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. It is odd for the VA to open a CUE claim without you having requested it. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 I am overseas working and at a loss how to communicate with the doctors here. How Can You Increase Your Shoulder Injury VA Disability Rating? I could see he wanted me off his work liad and out of the service because my appeal went past my EOS date. 1. To receive veterans benefits for your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation, you mustprove a service connection for the condition. 70% PTSD, 20% hearing loss, 10% tinnitus, 10% post right foot fx. As with all claims submitted to the VA, it is required that there is a service-connection to the veterans arthritis. The pain issues in my foot have been ongoing for years. You may be owed compensation. Veterans that have to have their arm amputated below the deltoid will receive a 70 percent rating. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Sir, I was recently diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." This will best be explained by using an example. Yes, tendonitis would be rated as limited motion as well. Hello,I was rated 20% for my back issues that I've had for several years now. If you are filing an appeal, it can take up to 12-18 months for the VA to review and grant your appeal. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, degenerative arthritis is the primary reason for discharge from active duty military service. 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. This Sept. so they are taking 10% away from me. This shoulder disability diagnostic code is 38 C.F.R. You're not alone. A doctor can determine if your service had a causal relationship with your arthritis by looking at your injuries or overuse of the joints. I went to have the swelling checked and a large Baker's cyst was found behind my left knee as well as arthritis. 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. VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. Is range of motion the only thing VA considers or do they actually look at what you can and cannot do for daily living purposes? Thank you for your time! Call our team to talk about your case and well help you to see if you have a case. The spine is very related, so it is possible for your DDD to cause your cervical spine problems. The call is free and we wont charge you a single fee until we win your case. There is precedent of connection there too, though it is impossible for me to opine on your case. 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 had earlier x-rays of my neck, that a neurologist told me I had arthritis in my neck. The VASRDs 15 body systems had seen periodic rating criteria updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review since 1945. Call us today to discuss your VA disability appeal or your first application. Finally this year my doctor mentioned a sleep study because it's causing me to have more migraines (service-connected). Havent filed a claim yet or know that you are underrated? Yes, the arthritis can be granted secondary service-connection to the Chondromalacia Patella, but it is important to note that only a single rating can be given for the overall knee condition (unless instability is presentthat can be rated separately). This is the only rating that can be given for the cyst and arthritis, however, you may qualify for one more rating under code 5257 if instability is officially diagnosed. I filed for compensation change but was denied because of range of motion was not enough. While we still have our home base in Florida, WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. I have a 60% rating for dermatomyositis (40% for Raynauds secondary to the DM). You can also submit a new claim for a secondary condition or increase your disability rating by combining multiple disabilities. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle while minor joints include toes, fingers, spine, and sacroiliac. 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!" If your motion is more limited, you may qualify for a higher rating on that alone. A locked padlock 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 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. I touched land about 2 days in 5 months as I fought continual exhaustion and numbness that had started at a previous ship after a fall on the quarterdeck of the Uss Sperry AS-12. Keep reading to learn more about VA disability benefits for arm and shoulder conditions and how you can increase your disability rating. She came to Hill & Ponton in August 2015 wanting to help veterans and started off as a Case Manager. Only one. I am on methotrexate and REALLY thinking about the switch to Humira. You must do this within one year of the VA issuing the rating. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! However, they rated my left knee with 10% as a result of Chondromalacia Patella. I have 7 months until retirement (20 years). Moderate-to-severe left and moderate right neuroforaminal narrowing. I'm really not sure what to expect and wondering if I'm wasting my time with this secondary claim. I called my parents doctor -got a referral and paid for a workup with xrays that were better than the sectionals at LBRMC. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. If the entire arm is amputated, it will change to a 90% rating whether it is your dominant arm or not. 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. The painful motion principle does apply. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/kneeandleg.html#i. I have been diagnosed with multilevel facet arthropathy (aka facet joint osteoarthritis) in my upper neck and I'm in the process of getting a service connected rating from the VA. 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. You cannot rate both. These tears can severely limit a veterans range of motion, which can qualify them for disability benefits based on their inability to work. For one scar they did a 10% as a secondary condition to my service connected ankle. I understand a joint condition can only be rated as degenerative arthritis if it does not have a limited enough range of motion. or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. That is the main reason why I chose Woods and Woods. Factors including frequency and severity of joint swelling, stiffness, tenderness should all be reported and discussed to achieve a full picture of the severity. Contact Us 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. You can always try to submit a new claim, but it is likely to not be successful. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Different from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an, For some veterans, the objective criteria in the disability rating schedule may not accurately reflect their true level of disability. 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. 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. They will look at the overall symptoms and assign the highest rating they can based on those symptoms. VAs last update came in August 2019, focusing oninfectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies. It really hurts when no one put attention to the person who served his country and puts his life in danger. I am a Gulf War Vet and am currently SC. Many veterans develop their arthritis later in life as the cartilage wears down. This combined rating takes effectif your other condition qualifies for a rating, such as VA disability rating for shoulder bursitis. Talk to your doctor (or our in-house nexus doctor) about your symptoms to see if they are connected. At most, 20% for 1-2 incapacitating episodes/year. Whats more, getting a disability rating thats enough to reflect the severity of arm and shoulder injuries is another hurdle. WebThe VA rating system works more or less the same regardless of the type of injury, but the nature of neck arthritis can cause some unexpected challenges. Considering that you have not been medically separated because of the condition, it is unlikely that you have had many incapacitating episodes. If you are a Veteran in crisis As long as they have evidence that the shoulder condition worsened and caused arthritis, then it should still be processed correctly. 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. So with my recent diagnosis of moderate spinal canal stenosis I cant say that is secondary to my cervical degenerative disc disease (currently rated at 10%), correct? I started to get the ball rolling with Mr. Woods/Mr. If you cannot get and/or keep gainful employment because of your shoulder condition, you may qualify fortotal disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). As with all VAdisability ratings, the examiner will review your medical evidence looking for past diagnoses and symptoms. But depending on the quality of in service evidence, it could be enough. 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. Is it possible to get the facet athropathy secondary to cervical spine DDD (two separate ratings)? It depends on what the problems are. If limited motion is not present, then you will receive one overall combinedrating under VA diagnostic code 5003 for degenerative arthritis. All of these falling under VASRD code 5200. Thanks for all the help and advice you are giving us. WebFormula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes Diagnostic Code 5423 With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months: 60% With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months: 40% The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 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. 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. The musculoskeletal and muscle injuries portion of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD)has been revised to reflect updated medical information used to assess Veterans medical records and determine their VA disability rating. However, a shoulder can only be given a single rating, so the VA would ultimately not rate the arthritis as a separate condition. Bilateral facet arthropathy. 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. Also based on the MRI results listed above are there any conditions I could file for separately for example "Mild spinal canal stenosis, mild bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing"? The most common cause of epidural lipomatosis is steroid use. Rheumatoid arthritis, as an active condition, may receive a 100% VAdisability rating if you experience constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement and is totally incapacitating. My question to you is can I get a rating increase to my cervical spine degenerative disc disease rating due to the facet arthropathy in my cervical vertebrae? Thank you for your time and have a great day. Here are some tips on your C&P exam from one of our VA disability lawyers. I was so demotivated for so many years that I stayed away from care centers until I could not function. I just had a second surgury & I doubt my current records inquiry will improve. The VA experienced delays during the Covid-19 pandemic like many other industries. 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. If you have service-connected shoulder pain or injury, reach out to the VA disability lawyers at Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm. In December 2018, VA updated the rating criteria forhematologic and lymphatic systems. All of these conditions are rated on the general rating formula which is baed on limited motion. Rarely are they used to lower a veteran's ratings. Would I have a chance for additional disability rating if I filed the arthritis as a secondary cause of the Chondromalacia Patella? Hello Sir, I was recently diagnosed with degenerative talonavicular arthrosis of my right foot. C5/C6: Symmetric posterior disc bulge with superimposed focal central to right subarticular disc protrusion. 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. For a convalescence claim to be awarded, the period must be at least one month, surgery has resulted in postoperative residuals like being housebound or a continuing need for crutches or wheelchair, or a major joint has been immobilized by a cast. Bilateral facet arthropathy. He is a professional in the work he is doing. There is no significant medical evidence to correlate the build up of fat to abnormal gate. 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. 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. Fill out the short form below to contact us. And I have the new neck problems. Since this condition had gotten somewhat worse I have been experiencing headaches. Surgery can sometimes improve the function of the affected joints. Ok thank you Dr. Johnson have a good one take care. Thats it. 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) .. Sir, you sent me a reply to my question about Administrative Decision For Cue the VA initiated. 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? Under Diagnostic Code 5002, the VA rates your rheumatoid arthritis case based on the following:100%: The veterans rheumatoid arthritis results in incapacitation. 60%: The veteran has severe incapacitating episodes four or more times per year. 40%: The veteran has three or more incapacitating episodes per year or a medically diagnosed health condition and day-to-day impairment.More items That is an estimate, of course. Rotator cuff injuries are common among veterans who have experienced traumatic injuries while in service. 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). If not enough, then arthritis. As with all VAdisability claims, proving service connection is the first important step. Thank you. 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. I have had sleep issues for years including while I was in. They would just consider it along with your other condition and give you a single overall rating that reflects the overall condition of the shoulder. No matter how many ranges of motion are impacted! Degenerative arthritis may also be referred to as osteoarthritis and is the most common form of arthritis. Regardless of the code, however, most spine conditions are all rated on the same system: limited motion. Synovial hypertrophy is closer to RA, and would be rated under 5002. The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are. Moreover, if there is pain (without limited motion), then the VAs painful motion principle kicks in. According to the VA regulations, if your symptoms of arthritis appear within one year of discharge from service and qualify for at least a 10% VAdisability rating, the presumption of service connection applies. As a federal employee, file the appropriate claim through your employing agency. This claim was reviewed as a secondary condition to my service connected rating for lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis, left ankle. If you have one or more disability ratings, you can view your VA combined disability rating and your individual ratings online. I have pain in both knees and they actually feel like they are on fire inside. We assign a disability rating based on They kept pointing to the VA as the answer. My question is what about the Department of Army Civilians who spent multiple Deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan? 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. Note that you are not required to submit evidence with your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation VA disability application, but you will find it helpful for your case. Minimal spinal canal stenosis. Civilans are not authorized in the VA Sys! 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. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. 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. The examiner documented this as two incapacitating episodes as well as two non-incapacitating episodes. The VA may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) examination to evaluate your arthritis and assign the appropriate rating. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#conditions. It would last for a few weeks and then disappear. 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. Under the VAs schedule of ratings, they can rate arthritis as degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis several criteria affect that decision. 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. Code 5237 is used for general back pain. Then a scar on my knee they rated a stand alone 10%. Moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. This article covers rotator cuffs, shoulder blades, and other general shoulder injuries that qualify for VA disability. Another option for service connection is to claim arthritis as a secondary disability. Physical therapy can also help manage pain and restore some of the range of motion to the shoulder. It affects daily life and job. 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. 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). I also have a question about Administrative Decision For Cue. 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. Since limited motion of the wrist is only rated 10% at the most, the 20% rating under 5002 is the more likely rating option. Osteoarthritis can theoretically affect any joint but typically occurs in your hands, feet, spine and hips. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#form. Well I got a letter today stating THEY made a calculation error when I submitted a claim for two painful scars. This gives the veteran a bilateral factor of 2.8%. It can develop later in life due to the overuse of joints or traumatic injuries that occurred during active duty. These changes were based on scientific and/or medical information and reflect cited, published materials available to the public, said Acting VA Under Secretary for Benefits Thomas Murphy. Mild bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing. 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. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/kneeandleg.html#limo. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Foot conditions could contribute to arthritis in the spine, but not really fat deposits. If it causes significantly new or progressed symptoms, it could contribute to having your overall cervical spine condition increased. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! The VA doesnt usually give 100% TDIU for just a single disability. Arthritis is the most common disability and affects 52.5 million adults in the United States, or one in every five. Insiders, today we are discussing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis. They typically add up disabilities and veterans meet the criteria like this: 1. What causes shoulder arthritis?Osteoarthritis. Injury to the shoulder joints. Rotator cuff muscle injuries ("cuff tear arthropathy") Injuries to the rotator cuff muscles, such as a large tear, can also increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.Rheumatoid arthritis. 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. 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. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 My iimited duty post was to security call in hourly at a 5 story barracks full of guys all awaiting boards. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Veterans with questions regarding this VASRD update may contact VA at 800-827-1000. A 20% is the highest you can receive for a significantly limited ROM. Since both conditions directly affect the use of the ankle, the VA will lump both conditions together and give you a single rating under the code that allows the higher rating. degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine (previously rated as strain, lumbosacral spine, with disc space narrowing DC5237. Except for traumatic arthritis, the VA regulations state it is essential for your exam to cover all major joints. Working with an experienced attorney can also significantly boost your chances of receiving a higher disability rating. The rating authority could look at your case and disagree, but the examiner's opinion does hold weight. Would the VA even consider this? It depends on what the authority decides at the time they make the correction. According to Title 38, for a minor shoulder that can raise between 25 and 90 degrees is 20% disability. Only one rating per joint. I am very happy and very satisfied with the work they have done for me! VA requires that limitation of Because of the nature of the condition, there doesnt need to be a traumatic event, or injury, to prove service connection for osteoarthritis. 100%- Completely incapacitated and bedridden, regardless of how many joints are affected. Or will i tell the examiner when i have my evaluation?Thanks doc. 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. The revision, effective Feb. 7, ensures that this portion of the VASRD uses current medical terminology by removing obsolete conditions, clarifying ambiguities, and providing detailed and updated criteria for the evaluation of musculoskeletal and muscle injury disabilities, including adding conditions that previously did not have diagnostic codes. Degenerative talonavicular arthrosis is really just degenerative arthritis of the talonavicular joint. I earned my honorable and other good notes that only served to make people doubt that sensory challenged people can still attempt to complete any mission when others are helping alleviate the heavy lifting. A VA disability rating percentage is awarded in multiples of 10, representing the severity of the impact of the disease or injury. 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. My question to you is could the VA be looking at one of my service connected disabilities and potentially give me an increased rating or could this be a possible downgrade in a rating where they are looking to take something away from me. Under the VArating schedule, there is a standard 20% disability rating if there is x-ray evidence of involvement of two or more major joints, or minor jointgroups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. If only one major or minor jointgroup is affected, you may only receive a rating higher than 0% under diagnostic code 5003 if there is also evidence of painful motion. 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. Could I file this new diagnosis secondary to my right foot injury since the way I walked affects my back alignment. Many of Suggest that you gather all pertinent medical information to assist your claim. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. 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. Correlation for radicular symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis, or more commonly known as RA, is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, in terms of chronic residuals, will be rated under the appropriatediagnostic code for the group of minor joints involved, major joints, etc. Does the VA look at and rate arthrosis the same as arthritis? VA rates disability from 0% to 100% in 10% increments (e.g. This functional loss could require surgery such as a knee replacement. Is it possible to be rated under 5002 for the arthralgia/flare ups as well as limited ROM? This is making me very nervous. 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. Because limited motion is so vital to your arthritis rating, it is essential that physicians record the exact measurements for your range of motion measurements. 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.