Private medical records or hospital reports related to your AC separation that show the deteriorating 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. That arthritis is a secondary condition that should be reviewed by the VA and compensated where appropriate. In some cases, these conditions may lead to loss of use and incapacitating episodes. And I have the new neck problems. I have 7 months until retirement (20 years). 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. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#inter. I am very happy and very satisfied with the work they have done for me! 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.". Rarely are they used to lower a veteran's ratings. 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. So now I have a letter from the DOD saying they have evidence about 25 items LHI was supposed to check. Rheumatoid arthritis, or more commonly known as RA, is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Official websites use .gov Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 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. What to Expect When Filing Your Initial VA Claim, Top 10 Questions About Military Sexual Trauma (MST). 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. Factors including frequency and severity of joint swelling, stiffness, tenderness should all be reported and discussed to achieve a full picture of the severity. I have recently been diagnosed with Epidural Lipomatosis. VA Disability Rating for Shoulder Labral Tear is similar: Severe: 40% for dominant and 30% 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. Havent filed a claim yet or know that you are underrated? 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. Both of my legs have recently begun swelling, the right leg occasionally and the left almost daily. Synovial hypertrophy is closer to RA, and would be rated under 5002. 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? Except for traumatic arthritis, the VA regulations state it is essential for your exam to cover all major joints. C5/C6: Symmetric posterior disc bulge with superimposed focal central to right subarticular disc protrusion. Under the VAs schedule of ratings, they can rate arthritis as degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis several criteria affect that decision. 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. If you need additional information to reply, please let me know. 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'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. With all forms of arthritis, the patients range of motion and associated pain are key factors in evaluating the rating. I have a question. 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. These tears can severely limit a veterans range of motion, which can qualify them for disability benefits based on their inability to work. 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. Unless you also have instability, the only way to increase your rating is for your range of motion to significantly decrease. C3/C4: Posterior disc osteophyte complex in contact with the anterior spinal cord. Which is worse a vet in a war zone gets shot and corrected with a rating or a peace vet gets lots of demotivating conflicting analysis by well meaning expediency oriented professionalsthat have very tight schedules which resultd in a peace vet feeling as if every thing he asks is always denied becausethe darn documents cant be found to substantiate. 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? It affects daily life and job. Unfortunately, it is common for the VA to overlook information or make mistakes on arthritis claims. Would I have a chance for additional disability rating if I filed the arthritis as a secondary cause of the Chondromalacia Patella? 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 - 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. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Since this condition had gotten somewhat worse I have been experiencing headaches. They do not have any evidence concerning my knee or most of the stuff on their list. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 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. 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. 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!" Is it possible to get the facet athropathy secondary to cervical spine DDD (two separate ratings)? I had issues with PTSD over the years from my time in the Army. A Veteran with arthritis might receive either a 10 or a 20 percent rating, depending on the specifics of their condition. 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, However, a shoulder can only be given a single rating, so the VA would ultimately not rate the arthritis as a separate condition. Thank you for your time! If you cannot get and/or keep gainful employment because of your shoulder condition, you may qualify fortotal disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). While we still have our home base in Florida, When examining my wrist the examiner also notated abnormal results for ROM. I just had a second surgury & I doubt my current records inquiry will improve. 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. Thanks for all the help and advice you are giving us. The pain issues in my foot have been ongoing for years. Nonsurgical treatments for AC separation include a sling, ice packs, and medications to manage the pain. I submitted because of the Burn Pit Act where I could not register due to being a Civilian!! Specifically. They typically add up disabilities and veterans meet the criteria like this: 1. I am on methotrexate and REALLY thinking about the switch to Humira. Is this analogous to RA or Degenerative Arthritis? Bilateral facet arthropathy. The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are. Any input would be great, thanks! Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim The Rhumetologist, Epidemiologist have all determined that yes I have arthritis that exhibits psoriasis in most of the areas that are affected by arthritis. Sir, I was diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." The VA diagnostic code for rheumatoid arthritis is 5002. You would want to get a NEXUS letter from a specialist confirming this correlation. She came to Hill & Ponton in August 2015 wanting to help veterans and started off as a Case Manager. DOCTORS IMPRESSION: 1. I also have a question about Administrative Decision For Cue. 2. If the VA sends you a letter stating that they denied your claim, its important to contact a veterans rights lawyer to figure out your next steps. 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. So, you cannot receive a rating for degenerative disc disease and another for facet arthropathy. If the symptoms of your arthritis come later, it may still be possible to establish a service-connection. 100%- Completely incapacitated and bedridden, regardless of how many joints are affected. We use our arms and shoulders for many daily tasks, including getting dressed, driving, and bathing. 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. 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. I had earlier x-rays of my neck, that a neurologist told me I had arthritis in my neck. Thats it. This is the link to get started, FAST. My question is what about the Department of Army Civilians who spent multiple Deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan? Some veterans will undergo a knee replacement, with hip and knee joints being the most common, to help with mobility and 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. One of these includes a temporary rating based on hospitalization. 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. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. I touched land about 2 days in 5 months as I fought continual exhaustion and numbness that had started at a previous ship after a fall on the quarterdeck of the Uss Sperry AS-12. WebA rating for osteomyelitis will not be applied following cure by removal or radical resection of the affected bone. For one scar they did a 10% as a secondary condition to my service connected ankle. 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. I received a 10% disability at separation for on one knee. Some of the causes include joint injuries or repeated stress on the joint(s) from sports or job duties. If you have service-connected shoulder pain or injury, reach out to the VA disability lawyers at Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm. Thank you. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Acromioclavicular joint separation, also known as AC separation, occurs when the clavicle (collar bone) separates from the scapula (shoulder blade). All of these conditions are rated on the general rating formula which is baed on limited motion. The length of this period will depend on the specific of the condition, but it would have to be significant. 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". There are about 2 accurate statements in the report loss of smell & that I declined to have the bump surgcally removed. It depends on what the authority decides at the time they make the correction. Are ratings based on range of motion for example to get 10%, flexion measures more than 30 but less than 45. However, it is still very important to provide evidence that the arthritis is secondary along with the claim. You can always try to submit a new claim, but it is likely to not be successful. No, the VA will only give you a single spine rating for your cervical spine. Physical therapy can also help manage pain and restore some of the range of motion to the shoulder. 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. It is thought that degenerating discs can place undue stress on the facet joints, thus over time leading to degeneration and formation of osteoarthritis in the facet joints". Contact Us 3. You can file a Notice of Disagreement, take the higher review lane, orsubmit a supplemental claim. It's never a waste of time to make sure the VA is aware of your full range of conditions. Hello, My question relates to psoriatic arthritis. 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. Never hurts to strengthen your case by getting a NEXUS letter from your physician, however. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. C7/T1: Disc desiccation without posterior protrusion. Next possible rating for arthritis is 40%, followed by a 20% rating, which involves one or two exacerbations annually with a well-established diagnosis. Your treatments may also vary depending on your other conditions. If youre a veteran and have been injured or have developed a disability, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Chronic conditions must develop to at least 10% within 1 year of service to be considered at all. The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but this I've started a secondary claim for arthritis and joint pain. Most spine conditions are inter-related as they cause further wear and tear on other parts of the spine. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. My question to you is can I get a rating increase to my cervical spine degenerative disc disease rating due to the facet arthropathy in my cervical vertebrae? 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). Then a scar on my knee they rated a stand alone 10%. 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. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Additionally, the connective tissues deteriorate and there is often inflammation of the joint lining. 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. At Woods and Woods, the Veterans Firm, weve helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting those who have served in the military. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? After many years of trying to receive VA benefits, I tried to work with VSO and it did not work. If your shoulder aches from time to time when it rains, youre likely to get 10 percent disability. 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. Web: A Veterans degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine warrants a 20 percent based on limitation of motion under the General Rating Formula and his mild radiculopathy of the left If it causes significantly new or progressed symptoms, it could contribute to having your overall cervical spine condition increased. Moderate-to-severe left and moderate right neuroforaminal narrowing. I understand a joint condition can only be rated as degenerative arthritis if it does not have a limited enough range of motion. If not enough, then arthritis. Correlation for radicular symptoms. Arthritis especially tends to affect those who are overweight, as well as older men. Claims filed on or after the effective date will be rated under the new criteria. 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. They will, however, rate your radiculopathy separately. Well I got a letter today stating THEY made a calculation error when I submitted a claim for two painful scars. Chondromalacia patella is rated on either limited motion of the knee or a minimum 10% analogously under arthritis. 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. 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. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! 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. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 My rheumatologist ordered an U/S that showed mild synovial hypertrophy in each wrist. Learn more aboutVA benefits. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Surgery can sometimes improve the function of the affected joints. I want to file for an increase and wonder what rating codes this would be under. If there is limited motion in your joint, then your condition will be rated based on that joints limited motion. If there is insufficient documentation, the C&P examiner may order additional tests. It would last for a few weeks and then disappear. disability compensation va compensation VASRD. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. Kirsten is a Florida native and received her Bachelor's degree from Florida State University in Criminology & Psychology. The process can be overwhelming and confusing thats where your attorney steps in. As for the rating under code 5002, the VA will rate either by these rating requirements (which would rate you 20% for the 2 incapacitating episodes) or as limited motion, whichever gives you the higher rating. 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. If you have arthritis or another secondary condition related to your AC separation, you may be eligible for further compensation under acombined rating. Because that was defunite they changed the diagnosis to rid themselves of my puzzling case. 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 I keep getting we can not locate letters from the St Louis archives. This is a higher rate than among the civilian population, and it is one of the leading causes of physical disability. The cyst and the arthritis would all be rated together under code 5003, degenerative arthritis, on how they affect the motion of the knees. So I take this as they will grant SC for the synovial hypertrophy but not the arthritis? I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella when I separated from the service in 1978. 1. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle while minor joints include toes, fingers, spine, and sacroiliac. VA rates disability from 0% to 100% in 10% increments (e.g. This will best be explained by using an example. 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. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. 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. Not at all. Is there a possibility degenerative disc disease (DDD) causes or exasperates the condition of cervical spondylosis? Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 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 Whats more, getting a disability rating thats enough to reflect the severity of arm and shoulder injuries is another hurdle. The VA evaluates shoulder replacements under Diagnostic Code 5051. I'm wondering if the ultrasound and symptoms alone are enough for the VA to award secondary service connection? Its a workers compensation claim. VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. Talk to your doctor (or our in-house nexus doctor) about your symptoms to see if they are connected. If the entire arm is amputated, it will change to a 90% rating whether it is your dominant arm or not. Kirsten has since transitioned to focus on her legal education and has been attending law school full time. Your combined rating is My question to you is since this is an error made by the VA will I be required to pay back any money to the VA? You can claim the condition either way as long as you provide opinions from your physicians denoting the connection. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. 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. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#rheum. 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. So lets jump to having multiple joints with Degenerative Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, in terms of chronic residuals, will be rated under the appropriatediagnostic code for the group of minor joints involved, major joints, etc. In those days I did not want a disciplinary action aftet getting just 3 months from my EOS. Therefore, the C&P examiner ought to test for active and passive, weightbearing and non-weightbearing, motion pain. About 6 months ago I started to have severe pain and swelling in my hands and wrists. Were Veterans helping Veterans Worldwide, and since 2016 weve helped 10,000+ Veterans just like you INCREASE their VA disability rating! I'm trying to figure out of the conditions I have with my ankle what could give me a rating increase. The call is free and we wont charge you a single fee until we win your case. 40% for ankylosing spondylosis and DDD. 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. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. 70% PTSD, 20% hearing loss, 10% tinnitus, 10% post right foot fx. Your physicians know your case and are better able to determine the causes, etc. degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine (previously rated as strain, lumbosacral spine, with disc space narrowing DC5237. Good question. or should I have a totally different one as arthritis due to service connected injury? As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. I guess they needed to test me with the Ucmj and heavy sea duty. While the VA will avoid pyramiding and giving you multiple ratings for the same condition, you want to make sure you get a rating for conditions that aggravate each other. I recently had a full spine MRI with these findings. Thanks. Were here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. After many CP exams this is now what has been updated on ebenefits. To get the bilateral factor we take 28% and multiply it by 10%. For a supplemental claim, you can show new evidence that wasnt considered with your initial claim. 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 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. Thankfully, the in-service injury does not need to be traumatic to be considered connected. Most often CUE claims are used to prove that the VA made a definite error that harmed the veteran's case that must be remedied. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation.