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 am very happy and very satisfied with the work they have done for me! Many veterans develop their arthritis later in life as the cartilage wears down. It takes about 125 days to get an answer to your initial claim. 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. This evidence includes: Ensure you fill out your claim entirely and send all supporting documents this helps process the claim quicker. Now that we understand that, lets jump into arthritis. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. The process can be overwhelming and confusing thats where your attorney steps in. I was very skeptical working with an attorney at first. impressions. 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. Is there ever any service connected disability awarded when a vets service RECORDS are never located even after 40 years of health complaints? Mild spinal canal stenosis. You cannot rate both. Similarly, the VA may award a temporary 100% disability rating for convalescence. Also because of the no ankylosing spondylosis will my rating go down, even though my back symptoms have worsened. The VASRDs 15 body systems had seen periodic rating criteria updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review since 1945. The ratings are 10% lower if they are on your non-dominant side from the 70% rating level downward. I have 7 months until retirement (20 years). 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. DOCTORS IMPRESSION: 1. The cyst and the arthritis would all be rated together under code 5003, degenerative arthritis, on how they affect the motion of the knees. I guess they needed to test me with the Ucmj and heavy sea duty. This claim was reviewed as a secondary condition to my service connected rating for lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis, left ankle. Hello, My question relates to psoriatic arthritis. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#rheum. This involves the recovery period following a surgery related to your service-connected condition. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 Finally, it is also possible to receive a secondary service-connection if it is determined that an already service-connected condition is causing arthritis. Specifically. They will look at the overall symptoms and assign the highest rating they can based on those symptoms. I just had a second surgury & I doubt my current records inquiry will improve. 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. Does the VA look at and rate arthrosis the same as arthritis? 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. 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. I have recently been diagnosed with Epidural Lipomatosis. Mild to moderate neural foraminal narrowing is present at L4-S1 levels 3. 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. Degenerative talonavicular arthrosis is really just degenerative arthritis of the talonavicular joint. Private medical records or hospital reports related to your AC separation that show the deteriorating condition. If the entire arm is amputated, it will change to a 90% rating whether it is your dominant arm or not. Under the schedule of ratings in the VA regulations, arthritis may be rated under degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Correlation for radicular symptoms. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. If you have service-connected shoulder pain or injury, reach out to the VA disability lawyers at Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm. I have a question. 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. 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. C3/C4: Posterior disc osteophyte complex in contact with the anterior spinal cord. They will simply include it in your overall cervical spine condition. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 You must do this within one year of the VA issuing the rating. 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. Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), is the most common form affecting veterans. C5/C6: Symmetric posterior disc bulge with superimposed focal central to right subarticular disc protrusion. Because these measurements are vital in the arthritis rating, a physician must record the exact range of motion measurements using a goniometer. During the course of finalizing this rulemaking, VA received comments from various Veterans Service Organizations and Veterans to ensure fair evaluations are established. -Amber, Dr. George P Johnson I have been officially diagnosed with chandramalicia patella I am receiving 10% on my VA for it but now I am gonna be in a knee brace and using a tens unit how much will my rating go up to due to having those items to use. 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. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. 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.". 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. or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. The VA will only award a SINGLE rating under range of motion per shoulder! This will best be explained by using an example. Lock so they are taking 10% away from me. You might also receive a VA disability rating for shoulder rotator cuff tear. 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. Evans and they did so much. An official website of theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Looking for U.S. government information and services? 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. It would last for a few weeks and then disappear. This injury is typically caused by a fall directly on the shoulder point or a direct blow from contact. My question is what about the Department of Army Civilians who spent multiple Deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan? http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#conditions. 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. 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 After graduation, Kirsten sought a position in the legal field that would allow her to continue advocating for those in need. If possible, the examiner should also test your unaffected joint for an accurate evaluation of your range of motion. I tried to go back to the incidents in the med records-but photocopies that are poor are not wanted. 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. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 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). 70% PTSD, 20% hearing loss, 10% tinnitus, 10% post right foot fx. I went to have the swelling checked and a large Baker's cyst was found behind my left knee as well as arthritis. Havent filed a claim yet or know that you are underrated? In some cases, these conditions may lead to loss of use and incapacitating episodes. Factors including frequency and severity of joint swelling, stiffness, tenderness should all be reported and discussed to achieve a full picture of the severity. Knowing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis can also help Veterans get their condition service-connected. I TRIED REPORTING THE LHI STUFF IF THEY SENT IMAGES AS EVIDENCE to the DOD the the DOD is getting lied to for funding expedient efforts which are not my involved appointments which result in reality for my trust. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. Welcome to the PEB Forum! Then, the conditionreceives a permanent rating after the conditional period is complete. Yes, "arthrosis" is really a term describing the joint itself. VAs last update came in August 2019, focusing oninfectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies. 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. Thus, you would ultimately only receive an increased evaluation. 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. yet assertive representation for our clients. 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. These tears can severely limit a veterans range of motion, which can qualify them for disability benefits based on their inability to work. Mild bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing. The presence of pain would qualify for a minimum 10% per knee. I have a 60% rating for dermatomyositis (40% for Raynauds secondary to the DM). If not enough, then arthritis. The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review in 70+ years. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. They found a bump I had on my right hairline area. However, if your arthritis is bad enough that you are completely With any form of arthritis, your ranges of motion, and any associated pain, are important factors to be evaluated. 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 From what I understand a CUE claim, is when a veteran asks the VA to revise a decision that is final. It can develop later in life due to the overuse of joints or traumatic injuries that occurred during active duty. Multilevel bilateral facet arthropathy. Because that was defunite they changed the diagnosis to rid themselves of my puzzling case. So yes, the correct way is the one you suggested, but your claim should still process correctly. My rheumatologist ordered an U/S that showed mild synovial hypertrophy in each wrist. *If you have already received a rating for Limited Motion of a joint, then you cannot receive a rating for arthritis in that joint. 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. Finally this year my doctor mentioned a sleep study because it's causing me to have more migraines (service-connected). Today, VA announced its next update: The musculoskeletal system and muscle injuries. Since last posting my question I have been to the VA for my C&P exam but I am still awaiting my rating. Here are some tips on your C&P exam from one of our VA disability lawyers. They do not have any evidence concerning my knee or most of the stuff on their list. 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. My copies and along with most of the good evidence I had was lost when I stored it in a closet at my Dads place snd his water heater plumbing sprayed it all and the moist stuff molded. As we mentioned, shoulder injuries are extremely common among service members tasked with heavy lifting and training exercises that include overhead motions. Ultimately, Joe will only have a total of three ratings for his four conditions, instead of four separate ratings. Only one rating per joint. Civilans are not authorized in the VA Sys! I keep getting we can not locate letters from the St Louis archives. Considering that you have not been medically separated because of the condition, it is unlikely that you have had many incapacitating episodes. I also have a question about Administrative Decision For Cue. L4-L5 disc protrusion and acute L5-S1 disc protrusion. Now, if you dont have limited motion, then your condition is rated as. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 C4/C5 degenerative disc disease resulting in moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. 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. Or will i tell the examiner when i have my evaluation?Thanks doc. Except for traumatic arthritis, the VA regulations state it is essential for your exam to cover all major joints. The second review, in May 2018, was for gynecological conditions. This functional loss could require surgery such as a knee replacement. Please complete this form to send us your message. 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. 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? 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!" 40% for ankylosing spondylosis and DDD. I'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. I'm thinking about doing a secondary claim for the cervical spondylosis to the DDD. 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 did some research online and read headaches can sometimes arise from problems in the neck, and degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis in the neck. The presence of sleep issues while in service does not directly mean sleep apnea. What Is Acromioclavicular Joint Separation? 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? The complete list of updates to the rating schedule is also availableonline.VA remains committed to staying at the forefront of modern medicine to provide the best service to Veterans and their families. Minimal bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing. I want to file for an increase and wonder what rating codes this would be under. 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. All of these conditions are rated on the general rating formula which is baed on limited motion. This Sept. No spinal canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing. In those days I did not want a disciplinary action aftet getting just 3 months from my EOS. Under the VA rating schedule, there is a standard 20% disability rating if there is x-ray evidence of involvement of two or more major joints, or minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. 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. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices 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 VASRD determines how much disability compensation veterans will receive each month in addition to their eligibility for other VA benefits. With all forms of arthritis, the patients range of motion and associated pain are key factors in evaluating the rating. Suggest that you gather all pertinent medical information to assist your claim. If it causes significantly new or progressed symptoms, it could contribute to having your overall cervical spine condition increased. How Long Will It Take to Get My Disability Rating Letter? It depends on what the authority decides at the time they make the correction. A doctor can determine if your service had a causal relationship with your arthritis by looking at your injuries or overuse of the joints. There is precedent of connection there too, though it is impossible for me to opine on your case. 2. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Hello Sir,I currently have a 10% rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease. 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. No facet arthropathy. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. They will, however, rate your radiculopathy separately. As the condition worsens, the bone may harden, change shape or develop bone spurs. Also, what is an "incapacitating episode"? Could I file this new diagnosis secondary to my right foot injury since the way I walked affects my back alignment. Whats more, getting a disability rating thats enough to reflect the severity of arm and shoulder injuries is another hurdle. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. If you hear from the VA, give us a call to make sure we got the information too. No matter how many ranges of motion are impacted! Over the years my knees have become worst and was recently diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in both knees. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. 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 most common cause of epidural lipomatosis is steroid use. 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. I started to get the ball rolling with Mr. Woods/Mr. we represent clients nationwide. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#form. Hi Dr, Just today I went in to apply for a shoulder increase. VA claims processors will use this update to make consistent decisions with greater ease.. Presumptive service connection is possible because the VA characterizes arthritis as a chronic disease under 38 CFR 3.309. After many CP exams this is now what has been updated on ebenefits. 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. 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. Minimal spinal canal stenosis. In addition to the methotrexate I'm now taking Plaquenil and Voltaren gel. Bilateral facet arthropathy. Arthritis is the most common disability and affects 52.5 million adults in the United States, or one in every five. If you cannot get and/or keep gainful employment because of your shoulder condition, you may qualify fortotal disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). 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. Talk to your doctor (or our in-house nexus doctor) about your symptoms to see if they are connected. 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. To get the bilateral factor we take 28% and multiply it by 10%. Is it possible to be rated under 5002 for the arthralgia/flare ups as well as limited ROM? 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. 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. 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? Rheumatoid arthritis, or more commonly known as RA, is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. The author of my 2nd board did try by sending me to Nuclear med for imaging. The rating authority could look at your case and disagree, but the examiner's opinion does hold weight. They wsnt the med reords which have still not been found. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 I am overseas working and at a loss how to communicate with the doctors here. If it has healed and you have recovered, the VA wont deem it a disabling condition. Moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. http://blog.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/2018/01/secondary-conditions-for-va-disability.html. Not at all. 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. Veterans that have to have their arm amputated below the deltoid will receive a 70 percent rating. WebWhen there is an award based on pain with motion with movement of the shoulder. If a dislocated shoulder is a secondary-connection to tumors, deforming arthritis, or other disease, your treatment might look very different. My question is, did my DDD cause my arthritis in my neck- is there any kind of connection there? Bilateral facet arthropathy. Based on the painful motion regulation, you can theoretically receive a 10% rating for different joints as long as there is not overlap causing it to count twice. 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. A NEXUS letter from your physician would strengthen your claim for the hypertrophy as a secondary condition. For one scar they did a 10% as a secondary condition to my service connected ankle. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Is there a possibility degenerative disc disease (DDD) causes or exasperates the condition of cervical spondylosis? WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. WebA rating for osteomyelitis will not be applied following cure by removal or radical resection of the affected bone. In this scenario, your arthritis would have to be the result of, or secondary to, a separate disability that is currently service-connected. 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. An untreated AC injury can make daily, independent life a struggle. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. But, rheumatoid arthritis will only be rated either as an active condition or for its chronic residuals. Since this condition had gotten somewhat worse I have been experiencing headaches. We use our arms and shoulders for many daily tasks, including getting dressed, driving, and bathing. 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. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle while minor joints include toes, fingers, spine, and sacroiliac. Thank you. If it is determined I have sleep apnea can I file a claim even though I've been out for 16 years since there's a history in my records. No sacroiliac joint fusion to suggest ankylosing spondylitis. He is a professional in the work he is doing. Osteoarthritis can theoretically affect any joint but typically occurs in your hands, feet, spine and hips. 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. 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. Some veterans will undergo a knee replacement, with hip and knee joints being the most common, to help with mobility and pain. Is this analogous to RA or Degenerative Arthritis? Since his elbow and ankle do not have any limited motion, then they are both rated as. 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. 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. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/kneeandleg.html#i. If there is limited motion in your joint, then your condition will be rated based on that joints limited motion. 10% for pain in my leg from back problems. 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. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Ok thank you I had a visit with my Primary Care Doctor and she mention my Sleep Apnea maybe the cause. Excellent question, and a tricky situation. The length of this period will depend on the specific of the condition, but it would have to be significant. It is much more Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: 10%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis but are never incapacitating, 20%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis and are occasionally incapacitating, 20%- One or two incapacitating episodes per year, 40%- If there is a definite decline in health; or, if incapacitating episodes occur 3 or more times per year, 60%- If there is an overall decline in health but is short of complete incapacitation, significant weight loss or anemia; or, if there are 4 or more severe incapacitating episodes per year.