Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. If you are a Veteran in crisis Insiders, today we are discussing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis. The cyst and the arthritis would all be rated together under code 5003, degenerative arthritis, on how they affect the motion of the knees. Never hurts to strengthen your case by getting a NEXUS letter from your physician, however. Also, what is an "incapacitating episode"? I received a 10% disability at separation for on one knee. No, the VA will only give you a single spine rating for your cervical spine. I had issues with PTSD over the years from my time in the Army. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Foot conditions could contribute to arthritis in the spine, but not really fat deposits. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. I report when theres much DISCOMFORT which is rarely during a GP interview. If limited motion is not present, then you will receive one overall combinedrating under VA diagnostic code 5003 for degenerative arthritis. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 If a prosthetic device replaces the entire shoulder joint, the condition is rated at 100% for the month following discharge from the hospital. 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.". I was very skeptical working with an attorney at first. These tears can severely limit a veterans range of motion, which can qualify them for disability benefits based on their inability to work. Mild spinal canal stenosis. This is making me very nervous. I am very happy and very satisfied with the work they have done for me! I have a question. The length of this period will depend on the specific of the condition, but it would have to be significant. Then, the conditionreceives a permanent rating after the conditional period is complete. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/kneeandleg.html#limo. A locked padlock 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. We assign a disability rating based on If pain persists or the deformity is severe, a surgeon may trim back the end of the collarbone to stop it from rubbing against the shoulder blade bone. Through X-rays that display "rat bites" on my distal joints and wrists to psoriatic sores on my hands and blood tests show positive results for the arthritic condition. If you need additional information to reply, please let me know. I have recently been diagnosed with Epidural Lipomatosis. It would make you unfit for duty. It is also possible to establish a secondary service-connection under 38 CFR 4.58, which states that if you have received an amputation or a leg shortening and arthritis appears later in life, it may be service-connected on a secondary basis (so long as the arthritis is attributed to those conditions). In some cases, these conditions may lead to loss of use and incapacitating episodes. DOCTORS IMPRESSION: 1. Given this information, do you believe I will be rated under 5002 for wrist arthralgia (claimed as bilateral proliferative synovium/synovial hypertrophy) or will I be rated for limited ROM? Under the VAs schedule of ratings, they can rate arthritis as degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis several criteria affect that decision. But depending on the quality of in service evidence, it could be enough. Unfortunately, it is common for the VA to overlook information or make mistakes on arthritis claims. Veterans with questions regarding this VASRD update may contact VA at 800-827-1000. If we hear from the VA, well contact you as soon as we can to follow up with our next steps. 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. I had earlier x-rays of my neck, that a neurologist told me I had arthritis in my neck. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. I could see he wanted me off his work liad and out of the service because my appeal went past my EOS date. All FOBs had Burn Pits inside the wire! As with all VAdisability claims, proving service connection is the first important step. They will look at the overall symptoms and assign the highest rating they can based on those symptoms. Is it possible to be rated under 5002 for the arthralgia/flare ups as well as limited ROM? Ok thank you Dr. Johnson have a good one take care. Additionally, the connective tissues deteriorate and there is often inflammation of the joint lining. or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Official websites use .gov Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net. Good question. However, it is still very important to provide evidence that the arthritis is secondary along with the claim. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Under the schedule of ratings in the VA regulations, arthritis may be rated under degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. 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. Factors including frequency and severity of joint swelling, stiffness, tenderness should all be reported and discussed to achieve a full picture of the severity. It is much more Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: 10%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis but are never incapacitating, 20%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis and are occasionally incapacitating, 20%- One or two incapacitating episodes per year, 40%- If there is a definite decline in health; or, if incapacitating episodes occur 3 or more times per year, 60%- If there is an overall decline in health but is short of complete incapacitation, significant weight loss or anemia; or, if there are 4 or more severe incapacitating episodes per year. 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. Worth a shot to apply. All Rights Reserved. Mild spinal canal stenosis. But arthritis can also be presumptively service-connected. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting those who have served in the military. My iimited duty post was to security call in hourly at a 5 story barracks full of guys all awaiting boards. My question is what about the Department of Army Civilians who spent multiple Deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan? If you are already service-connected for arthritis and stay in a hospital for over 21 days as a result of your condition (i.e., joint replacement surgery), you may qualify for a temporary 100% total rating for the duration of your hospital admittance. There are about 2 accurate statements in the report loss of smell & that I declined to have the bump surgcally removed. This article covers rotator cuffs, shoulder blades, and other general shoulder injuries that qualify for VA disability. Contact us today, and lets get started building your case. I was so demotivated for so many years that I stayed away from care centers until I could not function. Lock Veterans that have to have their arm amputated below the deltoid will receive a 70 percent rating. I'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 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? Synovial hypertrophy is closer to RA, and would be rated under 5002. Osteoarthritis can theoretically affect any joint but typically occurs in your hands, feet, spine and hips. Hopefully that didnt just create more questions than it answered. Veterans granted TDIU receive payment at the 100% rate the highest compensation for VA disability awards. Rating. Many veterans develop their arthritis later in life as the cartilage wears down. During Marchs Womens History Month, we celebrate 100 years of advancing women Veterans health care at VA. Are you planning to buy a home with your VA home loan benefits? Rarely are they used to lower a veteran's ratings. 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. They will simply include it in your overall cervical spine condition. 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 Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 Unless you also have instability, the only way to increase your rating is for your range of motion to significantly decrease. Again, they will only give one overall rating, but if your symptoms do qualify for a higher rating, it is definitely worth applying for an increased evaluation. 100%- Completely incapacitated and bedridden, regardless of how many joints are affected. -Amber, Dr. George P Johnson I have been officially diagnosed with chandramalicia patella I am receiving 10% on my VA for it but now I am gonna be in a knee brace and using a tens unit how much will my rating go up to due to having those items to use. Considering that you have not been medically separated because of the condition, it is unlikely that you have had many incapacitating episodes. 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. Sir, I think I understand when you say the VA will only give you a single rating for the cervical spine as a whole, no matter how many diagnosed conditions you have. With all forms of arthritis, the patients range of motion and associated pain are key factors in evaluating the rating. Rotator cuff injuries are common among veterans who have experienced traumatic injuries while in service. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. He is a professional in the work he is doing. Sir, I got a bit of bad news today as the VA denied my claim for multilevel facet arthropathy or as they call it "cervical spondylosis". 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? Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 So now I have a letter from the DOD saying they have evidence about 25 items LHI was supposed to check. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. If you are not receiving maximum compensation, you can file foran increaseif your condition worsens. While we still have our home base in Florida, Its a workers compensation claim. So, if your arthritis gives a higher rating than the meniscus condition, then it is rated, and the other is ignored. ). I'm wondering if the ultrasound and symptoms alone are enough for the VA to award secondary service connection? Please complete this form to send us your message. If a dislocated shoulder is a secondary-connection to tumors, deforming arthritis, or other disease, your treatment might look very different. This gives the veteran a bilateral factor of 2.8%. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#inter. 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 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). 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. Chondromalacia patella is rated on either limited motion of the knee or a minimum 10% analogously under arthritis. From what I understand a CUE claim, is when a veteran asks the VA to revise a decision that is final. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 2. If you experience weakness and severe pain with motion, your injury is rated 60% for the dominant arm and 50% for the non-dominant arm. Or would this condition fall under diagnostic code 5003: Degenerative arthritis and if there is pain on movement then it rates 10% because of the Painful Motion principle. Degenerative talonavicular arthrosis is really just degenerative arthritis of the talonavicular joint. It's never a waste of time to make sure the VA is aware of your full range of conditions. As we mentioned, shoulder injuries are extremely common among service members tasked with heavy lifting and training exercises that include overhead motions. Would the VA even consider this? Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. Degenerative arthritis can receive the following disability compensation ratings from the VA*: Rheumatoid arthritis can receive the following disability ratings from the VA: Arthritis is one of the main disabilities facing todays veterans and the VA has many resources and benefits available to you if you are suffering from arthritis. 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!" They kept pointing to the VA as the answer. Because these measurements are vital in the arthritis rating, a physician must record the exact range of motion measurements using a goniometer. 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 . Rheumatoid arthritis, in terms of chronic residuals, will be rated under the appropriatediagnostic code for the group of minor joints involved, major joints, etc. For more information on how to calculate this number click here. Technically, you are correct that it should have been submitted as a secondary condition since arthritis was not present at all during service. 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. Talk to your doctor (or our in-house nexus doctor) about your symptoms to see if they are connected. C3/C4: Posterior disc osteophyte complex in contact with the anterior spinal cord. If it causes significantly new or progressed symptoms, it could contribute to having your overall cervical spine condition increased. 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. WebFor the purpose of rating disability from arthritis, the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle are considered major joints; multiple involvements of the interphalangeal, metacarpal and carpal joints of the upper extremities, the interphalangeal, metatarsal and tarsal joints of the lower extremities, the cervical vertebrae, the dorsal Hello, I was awarded service connection at 0% for both my left and right knee in 2011. We even pay for the postage for all of the documentation you send to our office. Acromioclavicular Joint Separation VA Disability Rating. Since his elbow and ankle do not have any limited motion, then they are both rated as. Keep reading to learn more about VA disability benefits for arm and shoulder conditions and how you can increase your disability rating. 1. Odd jobs (marginal employment), dont count. If there is limited motion in your joint, then your condition will be rated based on that joints limited motion. 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). Normal MRI study of the cervical and thoracic spine. How Can You Increase Your Shoulder Injury VA Disability Rating? The condition claimed is at least as likely as not (50% or greater probability) proximately due to or the result of the Veteran's service connected condition. To get the bilateral factor we take 28% and multiply it by 10%. If two or more major or minor jointgroups are affected, but there are no incapacitating exacerbations, a 10% rating may be assigned. You haveone yearto appeal the claim from the date ofthe denial. The baseline issue is the fact that the VA will only you a single rating for the cervical spine as a whole, no matter how many diagnosed conditions you have (nerve conditions are rated separately). Are ratings based on range of motion for example to get 10%, flexion measures more than 30 but less than 45. No spinal canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing. Since last posting my question I have been to the VA for my C&P exam but I am still awaiting my rating. 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. My med board was done twice I appealed because the nuerologist would not allow me access to ENT examination and wrote up an inconclusive report stating ehivh tesrs haf not worked. 10% for pain in my leg from back problems. Next possible rating for arthritis is 40%, followed by a 20% rating, which involves one or two exacerbations annually with a well-established diagnosis. This evidence includes: Ensure you fill out your claim entirely and send all supporting documents this helps process the claim quicker. If youre a veteran and have been injured or have developed a disability, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. When he refused & refused my request for champus to get a doctor he trusted. The report then lists general degenerative arthritis and traumatic arthritis with 268,882 and 258,135 recipients, respectively. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. There are a couple of conditions that are an exception to this rule, but if you have one of these conditions, our discussion about that condition on our site will clearly say that you can rate it in addition to other conditions that affect that joint. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Not at all. This injury is typically caused by a fall directly on the shoulder point or a direct blow from contact. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. 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 To complicate things, some Veterans may not report an injury at the time that it occurred. No facet arthropathy. 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. I started to get the ball rolling with Mr. Woods/Mr. 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. Is it possible to get the facet athropathy secondary to cervical spine DDD (two separate ratings)? The combined rating of the veterans bilateral conditions (right foot and left knee) is 28%. Now, if you dont have limited motion, then your condition is rated as. Ultimately, yes, they may ask for the extra money they paid you to be returned. Additionally, I have had four "flare ups" in less than a year, two of which I received prednisone for and two of which I did not. Well I got a letter today stating THEY made a calculation error when I submitted a claim for two painful scars. Moderate-to-severe left and moderate right neuroforaminal narrowing. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Arthritis has now developed secondary to your shoulder condition. Well the regulations state "If there are 1 or 2 scars that are unstable or painful it is rated 10%." My question is, did my DDD cause my arthritis in my neck- is there any kind of connection there? As the condition worsens, the bone may harden, change shape or develop bone spurs. You can file your claimonline, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained and accredited representative like Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm. The ratings are 10% lower if they are on your non-dominant side from the 70% rating level downward. The VA evaluates shoulder replacements under Diagnostic Code 5051. A NEXUS letter from your physician would strengthen your claim for the hypertrophy as a secondary condition. Claims for musculoskeletal and/or muscle injury conditions adjudicated after Feb. 7, but were pending on the effective date, will be considered under both the old and new rating criteria, and whichever criteria is more favorable to the Veteran will be applied. Can you please help me understand a bit more about what type of rating I should expect. 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. http://blog.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/2018/01/secondary-conditions-for-va-disability.html. Bilateral facet arthropathy. Thanks for the quick reply, I currently have a rating of 10% for the lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis of the left ankle. Today, VA announced its next update: The musculoskeletal system and muscle injuries. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. C7/T1: Disc desiccation without posterior protrusion. The VASRDs 15 body systems had seen periodic rating criteria updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review since 1945. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS However, without any symptoms present while you were active duty, it is highly unlikely that they will grant service-connection simply based on your posture during service. VA will be publishing the PACT Act Performance Dashboard every other Friday to measure the implementation of PACT Act and showcase its impact on Veterans and survivors. So I take this as they will grant SC for the synovial hypertrophy but not the arthritis? The examiner notated the following in regard to the synovial hypertrophy/proliferative synovium:"a. Moreover, if there is pain (without limited motion), then the VAs painful motion principle kicks in. I recently had a full spine MRI with these findings. It really hurts when no one put attention to the person who served his country and puts his life in danger. So lets jump to having multiple joints with Degenerative Arthritis. Any input would be great, thanks! If you are filing an appeal, it can take up to 12-18 months for the VA to review and grant your appeal. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Minimal spinal canal stenosis. You can get a rating higher than 20%, but only if your range of motion worsens. Mild to moderate neural foraminal narrowing is present at L4-S1 levels 3. For an explanation of arthritis ratings click HERE. A VA disability rating percentage is awarded in multiples of 10, representing the severity of the impact of the disease or injury. Civilans are not authorized in the VA Sys! The key is that the VA will initially look at each joint independently to decide whether there is limited motion and if there is joint pain with motion. In August 2018, VAs third update to the VASRD focused onskin conditions. Were here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. I'm trying to figure out of the conditions I have with my ankle what could give me a rating increase. Claims filed on or after the effective date will be rated under the new criteria. Bilateral facet arthropathy. My rheumatologist ordered an U/S that showed mild synovial hypertrophy in each wrist. While the VA will avoid pyramiding and giving you multiple ratings for the same condition, you want to make sure you get a rating for conditions that aggravate each other. VAs last update came in August 2019, focusing oninfectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies. Muscles and tendons that keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket make up the rotator cuff. It would last for a few weeks and then disappear. The spine is very related, so it is possible for your DDD to cause your cervical spine problems. The second review, in May 2018, was for gynecological conditions. This is a higher rate than among the civilian population, and it is one of the leading causes of physical disability. This is important as it removes the need to present direct medical evidence linking arthritis to a particular event or injury. Acromioclavicular joint separation, also known as AC separation, occurs when the clavicle (collar bone) separates from the scapula (shoulder blade). If it has healed and you have recovered, the VA wont deem it a disabling condition. 70% PTSD, 20% hearing loss, 10% tinnitus, 10% post right foot fx. For the purposes of this blog, the primary focus will be on VA disability for degenerative arthritis, which affects 27 million Americans. 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. 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. I am overseas working and at a loss how to communicate with the doctors here. They typically add up disabilities and veterans meet the criteria like this: 1. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. The rating authority could look at your case and disagree, but the examiner's opinion does hold weight. If you need help with a service-connected claim for arthritis, feel free to give us a call for a free case evaluation! You can file a Notice of Disagreement, take the higher review lane, orsubmit a supplemental claim. Could I file this new diagnosis secondary to my right foot injury since the way I walked affects my back alignment.