As with all VAdisability ratings, the examiner will review your medical evidence looking for past diagnoses and symptoms. So lets jump to having multiple joints with Degenerative Arthritis. They can scour every VA clinic record for the 40 years Ive been complaining & I always let them redirect and placate me because I trusted they knew how to help better than I did when I was especially numb and not certain if I could pick the correct severity number in the pain/ discomfort/ numbness question the interveiwers always ask. I report when theres much DISCOMFORT which is rarely during a GP interview. And how long are they supposed to last? We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! So, if your arthritis gives a higher rating than the meniscus condition, then it is rated, and the other is ignored. I started to get the ball rolling with Mr. Woods/Mr. Evans and they did so much. However, they rated my left knee with 10% as a result of Chondromalacia Patella. I DONT MIND a delay so long ad they look at my knee & all the many items I listed earlier. So I take this as they will grant SC for the synovial hypertrophy but not the arthritis? 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. 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? 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. An official website of theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Looking for U.S. government information and services? Woods and Woods is well-versed in the laws and know the best strategies to secure the most favorable outcomes for our clients. I have recently been diagnosed with Epidural Lipomatosis. Because that was defunite they changed the diagnosis to rid themselves of my puzzling case. If you are not receiving maximum compensation, you can file foran increaseif your condition worsens. 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 - Massive Increase in VA Disability Rates for 2023! Since it was their error, they often will decide to let it slide, but they do have the legal right to request the funds be returned. Call us today to discuss your VA disability appeal or your first application. The examiner notated the following in regard to the synovial hypertrophy/proliferative synovium:"a. If you have arthritis or another secondary condition related to your AC separation, you may be eligible for further compensation under acombined rating. Since it has been so many years, it is just as likely that the sleep apnea developed on its own and isn't connected. Dont post your vaccination card photo on social media, VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies, VA releases dashboard to measure the PACT Acts impact on Veterans and survivors, 100 years of advancing health care for women Veterans, You can request a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility through VA.gov, Call TTY if you Unfortunately, it is common for the VA to overlook information or make mistakes on arthritis claims. THE CONTRACTOR CHECKED 4 THINGS PROPERLY & the rest eas Covid delayed. A locked padlock How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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. 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. Rotator cuff injuries are common among veterans who have experienced traumatic injuries while in service. If two or more major or minor jointgroups are affected, but there are no incapacitating exacerbations, a 10% rating may be assigned. Hi Dr, Just today I went in to apply for a shoulder increase. Good question. 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. A NEXUS letter from your physician would strengthen your claim for the hypertrophy as a secondary condition. These surgical procedures for your arthritis may open the door to other claims, higher ratings, and VAdisability benefits. Under the VAs schedule of ratings, they can rate arthritis as degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis several criteria affect that decision. Then a scar on my knee they rated a stand alone 10%. No spinal canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing. It would last for a few weeks and then disappear. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#inter. The VA experienced delays during the Covid-19 pandemic like many other industries. 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.". Ultimately, yes, they may ask for the extra money they paid you to be returned. No, the VA will only give you a single spine rating for your cervical spine. Another example is if you were diagnosed with high blood pressure while on active duty and later developed complications from it, you may be entitled to further review and/or compensation. 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). But arthritis can also be presumptively service-connected. Since last posting my question I have been to the VA for my C&P exam but I am still awaiting my rating. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 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. Thankfully, the in-service injury does not need to be traumatic to be considered connected. He is a professional in the work he is doing. 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. When he refused & refused my request for champus to get a doctor he trusted. I filed for compensation change but was denied because of range of motion was not enough. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 Basically I was trying to convince the VA that the pain issues with my neck was caused by my left ankle when walking ect. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#form. 38 CFR Part 4 section B details all of the diagnostic codes for musculoskeletal problems with your shoulder. This has happened about 3 times since that first occurrence. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting those who have served in the military. Moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices If we hear from the VA, well contact you as soon as we can to follow up with our next steps. Odd jobs (marginal employment), dont count. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. From rotator cuffs and dislocations to poorly healed bones, shoulder and arm injuries are common among soldiers and all these injuries can lead to long-term disabilities in veterans. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Moderate spinal canal stenosis. A 20% is the highest you can receive for a significantly limited ROM. But depending on the quality of in service evidence, it could be enough. To get the bilateral factor we take 28% and multiply it by 10%. Only one. or should I have a totally different one as arthritis due to service connected injury? 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 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. You cant hold down a steady job that supports you financially (known as substantially gainful employment) because of your service-connected disability. Since this condition had gotten somewhat worse I have been experiencing headaches. Completing these tasks for an extended period while serving can lead to many other VA secondary conditions to shoulder injuries, including: Should a veterans shoulder condition lead to amputation, the rating will change. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I was in the Army for many years. How Long Will It Take to Get My Disability Rating Letter? VA claims processors will use this update to make consistent decisions with greater ease.. If these measurements arent properly recorded, you will not receive the correct ratings you deserve. If it has healed and you have recovered, the VA wont deem it a disabling condition. In addition to the methotrexate I'm now taking Plaquenil and Voltaren gel. we represent clients nationwide. Excellent question, and a tricky situation. Some veterans will undergo a knee replacement, with hip and knee joints being the most common, to help with mobility and pain. since you already have 10%, the pain is rated and won't allow for additional. DOCTORS IMPRESSION: 1. If there is limited motion in your joint, then your condition will be rated based on that joints limited motion. 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!" 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. I could see he wanted me off his work liad and out of the service because my appeal went past my EOS date. This granoloma did keep me on the VA radar with a 0 percent rating You haveone yearto appeal the claim from the date ofthe denial. The VA may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) examination to evaluate your arthritis and assign the appropriate rating. I'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. Not at all. 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. Worth a shot to apply. The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of veterans service-connected conditions. All the military and VA did was give me medication. You can look for a VA disability attorney near you or call us and join the thousands of veterans living off of VA disability thanks to Woods and Woods. As with all VAdisability claims, proving service connection is the first important step. Sir, I was recently diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." They do not have any evidence concerning my knee or most of the stuff on their list. VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. If youre a veteran and have been injured or have developed a disability, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. This involves the recovery period following a surgery related to your service-connected condition. 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. If your shoulder aches from time to time when it rains, youre likely to get 10 percent disability. Degenerative talonavicular arthrosis is really just degenerative arthritis of the talonavicular joint. I received a 10% disability at separation for on one knee. These tears can severely limit a veterans range of motion, which can qualify them for disability benefits based on their inability to work. C3/C4: Posterior disc osteophyte complex in contact with the anterior spinal cord. In those days I did not want a disciplinary action aftet getting just 3 months from my EOS. So, you cannot receive a rating for degenerative disc disease and another for facet arthropathy. 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 your motion is more limited, you may qualify for a higher rating on that alone. 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. Kirsten Hirt, Claims Advocate Updated: August 25, 2021. Specifically. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. Osteoarthritis can theoretically affect any joint but typically occurs in your hands, feet, spine and hips. It's rated first on limited motion. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. While it is known to result in the breakdown of cartilage, it also affects the entire joint. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Any input would be great, thanks! But, rheumatoid arthritis will only be rated either as an active condition or for its chronic residuals. This gives the veteran a bilateral factor of 2.8%. Applying and being approved for these benefits can seem daunting, but Recognizing and Addressing An Underrated Veteran Disability Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is sexual harassment and or sexual assault experienced by a military service member. They will look at the overall symptoms and assign the highest rating they can based on those symptoms. 2. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. The pain issues in my foot have been ongoing for years. 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. 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. Under the schedule of ratings in the VA regulations, arthritis may be rated under degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Today, VA announced its next update: The musculoskeletal system and muscle injuries. The ratings are 10% lower if they are on your non-dominant side from the 70% rating level downward. 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. This is making me very nervous. degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine (previously rated as strain, lumbosacral spine, with disc space narrowing DC5237. They will, however, rate your radiculopathy separately. That is an estimate, of course. VA requires that limitation of Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. 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. Were here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. Only one rating per joint. If you are a disabled American veteran with arthritis, I will do my best to help you understand how your arthritis should be rated. Sir, you sent me a reply to my question about Administrative Decision For Cue the VA initiated. Except for traumatic arthritis, the VA regulations state it is essential for your exam to cover all major joints. 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 After many years of trying to receive VA benefits, I tried to work with VSO and it did not work. If it isn't too late to request the change, you can submit it as secondary, but if it would delay things too much, you will probably still be fine as is. C4/C5 degenerative disc disease resulting in moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. Since you have multiple disc conditions, you could qualify for a rating under Intervertebral Disc Syndrome instead if that offers higher rating under incapacitating episodes. There are 5 primary ways a veteran can prove Arthritis is service connected and get VA disability benefits: #1: Direct Service Connection for Degenerative Arthritis Correlation for radicular symptoms. 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. The process can be overwhelming and confusing thats where your attorney steps in. Would this condition fall under diagnostic code 5024: Tenosynovitis (swelling of the tissues that surround the tendons) or would the VA group the Arthritis (diagnostic code 5003) and Achilles Tendonitis/Tenosynovitis together for final codes of 5024-5003? Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review in 70+ years. I also have a question about Administrative Decision For Cue. Under 4.71a,Diagnostic Code 5203, the VA assigns shoulder separations a 20% rating for either arm, regardless of severity. 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? The author of my 2nd board did try by sending me to Nuclear med for imaging. 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. 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. Would the VA even consider this? Arthritis has now developed secondary to your shoulder condition. 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. However, if your arthritis is bad enough that you are completely Hello,I was rated 20% for my back issues that I've had for several years now. Can you explain a bit more and also can they rate this together? The VA will only award a SINGLE rating under range of motion per shoulder! 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. 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. Its a workers compensation claim. When examining my wrist the examiner also notated abnormal results for ROM. While we still have our home base in Florida, Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), is the most common form affecting veterans. 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 I'm trying to figure out of the conditions I have with my ankle what could give me a rating increase. Yet establishing a service connection for shoulder and arm injuries can still be a challenge. See your personnel office for the proper forms. Hello Dr. Johnson. As with all claims submitted to the VA, it is required that there is a service-connection to the veterans arthritis. I have a 60% rating for dermatomyositis (40% for Raynauds secondary to the DM). 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. The VA saves me with a surgery when they absolutely must because I got a POA to present an affidavitt. 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. Foot conditions could contribute to arthritis in the spine, but not really fat deposits. Your treatments may also vary depending on your other conditions. I have pain in both knees and they actually feel like they are on fire inside. What is my disability for this type of arthritis? Yes, the examiner basically stated that in their opinion the synovial hypertrophy is SC while the arthritis is not. Insiders, today we are discussing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis. A VA disability rating percentage is awarded in multiples of 10, representing the severity of the impact of the disease or injury. 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. 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. It can develop later in life due to the overuse of joints or traumatic injuries that occurred during active duty. 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. You can file a Notice of Disagreement, take the higher review lane, orsubmit a supplemental claim. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Degenerative arthritis may also be referred to as osteoarthritis and is the most common form of arthritis. Mild bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing. 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. The VASRDs 15 body systems had seen periodic rating criteria updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review since 1945. However, both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. VA medical records and hospital records relating to your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation or that show it has gotten worse. Bilateral facet arthropathy. Your physicians know your case and are better able to determine the causes, etc. I am a Gulf War Vet and am currently SC. 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 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. The VASRD determines how much disability compensation veterans will receive each month in addition to their eligibility for other VA benefits. Most spine conditions are inter-related as they cause further wear and tear on other parts of the spine. Is it possible to be rated under 5002 for the arthralgia/flare ups as well as limited ROM? Thus, you would ultimately only receive an increased evaluation. You can definitely claim it as secondary, but the VA will not rate it as a separate condition. I was so demotivated for so many years that I stayed away from care centers until I could not function.
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