Question:

I am 62 year old AF vet being re-examined by the VA. I have a rating of 70% for asthma, chronic sinusitis and pulmonaire sarcoidose. I take medication daily for my asthma and I give myself ejections every two weeks which keeps my asthma and my sinus flare up under control. My question is. Since medication keeps my medical issue under control can the VA decrease my rating? Without the meds,  I'd have constant medical issue. BTW, I've been at 70% for approximately 3 years. I've was at 50% for 11 to 12 years. Thank you

Jim's Reply:

Since I don't know the full details of your current health, I have to say that yes, VA can reduce your ratings if there has been measurable improvement since the last exam. Generally speaking though VA can not and does not reduce your rating because of improvements brought about by regular treatment and medication. For example, it's a given that if you have service connected diabetes and you inject insulin twice a day your blood sugar readings will be better than if you didn't inject insulin. The meds and treatments are taken into consideration so the more symptoms and episodes of illness you can document, the better.