I called my parents doctor -got a referral and paid for a workup with xrays that were better than the sectionals at LBRMC. 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. This is important as it removes the need to present direct medical evidence linking arthritis to a particular event or injury. The VA opened this claim up and I'm not sure why because I did not make a request a Cue. As with all VAdisability claims, proving service connection is the first important step. WebThe VA rating system works more or less the same regardless of the type of injury, but the nature of neck arthritis can cause some unexpected challenges. With my experience, I would recommend their service to others, in respect to anyone who is struggling I would highly recommend Woods and Woods. Check out our range of motion rating info on our website. Note that you are not required to submit evidence with your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation VA disability application, but you will find it helpful for your case. At Woods and Woods, the Veterans Firm, weve helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. 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. I understand a joint condition can only be rated as degenerative arthritis if it does not have a limited enough range of motion. It is also possible to establish a secondary service-connection under 38 CFR 4.58, which states that if you have received an amputation or a leg shortening and arthritis appears later in life, it may be service-connected on a secondary basis (so long as the arthritis is attributed to those conditions). This shoulder disability diagnostic code is 38 C.F.R. Some of the causes include joint injuries or repeated stress on the joint(s) from sports or job duties. It is odd for the VA to open a CUE claim without you having requested it. VA Disability Ratings for Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair The VA will rate rotator cuff surgery based on the severity of the pain and the thickness rotator cuff tears, often This functional loss could require surgery such as a knee replacement. Should the VA deny your claim, this does not mean your case is over and you have zero chances of receiving benefits for your injuries. disability compensation va compensation VASRD. 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. If possible, the examiner should also test your unaffected joint for an accurate evaluation of your range of motion. Hopefully that didnt just create more questions than it answered. Arthritis especially tends to affect those who are overweight, as well as older men. Considering that you have not been medically separated because of the condition, it is unlikely that you have had many incapacitating episodes. If you need help with a service-connected claim for arthritis, feel free to give us a call for a free case evaluation! You can file a Notice of Disagreement, take the higher review lane, orsubmit a supplemental claim. Would I have a chance for additional disability rating if I filed the arthritis as a secondary cause of the Chondromalacia Patella? C4/C5 degenerative disc disease resulting in moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. They found a bump I had on my right hairline area. C5/C6: Symmetric posterior disc bulge with superimposed focal central to right subarticular disc protrusion. No spinal canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing. 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. Surgery can sometimes improve the function of the affected joints. Minimal bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing. we represent clients nationwide. Most spine conditions are inter-related as they cause further wear and tear on other parts of the spine. The examiner documented this as two incapacitating episodes as well as two non-incapacitating episodes. Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), is the most common form affecting veterans. 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. 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. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 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. 100%- Completely incapacitated and bedridden, regardless of how many joints are affected. 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. Keep reading to learn more about VA disability benefits for arm and shoulder conditions and how you can increase your disability rating. 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!" This will best be explained by using an example. What is my disability for this type of arthritis? http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#inter. Moderate spinal canal stenosis. So, you cannot receive a rating for degenerative disc disease and another for facet arthropathy. All Rights Reserved. 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) .. The VASRD rates two main types of arthritis: All right, Degenerative Arthritis Lets start off with assuming that only ONE joint has arthritis in the entire body. 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. I have 7 months until retirement (20 years). Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. 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. If the entire arm is amputated, it will change to a 90% rating whether it is your dominant arm or not. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 What do you think, 2020 MilitaryDisabilityMadeEasy.com - All rights reserved, There are all sorts of tricky rules in the. About 6 months ago I started to have severe pain and swelling in my hands and wrists. I DONT MIND a delay so long ad they look at my knee & all the many items I listed earlier. You may be owed compensation. To get the bilateral factor we take 28% and multiply it by 10%. As a federal employee, file the appropriate claim through your employing agency. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theankle.html#joint, Dear DR Johnson, I am currently a 50% disabled veteran. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. At most, 20% for 1-2 incapacitating episodes/year. Civilans are not authorized in the VA Sys! 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. ", For the arthritis of bilat hands/fingers/wrists the examiner stated the following:"b. Additionally, the connective tissues deteriorate and there is often inflammation of the joint lining. VA Disability for Shoulder and Arm Injuries - Woods and Woods, Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. You must do this within one year of the VA issuing the rating. See your personnel office for the proper forms. Code 5237 is used for general back pain. I am overseas working and at a loss how to communicate with the doctors here. A VA disability rating percentage is awarded in multiples of 10, representing the severity of the impact of the disease or injury. Excellent question, and a tricky situation. 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. After many years of trying to receive VA benefits, I tried to work with VSO and it did not work. 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. 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. -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. 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. 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. While we still have our home base in Florida, 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). For a supplemental claim, you can show new evidence that wasnt considered with your initial claim. No facet arthropathy. 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. 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. Yes, the examiner basically stated that in their opinion the synovial hypertrophy is SC while the arthritis is not. I've taken methotrexate for a few years. Today, VA announced its sixth update: The musculoskeletal system and muscle injuries. If you hear from the VA, give us a call to make sure we got the information too. 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). I'm really not sure what to expect and wondering if I'm wasting my time with this secondary claim. Evans and they did so much. The ratings are 10% lower if they are on your non-dominant side from the 70% rating level downward. Hello Dr. Johnson. Well I got a letter today stating THEY made a calculation error when I submitted a claim for two painful scars. Since last posting my question I have been to the VA for my C&P exam but I am still awaiting my rating. Kirsten is a Florida native and received her Bachelor's degree from Florida State University in Criminology & Psychology. If your motion is more limited, you may qualify for a higher rating on that alone. Getting the Highest VA Rating for Arthritis - Woods and Woods, Yes, tendonitis would be rated as limited motion as well. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Muscles and tendons that keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket make up the rotator cuff. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. Because of the nature of the condition, there doesnt need to be a traumatic event, or injury, to prove service connection for osteoarthritis. I'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. It really hurts when no one put attention to the person who served his country and puts his life in danger. C4/C5: Symmetric posterior disc bulge. In this scenario, your arthritis would have to be the result of, or secondary to, a separate disability that is currently service-connected. Veterans granted TDIU receive payment at the 100% rate the highest compensation for VA disability awards. VA updates rating criteria for musculoskeletal and muscle injuries Under 4.71a,Diagnostic Code 5203, the VA assigns shoulder separations a 20% rating for either arm, regardless of severity. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. 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? In late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. VA Disability Ratings for Arthritis Conditions - Hill & Ponton Contact us today, and lets get started building your case. That arthritis is a secondary condition that should be reviewed by the VA and compensated where appropriate. Whats more, getting a disability rating thats enough to reflect the severity of arm and shoulder injuries is another hurdle. VA medical records and hospital records relating to your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation or that show it has gotten worse. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 VA Private medical records or hospital reports related to your AC separation that show the deteriorating condition. WebWhen there is an award based on pain with motion with movement of the shoulder. 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. Your combined rating is http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#a. Because of this, it probably won't cause a problem that it was claimed this way. Talk to your doctor (or our in-house nexus doctor) about your symptoms to see if they are connected. 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. WebFormula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes Diagnostic Code 5423 With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months: 60% With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months: 40% The painful motion principle does apply. Not at all. VA Disability Rating for Shoulder Labral Tear is similar: Severe: 40% for dominant and 30% No matter how many ranges of motion are impacted! Minimal spinal canal stenosis. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. With any form of arthritis, your ranges of motion, and any associated pain, are important factors to be evaluated. VA claims processors will use this update to make consistent decisions with greater ease.. yet assertive representation for our clients. 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? Since it has been so many years, it is just as likely that the sleep apnea developed on its own and isn't connected. since you already have 10%, the pain is rated and won't allow for additional. In some cases, these conditions may lead to loss of use and incapacitating episodes. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! DOCTORS IMPRESSION: 1. If you are a disabled American veteran with arthritis, I will do my best to help you understand how your arthritis should be rated. Bilateral facet arthropathy. Because these measurements are vital in the arthritis rating, a physician must record the exact range of motion measurements using a goniometer. 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. VA Disability them are Veterans themselves. There are about 2 accurate statements in the report loss of smell & that I declined to have the bump surgcally removed. Thankfully, the in-service injury does not need to be traumatic to be considered connected. Common Secondary Service-Connected Conditions - Military Because that was defunite they changed the diagnosis to rid themselves of my puzzling case. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. 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. Both of my legs have recently begun swelling, the right leg occasionally and the left almost daily. There are two main types of arthritis: degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsurgical treatments for AC separation include a sling, ice packs, and medications to manage the pain. VA Please complete this form to send us your message.