clear over the years, with cases of individuals contracting HSV-1 in their genital area and vice versa. According to the CDC, in 2018 alone, an estimated 572,000 new genital herpes infections occurred in the United States among individuals aged 14 to 49, emphasizing the prevalence of this transmittable disease.
Understanding Transmission and Acquisition
Modes of Transmission
HSV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. However, it can also be acquired through contact with saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection. Unsurprisingly, the virus’s prevalence can result in veterans developing herpes during their service, making it a condition worthy of consideration for VA disability claims.
Filing for VA Disability: Establishing Service Connection
Primary Service Connection
If a veteran is diagnosed with herpes during their military service they may be eligible for primary service connection. This involves establishing a direct link between the herpes diagnosis and the time spent in active duty. Legal professionals like Veterans Service Officers (VSO’s), Accredited Claims Agents and attorneys often assist veterans with navigating the administrative complexities of the filling process.
Secondary Service Connection
For those who develop herpes after their service, there is still a potential avenue for those claiming VA disability benefits. Veterans may demonstrate that their herpes diagnosis is related to another service-connected disability. For example, individuals who experienced sexual assault during their service and are service-connected for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may be able to link their herpes diagnosis as a secondary condition resulting from the stress associated.
Stress as an Aggravating Factor
Stress is a common factor that can worsen the symptoms of herpes, leading to more frequent outbreaks. Veterans service-connected for PTSD, whether related to combat or other traumatic experiences, may find that stress exacerbates their herpes condition. In such cases, an increase in outbreaks due to stress could be considered an aggravation or worsening of an existing condition, making it potentially eligible for VA disability benefits.
Supporting Medical Opinions
Stress and Herpes: A Scientific Perspective
Scientific studies, such as the article titled “Stress Wakes Up Sleeping Herpes Viruses” published in Science Daily in February 2016, provide insights into how stress can directly impact and worsen the herpes condition. Additionally, consulting resources like the genital herpes fact sheet from the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization’s information on herpes simplex virus can offer valuable information on the disease and its exacerbating factors.
Seeking Medical Documentation
Veterans seeking disability benefits for herpes may consider asking their healthcare providers to provide letters or medical opinions detailing the connection between stress and herpes outbreaks. A letter from a healthcare professional can at times significantly strengthen a VA disability claim, providing a clear link between the veteran’s service-connected conditions and the worsening of their herpes symptoms.
Conclusion
While discussing Herpes Simplex Virus may be uncomfortable for some, it is essential for veterans to recognize that they may be eligible for VA disability benefits if they can establish a connection between their herpes diagnosis and their military service. Whether through primary service connection or linking it as a secondary condition to a service-connected disability, veterans should not hesitate to explore their options and seek assistance from accredited claims agents, VSOs, or attorneys. Armed with medical documentation and a clear understanding of the relationship between stress and herpes, veterans can navigate the VA disability claims process with confidence.
Also read: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and VA Disability
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
