Web: A Veterans degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine warrants a 20 percent based on limitation of motion under the General Rating Formula and his mild radiculopathy of the left We assign a disability rating based on WebWhen there is an award based on pain with motion with movement of the shoulder. I'm trying to figure out of the conditions I have with my ankle what could give me a rating increase. My left knee occasionally gives out and I limp but that comes and goes. The key to Degenerative Arthritis is that if there is any limited motion AT ALL in the affected joint, then the condition MUST be rated on limited motion of that joint. Whats more, getting a disability rating thats enough to reflect the severity of arm and shoulder injuries is another hurdle. If the VA sends you a letter stating that they denied your claim, its important to contact a veterans rights lawyer to figure out your next steps. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Yet establishing a service connection for shoulder and arm injuries can still be a challenge. Hi Dr, Just today I went in to apply for a shoulder increase. You may be owed compensation. If not enough, then arthritis. Unfortunately, the MEB Attorney's response is valid. Hello Dr. Johnson. VA Disability VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. Since you have multiple disc conditions, you could qualify for a rating under Intervertebral Disc Syndrome instead if that offers higher rating under incapacitating episodes. VA 2. If two or more major or minor jointgroups are affected, but there are no incapacitating exacerbations, a 10% rating may be assigned. The condition claimed is less likely than not (less than 50% probability) proximately due to or the result of the Veteran's service connected condition.". You can file a Notice of Disagreement, take the higher review lane, orsubmit a supplemental claim. No, the VA will only give you a single spine rating for your cervical spine. Today, VA announced its sixth update: The musculoskeletal system and muscle injuries. As we mentioned, shoulder injuries are extremely common among service members tasked with heavy lifting and training exercises that include overhead motions. At Woods and Woods, the Veterans Firm, weve helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. So, if your arthritis gives a higher rating than the meniscus condition, then it is rated, and the other is ignored. Hello, My question relates to psoriatic arthritis. Many with identified surgeries which made me understand staying to fight a person intent on ridding U more than helping U even have a chance was beyond my capacities right then. Massive Increase in VA Disability Rates for 2023! That arthritis is a secondary condition that should be reviewed by the VA and compensated where appropriate. Bilateral facet arthropathy. Top 5 Ways to Get a VA Rating for Arthritis (The Insiders Guide) If you cant show that it is directly related to a fall, shot, or other injury documented while you were in the service, the VA wont consider it as service-connected. They do not have any evidence concerning my knee or most of the stuff on their list. VA Disability Ratings for Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair The VA will rate rotator cuff surgery based on the severity of the pain and the thickness rotator cuff tears, often For a veteran experiencing occasional periods of weakness, pain, or limited motion, the condition will be rated under Diagnostic Code 5002 (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis) or 5203 (i.e., impairment of the clavicle or scapula), depending on which most closely describes the symptoms. The cyst and the arthritis would all be rated together under code 5003, degenerative arthritis, on how they affect the motion of the knees. I report when theres much DISCOMFORT which is rarely during a GP interview. Learn more aboutVA benefits. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Surgery can sometimes improve the function of the affected joints. This is important as it removes the need to present direct medical evidence linking arthritis to a particular event or injury. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#rheum. As long as they have evidence that the shoulder condition worsened and caused arthritis, then it should still be processed correctly. There are no knee imsges or ankle images or foot images or hip images or back or neck images. If you have used steroids as a treatment for a service-connected condition, then it could qualify that way. The VA does not rate a disability under limited range of motion and degenerative arthritis. C6/C7: Symmetric posterior disc bulge. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. I got handed to psych people instead of medical people. If a dislocated shoulder is a secondary-connection to tumors, deforming arthritis, or other disease, your treatment might look very different. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 They found a bump I had on my right hairline area. VA Now Offering Toxic Exposure Screenings for All Veterans, Comprehensive List of Benefits for Veterans with Disabilities, VA Healthcare Eligibility Expansion PACT Act, VA Family Caregiver Program Now Open to All. All the military and VA did was give me medication. You can also submit a new claim for a secondary condition or increase your disability rating by combining multiple disabilities. Additionally, the connective tissues deteriorate and there is often inflammation of the joint lining. I am a Gulf War Vet and am currently SC. If it is determined I have sleep apnea can I file a claim even though I've been out for 16 years since there's a history in my records. If you are a disabled American veteran with arthritis, I will do my best to help you understand how your arthritis should be rated. Also because of the no ankylosing spondylosis will my rating go down, even though my back symptoms have worsened. Well I got a letter today stating THEY made a calculation error when I submitted a claim for two painful scars. Osteoarthritis can manifest from mildly disabling to almost complete impairment, and will be rated by the VA accordingly once service connection is proven. The result was Ive not felt like other people since & I mean that in a nuerological way not a mental way. You have at least 1 service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling, or 2 or more service-connected disabilitieswith at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or moreand2. For more information on how to calculate this number click here. Ok thank you Dr. Johnson have a good one take care. VA makes a determination about the severity of your disability based on the evidence you submit as part of your claim, or that VA obtains from your military records. In some cases, these conditions may lead to loss of use and incapacitating episodes. Never hurts to strengthen your case by getting a NEXUS letter from your physician, however. I submitted because of the Burn Pit Act where I could not register due to being a Civilian!! We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. Applying and being approved for these benefits can seem daunting, but Recognizing and Addressing An Underrated Veteran Disability Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is sexual harassment and or sexual assault experienced by a military service member. Veterans Affairs I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella when I separated from the service in 1978. Acromioclavicular Joint Separation VA Disability Rating. When examining my wrist the examiner also notated abnormal results for ROM. VA medical records and hospital records relating to your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation or that show it has gotten worse. VA Disability Rating for Rotator Cuff Repair and Shoulder Bursitis we represent clients nationwide. This means that the typical medical evidence of a diagnosis or nexus is not necessarily needed if you are able to show continuation of reported symptoms from service. A doctor can determine if your service had a causal relationship with your arthritis by looking at your injuries or overuse of the joints. For the most accurate measurement and associated rating, examiners often use a goniometer regarding your joints flexion and extension. Learn aboutthe complete list of updatesto the rating schedule. For a supplemental claim, you can show new evidence that wasnt considered with your initial claim. You can claim the condition either way as long as you provide opinions from your physicians denoting the connection. The second review, in May 2018, was for gynecological conditions. The examiner notated the following in regard to the synovial hypertrophy/proliferative synovium:"a. It's rated first on limited motion. You can look for a VA disability attorney near you or call us and join the thousands of veterans living off of VA disability thanks to Woods and Woods. I told the Claims Rep that I now have arthritis in my shoulder (the one that is rated due to an injury while active duty and a surgery) .. Degenerative talonavicular arthrosis is really just degenerative arthritis of the talonavicular joint. Check out our range of motion rating info on our website. My question to you is since this is an error made by the VA will I be required to pay back any money to the VA? About 6 months ago I started to have severe pain and swelling in my hands and wrists. Psoriatic arthritis is rated analogous to RA: "Incapacitating episodes" for RA are periods where the condition is aggravated to the point that it is impossible for you to do your job or function well in daily life. And I have the new neck problems. Rating. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 Knowing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis can also help Veterans get their condition service-connected. They can scour every VA clinic record for the 40 years Ive been complaining & I always let them redirect and placate me because I trusted they knew how to help better than I did when I was especially numb and not certain if I could pick the correct severity number in the pain/ discomfort/ numbness question the interveiwers always ask. I guess they needed to test me with the Ucmj and heavy sea duty. It would last for a few weeks and then disappear. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#inter. Regardless of the code, however, most spine conditions are all rated on the same system: limited motion. In contrast torheumatoid arthritis a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder that can affect more than your joints degenerative arthritis results from the wearing down of the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones. I recently had an MRI done of my cervical spine which indicated mild multilevel degenerative changes of the cervical spine, most pronounced at C4-C7. Three months after returning from Balad in 2008 I had open heart surgery to replace my failing Aortic Valve at St Josephs Hosp in Syracuse NY. This broad spectrum of application means that those suffering from arthritis can experience a variety of symptoms in regards to location and severity. Because of this, it probably won't cause a problem that it was claimed this way. When the bones no longer align properly, they may scrape on one another and cause inflammation and pain; this condition can also lead to rheumatoid arthritis. Should the VA deny your claim, this does not mean your case is over and you have zero chances of receiving benefits for your injuries. All of these conditions are rated on the general rating formula which is baed on limited motion. ", For the arthritis of bilat hands/fingers/wrists the examiner stated the following:"b. During the course of finalizing this rulemaking, VA received comments from various Veterans Service Organizations and Veterans to ensure fair evaluations are established. yet assertive representation for our clients. Hello, I was awarded service connection at 0% for both my left and right knee in 2011. What is the highest rating I can get for Achilles Tendonitis/Tenosynovitis and is that solely based on the range of motion of the ankle? I recently had a full spine MRI with these findings. C4/C5 degenerative disc disease resulting in moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. Sir, I was diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." It is odd for the VA to open a CUE claim without you having requested it. First rule that you MUST understand: All joints will only receive ONE rating for the overall condition of that joint, regardless of the number of conditions that affect it. They will, however, rate your radiculopathy separately. Thankfully, the in-service injury does not need to be traumatic to be considered connected. If you believe there has been an error in your VA disability filing or that you are entitled to higher compensation, you can submit an appeal. Generally speaking, VA rates shoulder and arm conditions under both 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System and 4.73 Schedule of Ratings, For the average person, the cartilage breaks down gradually but for veterans, the breakdown often occurs suddenly within one or two years post injury. I did get my new GP to approve hip imaging after somehowe I got into a non VA cinic during a bad day only to learn I most certainly need a hernia looked at that up till very revently I could not feel like a normal person would. I had issues with PTSD over the years from my time in the Army. All FOBs had Burn Pits inside the wire! There are about 2 accurate statements in the report loss of smell & that I declined to have the bump surgcally removed. If you are filing an appeal, it can take up to 12-18 months for the VA to review and grant your appeal. 38 CFR Book C, Schedule for Rating Disabilities - Web Automated The first VASRD update, in September 2017, was for dental and oral conditions. This gives the veteran a bilateral factor of 2.8%. Any claimed joint conditions will be rated as degenerative arthritis if there is not a significant measurement of limited range of motion to rate under those applicable diagnostic codes. VA Disability For example, the VA regulations provide that if you are service-connected for an amputation and subsequently develop arthritis, arthritis may be granted service connection secondary to the amputation. With me not having AS, but my back condition has became worse and more painful, plus I have problems with my neck, pain and numbness radiating down my right arm. This is the link to get started, FAST. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide, Several rating criteria affect the totalrating decision, 100% disability compensation through total disability based on individual unemployability, rated under the appropriatediagnostic code, Denied VA Benefits? With any form of arthritis, your ranges of motion, and any associated pain, are important factors to be evaluated. For the purposes of this blog, the primary focus will be on VA disability for degenerative arthritis, which affects 27 million Americans. Degenerative arthritis can receive the following disability compensation ratings from the VA*: 10%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis but 2. Nonsurgical treatments for AC separation include a sling, ice packs, and medications to manage the pain. My rheumatologist ordered an U/S that showed mild synovial hypertrophy in each wrist. An official website of the United States government. But, rheumatoid arthritis will only be rated either as an active condition or for its chronic residuals. Web4.30 - Convalescent Ratings 4.31 - A No-Percent Rating return to top Subpart B - Disability Ratings The Musculoskeletal System 4.40 - Functional Loss 4.41 - History of Injury 4.42 - I was afraid I might lose the benefits I had but I took the chance, and said, "I am going to go ahead and DO IT!" Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. The VA doesnt usually give 100% TDIU for just a single disability. Havent filed a claim yet or know that you are underrated? According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, degenerative arthritis is the primary reason for discharge from active duty military service. Minimal bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing. This shoulder disability diagnostic code is 38 C.F.R. Would this condition fall under diagnostic code 5024: Tenosynovitis (swelling of the tissues that surround the tendons) or would the VA group the Arthritis (diagnostic code 5003) and Achilles Tendonitis/Tenosynovitis together for final codes of 5024-5003? The call is free and we wont charge you a single fee until we win your case. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. 1. The VA may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) examination to evaluate your arthritis and assign the appropriate rating. You must do this within one year of the VA issuing the rating. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. WebThe osteoarthritis disability ratings are either 10% or 20% depending on the following symptoms: 10%: a veteran has degenerative arthritis in two or more major joints or two or I was hopeful because the POA statements made the system act to allow an LHI look-and the let me upload the workup documentation to the DOD evidence intake fax yet nobody could ingorm me how to upload the x rays supporting the documentation. Would I have a chance for additional disability rating if I filed the arthritis as a secondary cause of the Chondromalacia Patella? Webor traumatic arthritis, do not complete this questionnaire, INSTEAD complete the Joint Questionnaire for the affected area (e.g., if the diagnosis is osteoarthritis of the knee, complete the VA Form 21-0960M-9, Knee and Lower Leg Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire). In this scenario, your arthritis would have to be the result of, or secondary to, a separate disability that is currently service-connected. Major Minor. Completing these tasks for an extended period while serving can lead to many other VA secondary conditions to shoulder injuries, including: Should a veterans shoulder condition lead to amputation, the rating will change. The length of this period will depend on the specific of the condition, but it would have to be significant. How does the VA rate this condition? Good question. You would want to get a NEXUS letter from a specialist confirming this correlation. From rotator cuffs and dislocations to poorly healed bones, shoulder and arm injuries are common among soldiers and all these injuries can lead to long-term disabilities in veterans. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. WebA rating for osteomyelitis will not be applied following cure by removal or radical resection of the affected bone. DOCTORS IMPRESSION: 1. Please complete this form to send us your message. Most spine conditions are inter-related as they cause further wear and tear on other parts of the spine. Were Veterans helping Veterans Worldwide, and since 2016 weve helped 10,000+ Veterans just like you INCREASE their VA disability rating! *If you have already received a rating for Limited Motion of a joint, then you cannot receive a rating for arthritis in that joint. Mild spinal canal stenosis. The ratings are 10% lower if they are on your non-dominant side from the 70% rating level downward. Correlation for radicular symptoms. 40% for ankylosing spondylosis and DDD. VA Disability for Shoulder and Arm Injuries - Woods and Woods, Although range of motion is a big factor, the functional impairment ought to be addressed as well. However, a shoulder can only be given a single rating, so the VA would ultimately not rate the arthritis as a separate condition. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. My copies and along with most of the good evidence I had was lost when I stored it in a closet at my Dads place snd his water heater plumbing sprayed it all and the moist stuff molded. We can help maximize your compensation and make sure you get the disability rating youre entitled to the first time you file for disability. Muscles and tendons that keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket make up the rotator cuff. Repetitive stress on your joints with documented symptoms can be sufficient to establish your claim since service connection for arthritis may be proven through continued symptomology. If it isn't too late to request the change, you can submit it as secondary, but if it would delay things too much, you will probably still be fine as is. Based on the painful motion regulation, you can theoretically receive a 10% rating for different joints as long as there is not overlap causing it to count twice. Thus, the VA could increase your current rating if the ratings for arthritis allow it, but you would not give a second separate rating for the arthritis. In December 2018, VA updated the rating criteria forhematologic and lymphatic systems. I have 7 months until retirement (20 years). The pain, stiffness, and limited motion can become severe when left untreated, and it can cause the veteran to repeatedly miss work and social events while living in constant pain. Claims filed on or after the effective date will be rated under the new criteria. I'm thinking of filing a claim for Achilles Tendonitis, my question is will the VA rate Achilles Tendonitis as a separate stand alone condition separate from the issues I have with my ankle? Kirsten Hirt, Claims Advocate Updated: August 25, 2021. Sir, you sent me a reply to my question about Administrative Decision For Cue the VA initiated. Which is worse a vet in a war zone gets shot and corrected with a rating or a peace vet gets lots of demotivating conflicting analysis by well meaning expediency oriented professionalsthat have very tight schedules which resultd in a peace vet feeling as if every thing he asks is always denied becausethe darn documents cant be found to substantiate. I was an Air Force parachute specialist for 8 years and this job required a lot of standing at a table with my neck bent/hunched over looking down at the parachute equipment when packing.