Considering that you have not been medically separated because of the condition, it is unlikely that you have had many incapacitating episodes. So what Im pointing out is that I managed to stubbornly function because well meaning people refused to look past the surface mearly based on my lack of documentation which could refute their layers of partial So now I have a letter from the DOD saying they have evidence about 25 items LHI was supposed to check. Examples for shoulder and arm injuries could include a VA disability rating for shoulder range of motion, VA disability rating for shoulder tendonitis, or VA disability rating for shoulder impingement. He did not write "arthritis" he just submitted "left shoulder increase" .. Is this correct? I received a 10% disability at separation for on one knee. Foot conditions could contribute to arthritis in the spine, but not really fat deposits. What do you think, 2020 MilitaryDisabilityMadeEasy.com - All rights reserved, There are all sorts of tricky rules in the. WebWhen there is an award based on pain with motion with movement of the shoulder. VA Disability Ratings for Arthritis Conditions - Hill & Ponton Hello Sir,I currently have a 10% rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease. This granoloma did keep me on the VA radar with a 0 percent rating If two or more major or minor jointgroups are affected, but there are no incapacitating exacerbations, a 10% rating may be assigned. Ok thank you I had a visit with my Primary Care Doctor and she mention my Sleep Apnea maybe the cause. You can compare your current symptoms to the spinal ratings to determine what you currently qualify for: Since your issues are mainly disc-related, they'll be rated under code 5243: Painful motion only comes into play if the ankle doesn't qualify for any other rating. Another option for service connection is to claim arthritis as a secondary disability. So, if you have arthritis and a meniscus condition in your knee, you can only receive a rating for one of the two conditions, whichever gives the higher rating. Lock We also connect veterans with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible independent medical opinions and nexus statements (medical nexus letters) for a wide range of disability conditions. 2. Acromioclavicular joint separation, also known as AC separation, occurs when the clavicle (collar bone) separates from the scapula (shoulder blade). Ultimately, Joe will only have a total of three ratings for his four conditions, instead of four separate ratings. That arthritis is a secondary condition that should be reviewed by the VA and compensated where appropriate. 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. Moreover, if there is pain (without limited motion), then the VAs painful motion principle kicks in. Under the painful motion rule, the minimum compensable rating of 10% must be assigned. Therefore, the C&P examiner ought to test for active and Is it possible to get the facet athropathy secondary to cervical spine DDD (two separate ratings)? The rating schedule then steps down to 60% disability rating which could still qualify a veteran to 100% disability compensation through total disability based on individual unemployability. Finally, it is also possible to receive a secondary service-connection if it is determined that an already service-connected condition is causing arthritis. 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. Only one. You are in a tough spot for your spondylosis. A NEXUS letter from your physician would strengthen your claim for the hypertrophy as a secondary condition. 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. Contact us today, and lets get started building your case. It does mention in my rating paperwork arthritis in my back as well. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Under the VAs schedule of ratings, they can rate arthritis as degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis several criteria affect that decision. Thank you for your time and have a great day. She came to Hill & Ponton in August 2015 wanting to help veterans and started off as a Case Manager. My question is what about the Department of Army Civilians who spent multiple Deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan? You're not alone. In December 2018, VA updated the rating criteria forhematologic and lymphatic systems. I did some research on a website called spine-health.com which stated "degenerative discs and osteoarthritis often occur hand in hand because the disc and facet joints are both part of the same three-joint complex. I'm really not sure what to expect and wondering if I'm wasting my time with this secondary claim. To complicate things, some Veterans may not report an injury at the time that it occurred. I filed for compensation change but was denied because of range of motion was not enough. Because of the Pyramiding Principle, it is standard practice to only give a single body part a single rating unless there is also nerve damage (there are other exceptions, but not for the ankle). Already working with us? VA Disability 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. The rating authority could look at your case and disagree, but the examiner's opinion does hold weight. Unless you also have instability, the only way to increase your rating is for your range of motion to significantly decrease. I was very skeptical working with an attorney at first. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. A VA disability rating percentage is awarded in multiples of 10, representing the severity of the impact of the disease or injury. I guess they needed to test me with the Ucmj and heavy sea duty. Ultimately, yes, they may ask for the extra money they paid you to be returned. Only occasional chest x rays that mention spondylosis in a couple places- but when I ask about it get assured its no concern to them because I don t lie and scream sbout level 8 pain. Many of Hello, I was awarded service connection at 0% for both my left and right knee in 2011. I claimed synovial hypertrophy/proliferative synovium of bilateral wrists and also arthritis of bilateral fingers, hands, and wrists all secondary to amyopathic dermatomyositis (for which I am SC). Since this condition had gotten somewhat worse I have been experiencing headaches. You may be owed compensation. If you have service-connected shoulder pain or injury, reach out to the VA disability lawyers at Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm. We use our arms and shoulders for many daily tasks, including getting dressed, driving, and bathing. Kirsten is a Florida native and received her Bachelor's degree from Florida State University in Criminology & Psychology. If a prosthetic device replaces the entire shoulder joint, the condition is rated at 100% for the month following discharge from the hospital. It takes about 125 days to get an answer to your initial claim. With any form of arthritis, your ranges of motion, and any associated pain, are important factors to be evaluated. Check out our range of motion rating info on our website. The VA saves me with a surgery when they absolutely must because I got a POA to present an affidavitt. 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. Odd jobs (marginal employment), dont count. My iimited duty post was to security call in hourly at a 5 story barracks full of guys all awaiting boards. A lock ( http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#inter. If you have to have your arm amputated up to the deltoid, which is midway above your elbow, youll get a rating of 80 percent. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. They will simply include it in your overall cervical spine condition. The examiner documented this as two incapacitating episodes as well as two non-incapacitating episodes. I'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. Multilevel cervical degenerative disc disease, most pronounced at C3/C4 resulting in moderate spinal canal stenosis, moderate-to-severe left neuroforaminal narrowing, and moderate right neuroforaminal narrowing. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on June 25, 2021 by Neil Woods Last Updated on February 14, 2023. I was at Three FOBs ( Forward Operations Bases) in Iraq Camp Anaconda Balad, Camp Cooke Taji and Q-West Qayyarrah, between 2004 and 2008. Here one of our VA disability lawyers goes over the questions Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm, is often asked about veterans disability claims and appeals. It would make you unfit for duty. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. So, if you have arthritis in your knee, and you cannot bend it all the way, then it is rated once on limited motion of the knee. VA Disability for Arthritis in the But, rheumatoid arthritis will only be rated either as an active condition or for its chronic residuals. The pain issues in my foot have been ongoing for years. Additionally, while there are other forms of arthritis under the VA codes, such as pneumococcic or traumatic, these specific forms are rated within one of the two main umbrellas: degenerative or rheumatoid. VA Ratings for Spine Issues are Based on Movement, Pain, and X-Rays Different Types of Arthritis Can Get Different VA Ratings Bone Spurs Cause Burning or Tingling in Your Hands or Feet Dont Wait Until Arthritis and Back Pain is Unbearable Get a Free Consultation from our Certified VA Lawyer Team I TRIED REPORTING THE LHI STUFF IF THEY SENT IMAGES AS EVIDENCE to the DOD the the DOD is getting lied to for funding expedient efforts which are not my involved appointments which result in reality for my trust. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vasrdprinciples.html#pyram. If you are not receiving maximum compensation, you can file foran increaseif your condition worsens. The VASRDs 15 body systems had seen periodic rating criteria updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review since 1945. But it served like a big red herring and made me look like a liar every time I repoted trouble on my left ear jaw neck elbow hip knee and ankle. However, both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. Factors including frequency and severity of joint swelling, stiffness, tenderness should all be reported and discussed to achieve a full picture of the severity. The VASRD rates two main types of arthritis: All right, Degenerative Arthritis Lets start off with assuming that only ONE joint has arthritis in the entire body. 4.71a, 5201. 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. Normal MRI study of the cervical and thoracic spine. Hopefully that didnt just create more questions than it answered. Code 5237 is used for general back pain. A Veteran with arthritis might receive either a 10 or a 20 percent rating, depending on the specifics of their condition. If these measurements arent properly recorded, you will not receive the correct ratings you deserve. Many veterans develop their arthritis later in life as the cartilage wears down. Since last posting my question I have been to the VA for my C&P exam but I am still awaiting my rating. Most often CUE claims are used to prove that the VA made a definite error that harmed the veteran's case that must be remedied. Degenerative arthritis leads to symptoms including pain, stiffness, limitation of motion, limitation of flexion, grating sensation or clicking with joint use (known as crepitus or crepitation), swelling, and joint instability or buckling (i.e., knee giving out). Visit USA.gov, This will take you to the MyHealtheVet website, This will take you to the Suicide Prevention website, This will take you to the VA Find a Form page, This will take you to the VA Publications page, VA updates rating criteria for musculoskeletal and muscle injuries, The Great American Spit Out February 25, Veterans! Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 As the condition worsens, the bone may harden, change shape or develop bone spurs. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. I am overseas working and at a loss how to communicate with the doctors here. The VA evaluates shoulder replacements under Diagnostic Code 5051. Learn more aboutVA benefits. 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 - In order to strengthen your case that your spine is the cause of the headaches, you'll need to get a NEXUS letter from your physician linking the conditions. Is it possible to be rated under 5002 for the arthralgia/flare ups as well as limited ROM? Therefore, the C&P examiner ought to test for active and passive, weightbearing and non-weightbearing, motion pain. Acromioclavicular Joint Separation VA Disability Rating. Some veterans will undergo a knee replacement, with hip and knee joints being the most common, to help with mobility and pain. You would want to get a NEXUS letter from a specialist confirming this correlation. This is making me very nervous. Minimal bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing. Can you explain a bit more and also can they rate this together? 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 With all forms of arthritis, the patients range of motion and associated pain are key factors in evaluating the rating. Arthritis especially tends to affect those who are overweight, as well as older men. 100%- Completely incapacitated and bedridden, regardless of how many joints are affected. Are ratings based on range of motion for example to get 10%, flexion measures more than 30 but less than 45. Symptoms of Acromioclavicular Joint Separation, VA Disability Applications for Acromioclavicular Joint Separation, Establishing a Service Connection for VA Disabilities, VA Disability Rating for Acromioclavicular Joint Separation, Secondary Conditions to Acromioclavicular Joint Separation, Amputations Resulting From Shoulder and Arm Conditions. I am on methotrexate and REALLY thinking about the switch to Humira. My rheumatologist ordered an U/S that showed mild synovial hypertrophy in each wrist. Because of this, it probably won't cause a problem that it was claimed this way. There are no knee imsges or ankle images or foot images or hip images or back or neck images. A locked padlock Arthritis VA Rating: Types of Arthritis and VA Disability The spine is very related, so it is possible for your DDD to cause your cervical spine problems. If there is insufficient documentation, the C&P examiner may order additional tests. 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. You can get a rating higher than 20%, but only if your range of motion worsens. 3. My question is, did my DDD cause my arthritis in my neck- is there any kind of connection there? As with all VAdisability claims, proving service connection is the first important step. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Arthritis is the most common disability and affects 52.5 million adults in the United States, or one in every five. Massive Increase in VA Disability Rates for 2023! I submitted a Workmens Comp Claim at CPO (Civilian Personnel Office) six years after surgery I was told that the time limitation had expired and I could not prove the Cause / Effect . Would I have a chance for additional disability rating if I filed the arthritis as a secondary cause of the Chondromalacia Patella? WebA rating for osteomyelitis will not be applied following cure by removal or radical resection of the affected bone. In this scenario, your arthritis would have to be the result of, or secondary to, a separate disability that is currently service-connected. To establish service connection through continuity of symptomatology, the claimed disability must be considered chronic pursuant to 38 CFR 3.309(a), symptoms must be documented in service and after discharge, and there must be a connection between your post-service symptoms and your current disability. As for the rating under code 5002, the VA will rate either by these rating requirements (which would rate you 20% for the 2 incapacitating episodes) or as limited motion, whichever gives you the higher rating. In such cases, the VA is able to consider certain, This post will outline the basics of GERD and how service-connection VA disability benefits may be possible under the VA schedule of ratings, despite the lack of an exactdisability ratingschedulefor. Moderate spinal canal stenosis. If it doesnt clearly state this, then it doesnt apply. No sacroiliac joint fusion to suggest ankylosing spondylitis. It really hurts when no one put attention to the person who served his country and puts his life in danger. Mild to moderate neural foraminal narrowing is present at L4-S1 levels 3. Claims filed on or after the effective date will be rated under the new criteria. Mild spinal canal stenosis. The first VASRD update, in September 2017, was for dental and oral conditions. Top 5 Ways to Get a VA Rating for Arthritis (The Insiders Guide) Civilans are not authorized in the VA Sys! You cant hold down a steady job that supports you financially (known as substantially gainful employment) because of your service-connected disability. 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. Now, if you dont have limited motion, then your condition is rated as. After many years of trying to receive VA benefits, I tried to work with VSO and it did not work. them are Veterans themselves. C7/T1: Disc desiccation without posterior protrusion. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. Rotator cuff injuries are common among veterans who have experienced traumatic injuries while in service. About 6 months ago I started to have severe pain and swelling in my hands and wrists. If you are filing an appeal, it can take up to 12-18 months for the VA to review and grant your appeal. I have exhausted so many avenues as a peacetime vet who was with the battlegriup shelling Beirut in 83 while my health was failing & then going to gaurd to KAL-007 trawlers. Officially the word arthritis refers to joint inflammation, but it is also used to describe over 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions affecting the joints, the tissues surrounding the joints, and other connective tissues. Multilevel bilateral facet arthropathy. The VA Ratings Schedule for Rheumatoid Arthritis One or two painful flare-ups a year: 20% Rating Clear impairments to daily living and health diagnosed by a doctor or 3