I'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. In December 2018, VA updated the rating criteria forhematologic and lymphatic systems. The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review in 70+ years. ", For the arthritis of bilat hands/fingers/wrists the examiner stated the following:"b. Hello Dr. Johnson. Kirsten is a Florida native and received her Bachelor's degree from Florida State University in Criminology & Psychology. I've taken methotrexate for a few years. Because most of the people are complaining about their system. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 VeteransBenefits Note (2): The 20 percent rating on the basis of activity within the past 5 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". 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. 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 Already working with us? We assign a disability rating based on It is odd for the VA to open a CUE claim without you having requested it. This is important as it removes the need to present direct medical evidence linking arthritis to a particular event or injury. You can definitely claim it as secondary, but the VA will not rate it as a separate condition. The VSOs work directly with the VA and not for the individual (me the veteran). THE CONTRACTOR CHECKED 4 THINGS PROPERLY & the rest eas Covid delayed. 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. When the muscles are overused or experience undue force, the tendons often tear from the stress. Hi Dr, Just today I went in to apply for a shoulder increase. I have 7 months until retirement (20 years). 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. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella when I separated from the service in 1978. Section A. Musculoskeletal Conditions - Veterans Affairs These tears can severely limit a veterans range of motion, which can qualify them for disability benefits based on their inability to work. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, Rating Arthritis Can you please help me understand a bit more about what type of rating I should expect. Ok thank you Dr. Johnson have a good one take care. Excellent question, and a tricky situation. To establish service connection through continuity of symptomatology, the claimed disability must be considered chronic pursuant to 38 CFR 3.309(a), symptoms must be documented in service and after discharge, and there must be a connection between your post-service symptoms and your current disability. them are Veterans themselves. Good question. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Without knowing full details regarding incapacitating episodes, I'd assume that your condition would be rated on limited motion of the effected joints. 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. 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) .. My question is what about the Department of Army Civilians who spent multiple Deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan? Hopefully that didnt just create more questions than it answered. Sir, I was diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." 38 CFR Book C, Schedule for Rating Disabilities - Web Automated Bilateral facet arthropathy. This functional loss could require surgery such as a knee replacement. I had issues with PTSD over the years from my time in the Army. Visit USA.gov, This will take you to the MyHealtheVet website, This will take you to the Suicide Prevention website, This will take you to the VA Find a Form page, This will take you to the VA Publications page, VA updates rating criteria for musculoskeletal and muscle injuries, The Great American Spit Out February 25, Veterans! What to Expect When Filing Your Initial VA Claim, Top 10 Questions About Military Sexual Trauma (MST). According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, degenerative arthritis is the primary reason for discharge from active duty military service. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 I have a question. 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? 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. 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. This gives the veteran a bilateral factor of 2.8%. No spinal canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing. The length of this period will depend on the specific of the condition, but it would have to be significant. Except for traumatic arthritis, the VA regulations state it is essential for your exam to cover all major joints. However, if your arthritis is bad enough that you are completely Dr. Johnson, I currently have a service connected disability rating for a lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis of the left ankle. But depending on the quality of in service evidence, it could be enough. 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? 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. Moderate-to-severe left and moderate right neuroforaminal narrowing. There are two main types of arthritis: degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 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. Symptoms and signsof AC shoulder separation, applyfor VA disability for AC joint separation, All of these falling under VASRD code 5200, Read About All VA Rated Shoulder Injuries, Veterans granted TDIU receive payment at the 100% rate, https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/unemployability/, What You Need to Know about TDIU VA Benefits, there has been an error in your VA disability filing, look for a VA disability attorney near you, VA will avoid pyramiding and giving you multiple ratings, Pain begins the moment the injury happens, Limited movement due to pain, not weakness, Deformity the outer end of the collarbone might look out of place, or the top of the shoulder might have a bump on it, Tenderness over the AC joint on top of the shoulder. 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. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has cited it as the number one reason for disability discharge among service members. VA Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. Your combined rating is The pain issues in my foot have been ongoing for years. Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), is the most common form affecting veterans. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! How does the VA rate this condition? Normal MRI study of the cervical and thoracic spine. I got handed to psych people instead of medical people. Would I have a chance for additional disability rating if I filed the arthritis as a secondary cause of the Chondromalacia Patella? 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!" 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. I did some research online and read headaches can sometimes arise from problems in the neck, and degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis in the neck. A doctor can determine if your service had a causal relationship with your arthritis by looking at your injuries or overuse of the joints. 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. Havent filed a claim yet or know that you are underrated? 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. Some of the causes include joint injuries or repeated stress on the joint(s) from sports or job duties. The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are. Major Minor. Were Veterans helping Veterans Worldwide, and since 2016 weve helped 10,000+ Veterans just like you INCREASE their VA disability rating! This means that the typical medical evidence of a diagnosis or nexus is not necessarily needed if you are able to show continuation of reported symptoms from service. 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. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. 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. If there is insufficient documentation, the C&P examiner may order additional tests. A NEXUS letter from your physician would strengthen your claim for the hypertrophy as a secondary condition. The VA does not rate a disability under limited range of motion and degenerative arthritis. Is it possible to be rated under 5002 for the arthralgia/flare ups as well as limited ROM? VA Disability Rating for Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear | CCK Law Under the VAs schedule of ratings, they can rate arthritis as degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis several criteria affect that decision. 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 possible, the examiner should also test your unaffected joint for an accurate evaluation of your range of motion. Veterans granted TDIU receive payment at the 100% rate the highest compensation for VA disability awards. Next possible rating for arthritis is 40%, followed by a 20% rating, which involves one or two exacerbations annually with a well-established diagnosis. Also my ankle hurts when I move it so can I apply the painful motion principle to my already existing ankle rating to get an increase? Many with identified surgeries which made me understand staying to fight a person intent on ridding U more than helping U even have a chance was beyond my capacities right then. How does VA rate shoulder injury 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 Hello Sir,I currently have a 10% rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease. The VA experienced delays during the Covid-19 pandemic like many other industries. You would want to get a NEXUS letter from a specialist confirming this correlation. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Acromioclavicular joint separation, also known as AC separation, occurs when the clavicle (collar bone) separates from the scapula (shoulder blade). Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I was in the Army for many years. Considering that you have not been medically separated because of the condition, it is unlikely that you have had many incapacitating episodes. C4/C5: Symmetric posterior disc bulge. 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 Thanks for all the help and advice you are giving us. 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. 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%. The VA evaluates shoulder replacements under Diagnostic Code 5051. If it doesnt clearly state this, then it doesnt apply. 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. The first thing you need to do is request your VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE). How VA Rates Arthritis for Disability Benefits | CCK Law VA For a supplemental claim, you can show new evidence that wasnt considered with your initial claim. Often, however, they do not. Physical therapy can also help manage pain and restore some of the range of motion to the shoulder. The joints 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. If it has healed and you have recovered, the VA wont deem it a disabling condition. In this scenario, your arthritis would have to be the result of, or secondary to, a separate disability that is currently service-connected. You must do this within one year of the VA issuing the rating. If we hear from the VA, well contact you as soon as we can to follow up with our next steps. VA Disability Ratings for Arthritis Conditions - Hill & Ponton A locked padlock If you have one or more disability ratings, you can view your VA combined disability rating and your individual ratings online. At Woods and Woods, the Veterans Firm, weve helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. Under the VAs schedule of ratings, they can rate arthritis as degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis several criteria affect that decision. Can you explain a bit more and also can they rate this together? After many years of trying to receive VA benefits, I tried to work with VSO and it did not work. 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. impressions. Muscles and tendons that keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket make up the rotator cuff. 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. This involves the recovery period following a surgery related to your service-connected condition. If the entire arm is amputated, it will change to a 90% rating whether it is your dominant arm or not. The first VASRD update, in September 2017, was for dental and oral conditions. Today, VA announced its sixth update: The musculoskeletal system and muscle injuries. There are no knee imsges or ankle images or foot images or hip images or back or neck images. Webor traumatic arthritis, do not complete this questionnaire, INSTEAD complete the Joint Questionnaire for the affected area (e.g., if the diagnosis is osteoarthritis of the knee, complete the VA Form 21-0960M-9, Knee and Lower Leg Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire). VA medical records and hospital records relating to your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation or that show it has gotten worse. Official websites use .gov 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. This granoloma did keep me on the VA radar with a 0 percent rating Check out our range of motion rating info on our website. The presence of sleep issues while in service does not directly mean sleep apnea. Your treatments may also vary depending on your other conditions. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Yes, the examiner basically stated that in their opinion the synovial hypertrophy is SC while the arthritis is not. The VA diagnostic code for rheumatoid arthritis is 5002. 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. 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. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. No matter how many ranges of motion are impacted! For the purposes of this blog, the primary focus will be on VA disability for degenerative arthritis, which affects 27 million Americans. My iimited duty post was to security call in hourly at a 5 story barracks full of guys all awaiting boards. 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). You can always try to submit a new claim, but it is likely to not be successful. 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? It depends on what the authority decides at the time they make the correction. There is precedent of connection there too, though it is impossible for me to opine on your case. VA Disability C6/C7: Symmetric posterior disc bulge. My question is, did my DDD cause my arthritis in my neck- is there any kind of connection there? I am on methotrexate and REALLY thinking about the switch to Humira. WebThe osteoarthritis disability ratings are either 10% or 20% depending on the following symptoms: 10%: a veteran has degenerative arthritis in two or more major joints or two or Only one rating for the entire joint. We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. If you are a disabled American veteran with arthritis, I will do my best to help you understand how your arthritis should be rated. Evans and they did so much. Common Secondary Service-Connected Conditions - Military It takes about 125 days to get an answer to your initial claim. And how long are they supposed to last? 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. Rotator cuff injuries are common among veterans who have experienced traumatic injuries while in service. Kirsten Hirt, Claims Advocate Updated: August 25, 2021. 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. Here are some tips on your C&P exam from one of our VA disability lawyers. It really hurts when no one put attention to the person who served his country and puts his life in danger. It depends on what the problems are. I received a 10% disability at separation for on one knee. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you need help with a service-connected claim for arthritis, feel free to give us a call for a free case evaluation! 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. If the symptoms of your arthritis come later, it may still be possible to establish a service-connection. 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. 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. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vasrdprinciples.html#pyram. Hello, I was awarded service connection at 0% for both my left and right knee in 2011. It can develop later in life due to the overuse of joints or traumatic injuries that occurred during active duty. If youre a veteran and have been injured or have developed a disability, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. What do you think, 2020 MilitaryDisabilityMadeEasy.com - All rights reserved, There are all sorts of tricky rules in the. They will look at the overall symptoms and assign the highest rating they can based on those symptoms. You are in a tough spot for your spondylosis. Because of this, it probably won't cause a problem that it was claimed this way. 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. According to Title 38, for a minor shoulder that can raise between 25 and 90 degrees is 20% disability. Generally speaking, VA rates shoulder and arm conditions under both 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System and 4.73 Schedule of Ratings, The spine is rated as a whole, so if your symptoms are worse, your rating will most likely increase, regardless of the specific conditions at play. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 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. Unless you also have instability, the only way to increase your rating is for your range of motion to significantly decrease. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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'm really not sure what to expect and wondering if I'm wasting my time with this secondary claim. 40% for ankylosing spondylosis and DDD. What is my disability for this type of arthritis?