40% for ankylosing spondylosis and DDD. I was very skeptical working with an attorney at first. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has cited it as the number one reason for disability discharge among service members. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 In August 2018, VAs third update to the VASRD focused onskin conditions. I have had sleep issues for years including while I was in. Rating. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. It does mention in my rating paperwork arthritis in my back as well. So now I have a letter from the DOD saying they have evidence about 25 items LHI was supposed to check. 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). 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. 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. There are two main types of arthritis: degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The result was Ive not felt like other people since & I mean that in a nuerological way not a mental way. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. You would want to get a NEXUS letter from a specialist confirming this correlation. 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. However, both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Under the painful motion rule, the minimum compensable rating of 10% must be assigned. Muscles and tendons that keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket make up the rotator cuff. AC separation patients may also experience arthritis because the shoulder separation damages the ligaments surrounding the AC joint. Yes, the examiner basically stated that in their opinion the synovial hypertrophy is SC while the arthritis is not. This granoloma did keep me on the VA radar with a 0 percent rating It would make you unfit for duty. They typically add up disabilities and veterans meet the criteria like this: 1. The rating authority could look at your case and disagree, but the examiner's opinion does hold weight. According to Title 38, for a minor shoulder that can raise between 25 and 90 degrees is 20% disability. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 This broad spectrum of application means that those suffering from arthritis can experience a variety of symptoms in regards to location and severity. The VA does not rate a disability under limited range of motion and degenerative arthritis. *If you have already received a rating for Limited Motion of a joint, then you cannot receive a rating for arthritis in that joint. The process can be overwhelming and confusing thats where your attorney steps in. My question is what about the Department of Army Civilians who spent multiple Deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan? Since it has been so many years, it is just as likely that the sleep apnea developed on its own and isn't connected. 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. No facet arthropathy. This gives the veteran a bilateral factor of 2.8%. I just had a second surgury & I doubt my current records inquiry will improve. Tip: Look for your highest disability rating (or highest combined rating) in the left column, and your next lowest disability rating in the top row. Many of I am overseas working and at a loss how to communicate with the doctors here. You haveone yearto appeal the claim from the date ofthe denial. Moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. A VA disability rating percentage is awarded in multiples of 10, representing the severity of the impact of the disease or injury. Can you please help me understand a bit more about what type of rating I should expect. 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. Mild spinal canal stenosis. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. I have been self medicating for 15 years with Ibprophen (about 1600mg a day) and the Corpsmen documented the white and red patches for years. This shoulder disability diagnostic code is 38 C.F.R. It affects daily life and job. Insiders, today we are discussing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis. If you have one or more disability ratings, you can view your VA combined disability rating and your individual ratings online. In fact, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates the rate of arthritis in veterans to be 25.6%, although other estimates have the rate as high as 35%. Mild spinal canal stenosis. 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. I have recently been diagnosed with Epidural Lipomatosis. So lets jump to having multiple joints with Degenerative Arthritis. I have a 60% rating for dermatomyositis (40% for Raynauds secondary to the DM). Since his elbow and ankle do not have any limited motion, then they are both rated as. In addition to the methotrexate I'm now taking Plaquenil and Voltaren gel. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 As the condition worsens, the bone may harden, change shape or develop bone spurs. Mild to moderate neural foraminal narrowing is present at L4-S1 levels 3. Active cases of 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 San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. You can file a Notice of Disagreement, take the higher review lane, orsubmit a supplemental claim. yet assertive representation for our clients. Dr. Johnson, I currently have a service connected disability rating for a lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis of the left ankle. Presumptive service connection is possible because the VA characterizes arthritis as a chronic disease under 38 CFR 3.309. 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. If you are a Veteran in crisis Rheumatoid arthritis, in terms of chronic residuals, will be rated under the appropriatediagnostic code for the group of minor joints involved, major joints, etc. 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. 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. 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. 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. You must do this within one year of the VA issuing the rating. 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? Degenerative arthritis of the spine is listed as one of the most prevalent service-connected medicalconditions in the 2018 VA benefits report, with 505,553 disability benefits recipients for the condition. 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. Unless you also have instability, the only way to increase your rating is for your range of motion to significantly decrease. 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. The VA may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) examination to evaluate your arthritis and assign the appropriate rating. Regardless of the code, however, most spine conditions are all rated on the same system: limited motion. Odd jobs (marginal employment), dont count. 10% for pain in my leg from back problems. Right wrist: Palmar Flexion (0-80): 0 to 55 degree Dorsiflexion (0-70): 0 to 45 degree Ulnar Deviation (0-45): 0 to 25 degree Radial Deviation (0-20): 0 to 15 degree, and left wrist: Palmar Flexion (0-80): 0 to 60 degree Dorsiflexion (0-70): 0 to 40 degree Ulnar Deviation (0-45): 0 to 45 degree Radial Deviation (0-20): 0 to 20 degree. For the purposes of this blog, the primary focus will be on VA disability for degenerative arthritis, which affects 27 million Americans. One of these includes a temporary rating based on hospitalization. Sir, I was recently diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." The examiner documented this as two incapacitating episodes as well as two non-incapacitating episodes. I guess they needed to test me with the Ucmj and heavy sea duty. 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. I got handed to psych people instead of medical people. Major Minor. There is no significant medical evidence to correlate the build up of fat to abnormal gate. For more information on how to calculate this number click here. However, a shoulder can only be given a single rating, so the VA would ultimately not rate the arthritis as a separate condition. Functional loss. This rating focuses on the limitations of the joints range of motion. Instability. The VA rating specialist will categorize instability of the joint in three ways: slight (10%), moderate (20%), or severe (30%). Pain. Most veterans with arthritis experience pain. 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. Check out our range of motion rating info on our website. When examining my wrist the examiner also notated abnormal results for ROM. It would last for a few weeks and then disappear. It's never a waste of time to make sure the VA is aware of your full range of conditions. So I take this as they will grant SC for the synovial hypertrophy but not the arthritis? I report when theres much DISCOMFORT which is rarely during a GP interview. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. Is it possible to be rated under 5002 for the arthralgia/flare ups as well as limited ROM? The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of veterans service-connected conditions. Kirsten is a Florida native and received her Bachelor's degree from Florida State University in Criminology & Psychology. Or will i tell the examiner when i have my evaluation?Thanks doc. Chondromalacia patella is rated on either limited motion of the knee or a minimum 10% analogously under arthritis. As with all claims submitted to the VA, it is required that there is a service-connection to the veterans arthritis. Note (2): The 20 percent rating on the basis of activity within the past 5 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. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 I'm thinking about doing a secondary claim for the cervical spondylosis to the DDD. Often, however, they do not. If a condition is rated under degenerative arthritis, then your final rating may have a code listed prior to identify the condition itself and then list 5003 to show how it is rated (i.e., 5010-5003). Rheumatoid arthritis, or more commonly known as RA, is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. 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. 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 When he refused & refused my request for champus to get a doctor he trusted. 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. Since last posting my question I have been to the VA for my C&P exam but I am still awaiting my rating. You can always try to submit a new claim, but it is likely to not be successful. A doctor can determine if your service had a causal relationship with your arthritis by looking at your injuries or overuse of the joints. The VA is making new policies and Criteria for muscle injuries but in my opinion, they should work on their system and try to reduce the flaws in that. 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 Arthritis especially tends to affect those who are overweight, as well as older men. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. 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"? 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. She came to Hill & Ponton in August 2015 wanting to help veterans and started off as a Case Manager. You can definitely claim it as secondary, but the VA will not rate it as a separate condition. 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. 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). Sir, you sent me a reply to my question about Administrative Decision For Cue the VA initiated. You can claim the condition either way as long as you provide opinions from your physicians denoting the connection. But depending on the quality of in service evidence, it could be enough. For an explanation of arthritis ratings click HERE. However, it is still very important to provide evidence that the arthritis is secondary along with the claim. I figure doing an entire new claim and submit evidence this issue could possibly be exasperated from my time as a parachute specialist would be better than filing an appeal as a secondary condition for my ankle. Then a scar on my knee they rated a stand alone 10%. Not at all. I recently had a full spine MRI with these findings. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. If you are not receiving maximum compensation, you can file foran increaseif your condition worsens. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. 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. 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? Your treatments may also vary depending on your other conditions. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle while minor joints include toes, fingers, spine, and sacroiliac. My question is, did my DDD cause my arthritis in my neck- is there any kind of connection there? 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 . 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). A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. Veterans that have to have their arm amputated below the deltoid will receive a 70 percent rating. Ultimately, yes, they may ask for the extra money they paid you to be returned. Massive Increase in VA Disability Rates for 2023! 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. 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. Then, the conditionreceives a permanent rating after the conditional period is complete. The VA opened this claim up and I'm not sure why because I did not make a request a Cue. 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. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. 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. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vasrdprinciples.html#pyram. Surgery can sometimes improve the function of the affected joints. 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. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. We assign a disability rating based on I DONT MIND a delay so long ad they look at my knee & all the many items I listed earlier. Code 5237 is used for general back pain. The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but this I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella when I separated from the service in 1978. Can you explain a bit more and also can they rate this together? The presence of pain would qualify for a minimum 10% per knee. Would I have a chance for additional disability rating if I filed the arthritis as a secondary cause of the Chondromalacia Patella? 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. Would the VA even consider this? 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. 1. Minimal bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing. So, you cannot receive a rating for degenerative disc disease and another for facet arthropathy. Only one rating for the entire joint. 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". 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. Carefully read our discussions of, More Jobs for More Vets Fixing the Unemployment Problem, Fighting the Military Disability and VA Disability Systems, The Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), Concurrent Retirement & Disability Pay (CRDP), conditions that are rated as Degenerative Arthritis, VA Processing All PACT Act Claims January 1st. She also volunteered at the non-profit organization NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) advocating for and providing resources to those with mental health conditions while pursuing her degree. We use our arms and shoulders for many daily tasks, including getting dressed, driving, and bathing. The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are. Yes, tendonitis would be rated as limited motion as well. How Long Will It Take to Get My Disability Rating Letter? Heres how: In this video from one of our VA disability lawyers, we explain how to service connect your disability that was caused by your military service. This involves the recovery period following a surgery related to your service-connected condition. 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. A locked padlock Suggest that you gather all pertinent medical information to assist your claim. I tried to go back to the incidents in the med records-but photocopies that are poor are not wanted. Synovial hypertrophy is closer to RA, and would be rated under 5002. In late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. This article covers rotator cuffs, shoulder blades, and other general shoulder injuries that qualify for VA disability. Under the schedule of ratings in the VA regulations, arthritis may be rated under degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Thankfully, the in-service injury does not need to be traumatic to be considered connected. 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. I also have a question about Administrative Decision For Cue. Lock Under the VAs schedule of ratings, they can rate arthritis as degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis several criteria affect that decision. I could see he wanted me off his work liad and out of the service because my appeal went past my EOS date. Active cases of rheumatoid arthritis can receive up to a 100% VA disability rating for shoulder arthritis if the condition is debilitating. I'm really not sure what to expect and wondering if I'm wasting my time with this secondary claim. For the average person, the cartilage breaks down gradually but for veterans, the breakdown often occurs suddenly within one or two years post injury. Sir, I was diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." If the symptoms of your arthritis come later, it may still be possible to establish a service-connection. 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? Thank you for your time and have a great day. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. For the most accurate measurement and associated rating, examiners often use a goniometer regarding your joints flexion and extension. I received a 10% disability at separation for on one knee. 2. Private medical records or hospital reports related to your AC separation that show the deteriorating condition. VAs last update came in August 2019, focusing oninfectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#conditions. Weve been adding staff and lawyers during the Covid pandemic to serve disabled veterans better in difficult times. Contact Us Good question. I went to have the swelling checked and a large Baker's cyst was found behind my left knee as well as arthritis. WebA rating for osteomyelitis will not be applied following cure by removal or radical resection of the affected bone. Thus, you would ultimately only receive an increased evaluation. Most spine conditions are inter-related as they cause further wear and tear on other parts of the spine. Veterans with questions regarding this VASRD update may contact VA at 800-827-1000. 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. 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. 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. No spinal canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing. Next possible rating for arthritis is 40%, followed by a 20% rating, which involves one or two exacerbations annually with a well-established diagnosis. To complicate things, some Veterans may not report an injury at the time that it occurred. That is the main reason why I chose Woods and Woods. It is primarily in my L4-L-5-S1 region. Moderate spinal canal stenosis. Thanks for all the help and advice you are giving us. Arthritis has now developed secondary to your shoulder condition. As with all VAdisability ratings, the examiner will review your medical evidence looking for past diagnoses and symptoms. However, if your arthritis symptoms are at the degree of a 10 percent disability rating or more within the first year from discharge it is possible to obtain a presumptive service connection. After many years of trying to receive VA benefits, I tried to work with VSO and it did not work. And I have the new neck problems. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/kneeandleg.html#limo. I am on methotrexate and REALLY thinking about the switch to Humira. Hello,I was rated 20% for my back issues that I've had for several years now. VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. 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.