Van Halen III is going to continue to be one of those VH albums that will constantly have people/fans debate for decades on end.
Obviously a controversial album, and for most a disaster release that still to this day has many wondering WTH?
Granted, there are some songs on the album that are note-worthy, listenable from time to time, like Fire in the Hole, Dirty Water Dog, Year to the Day & Ballot or the Bullet.
I think overall, and I believe the consensus is that this is technically an EVH solo album.

But I too have the two versions of the album, the initial promo copy and final release. And IMO, the biggest mistake the label, and the band made was dropping the song "That's Why I Love You" and substituting it with "How Many Say I". Not to knock on a dead mans talents, but this track is terrible, and should have been a bonus japanese track instead.