Contact us today, and lets get started building your case. Foot conditions could contribute to arthritis in the spine, but not really fat deposits. Call our team to talk about your case and well help you to see if you have a case. Would the VA even consider this? 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. Yes, tendonitis would be rated as limited motion as well. What do you think, 2020 MilitaryDisabilityMadeEasy.com - All rights reserved, There are all sorts of tricky rules in the. A NEXUS letter from your physician would strengthen your claim for the hypertrophy as a secondary condition. 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. VA Disability for Arthritis in the I started to get the ball rolling with Mr. Woods/Mr. For the average person, the cartilage breaks down gradually but for veterans, the breakdown often occurs suddenly within one or two years post injury. 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. All Rights Reserved. All the military and VA did was give me medication. The painful motion principle does apply. Today, VA announced its sixth update: The musculoskeletal system and muscle injuries. No, the VA will only give you a single spine rating for your cervical spine. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The VA opened this claim up and I'm not sure why because I did not make a request a Cue. You cannot rate both. This has happened about 3 times since that first occurrence. So now I have a letter from the DOD saying they have evidence about 25 items LHI was supposed to check. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/kneeandleg.html#i. Side Note: Because limited motion is so vital to rating arthritis, it is essential that your physicians record the exact range of motion measurements for your affected joints. Many of From what I understand a CUE claim, is when a veteran asks the VA to revise a decision that is final. The first VASRD update, in September 2017, was for dental and oral conditions. 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. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 VeteransBenefits My left knee occasionally gives out and I limp but that comes and goes. 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? C7/T1: Disc desiccation without posterior protrusion. 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. The VA diagnostic code for rheumatoid arthritis is 5002. 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? However, a shoulder can only be given a single rating, so the VA would ultimately not rate the arthritis as a separate condition. Carefully read our discussions of, More Jobs for More Vets Fixing the Unemployment Problem, Fighting the Military Disability and VA Disability Systems, The Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), Concurrent Retirement & Disability Pay (CRDP), conditions that are rated as Degenerative Arthritis, VA Processing All PACT Act Claims January 1st. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle while minor joints include toes, fingers, spine, and sacroiliac. Finally this year my doctor mentioned a sleep study because it's causing me to have more migraines (service-connected). Moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. An official website of the United States government. Finally, it is also possible to receive a secondary service-connection if it is determined that an already service-connected condition is causing arthritis. Get a Free Case Evaluation, VA Disability Ratings for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Extraschedular Ratings for VA Disability Claims, How to Prove Service Connection For Arthritis. This granoloma did keep me on the VA radar with a 0 percent rating My rheumatologist ordered an U/S that showed mild synovial hypertrophy in each wrist. I have had sleep issues for years including while I was in. The result was Ive not felt like other people since & I mean that in a nuerological way not a mental way. 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) .. Acromioclavicular Joint Separation VA Disability Rating. It affects daily life and job. Active cases of rheumatoid arthritis can receive up to a 100% VA disability rating for shoulder arthritis if the condition is debilitating. 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. 2. This broad spectrum of application means that those suffering from arthritis can experience a variety of symptoms in regards to location and severity. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Hello,I was rated 20% for my back issues that I've had for several years now. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! I was very skeptical working with an attorney at first. Private medical records or hospital reports related to your AC separation that show the deteriorating condition. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Never hurts to strengthen your case by getting a NEXUS letter from your physician, however. Whats more, getting a disability rating thats enough to reflect the severity of arm and shoulder injuries is another hurdle. The VA doesnt usually give 100% TDIU for just a single disability. L4-L5 disc protrusion and acute L5-S1 disc protrusion. I'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. 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. I am a Gulf War Vet and am currently SC. Hello Sir, I was recently diagnosed with degenerative talonavicular arthrosis of my right foot. Code 5237 is used for general back pain. Woods and Woods is well-versed in the laws and know the best strategies to secure the most favorable outcomes for our clients. No matter how many ranges of motion are impacted! This functional loss could require surgery such as a knee replacement. I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella when I separated from the service in 1978. 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. Next possible rating for arthritis is 40%, followed by a 20% rating, which involves one or two exacerbations annually with a well-established diagnosis. One of these includes a temporary rating based on hospitalization. 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. Kirsten Hirt, Claims Advocate Updated: August 25, 2021. I'm wondering if the ultrasound and symptoms alone are enough for the VA to award secondary service connection? 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. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. VA requires that limitation of Unfortunately, it is common for the VA to overlook information or make mistakes on arthritis claims. Call us today to discuss your VA disability appeal or your first application. Since limited motion of the wrist is only rated 10% at the most, the 20% rating under 5002 is the more likely rating option. And I have the new neck problems. Yes, "arthrosis" is really a term describing the joint itself. 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. I DONT MIND a delay so long ad they look at my knee & all the many items I listed earlier. 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? In late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The spine is very related, so it is possible for your DDD to cause your cervical spine problems. Functional loss. This rating focuses on the limitations of the joints range of motion. Instability. The VA rating specialist will categorize instability of the joint in three ways: slight (10%), moderate (20%), or severe (30%). Pain. Most veterans with arthritis experience pain. Weve been adding staff and lawyers during the Covid pandemic to serve disabled veterans better in difficult times. 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. 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. VA Disability Rating for Shoulder Labral Tear is similar: Severe: 40% for dominant and 30% If possible, the examiner should also test your unaffected joint for an accurate evaluation of your range of motion. The Rhumetologist, Epidemiologist have all determined that yes I have arthritis that exhibits psoriasis in most of the areas that are affected by arthritis. I submitted because of the Burn Pit Act where I could not register due to being a Civilian!! 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. There is precedent of connection there too, though it is impossible for me to opine on your case. With any form of arthritis, your ranges of motion, and any associated pain, are important factors to be evaluated. 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. Good question. The length of this period will depend on the specific of the condition, but it would have to be significant. Degenerative arthritis can receive the following disability compensation ratings from the VA*: 10%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis but You're not alone. 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. 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. Working with an experienced attorney can also significantly boost your chances of receiving a higher disability rating. WebFor the purpose of rating disability from arthritis, the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle are considered major joints; multiple involvements of the interphalangeal, metacarpal and carpal joints of the upper extremities, the interphalangeal, metatarsal and tarsal joints of the lower extremities, the cervical vertebrae, the dorsal In order to strengthen your case that your spine is the cause of the headaches, you'll need to get a NEXUS letter from your physician linking the conditions. At most, 20% for 1-2 incapacitating episodes/year. He did not write "arthritis" he just submitted "left shoulder increase" .. Is this correct? degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine (previously rated as strain, lumbosacral spine, with disc space narrowing DC5237. You can also submit a new claim for a secondary condition or increase your disability rating by combining multiple disabilities. If you have arthritis or another secondary condition related to your AC separation, you may be eligible for further compensation under acombined rating. The VA evaluates shoulder replacements under Diagnostic Code 5051. In this scenario, your arthritis would have to be the result of, or secondary to, a separate disability that is currently service-connected. It does mention in my rating paperwork arthritis in my back as well. 4.71a, 5201. Factors including frequency and severity of joint swelling, stiffness, tenderness should all be reported and discussed to achieve a full picture of the severity. There are two main types of arthritis: degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Degenerative arthritis leads to symptoms including pain, stiffness, limitation of motion, limitation of flexion, grating sensation or clicking with joint use (known as crepitus or crepitation), swelling, and joint instability or buckling (i.e., knee giving out). 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? 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. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. How the VA Determines Benefits for Arthritis - VA Claims Insider 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. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#a. My question to you is should I open a new claim for the cervical spondylosis and not try to tie it to an existing secondary condition? Thanks. I got handed to psych people instead of medical people. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. 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. Additionally, the connective tissues deteriorate and there is often inflammation of the joint lining. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. 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%. VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. When he refused & refused my request for champus to get a doctor he trusted. 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. You can always try to submit a new claim, but it is likely to not be successful. impressions. 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". Thank you for your time and have a great day. This is the link to get started, FAST. How does the VA rate this condition? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! In addition to the methotrexate I'm now taking Plaquenil and Voltaren gel. VA Disability for Shoulder and Arm Injuries - Woods and Woods, 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. VA Disability Rating for Rotator Cuff Repair and Shoulder Bursitis What Is Acromioclavicular Joint Separation? Also because of the no ankylosing spondylosis will my rating go down, even though my back symptoms have worsened. Sir, you sent me a reply to my question about Administrative Decision For Cue the VA initiated. Here one of our VA disability lawyers goes over the questions Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm, is often asked about veterans disability claims and appeals. A locked padlock That is an estimate, of course. Since his elbow and ankle do not have any limited motion, then they are both rated as. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 For the most accurate measurement and associated rating, examiners often use a goniometer regarding your joints flexion and extension. Insiders, today we are discussing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis. The cyst and the arthritis would all be rated together under code 5003, degenerative arthritis, on how they affect the motion of the knees. This is a higher rate than among the civilian population, and it is one of the leading causes of physical disability. 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. VA Disability This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. After graduation, Kirsten sought a position in the legal field that would allow her to continue advocating for those in need. If we hear from the VA, well contact you as soon as we can to follow up with our next steps. 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 VA saves me with a surgery when they absolutely must because I got a POA to present an affidavitt. Welcome to the PEB Forum! There is no significant medical evidence to correlate the build up of fat to abnormal gate. Rheumatoid arthritis, or more commonly known as RA, is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. The pain, stiffness, and limited motion can become severe when left untreated, and it can cause the veteran to repeatedly miss work and social events while living in constant pain. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. If it causes significantly new or progressed symptoms, it could contribute to having your overall cervical spine condition increased. Kirsten has since transitioned to focus on her legal education and has been attending law school full time. 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. Dislocated Shoulder (Acromioclavicular Joint) VA Disability 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 The examiner notated the following in regard to the synovial hypertrophy/proliferative synovium:"a. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Learn aboutthe complete list of updatesto the rating schedule. This Sept. Examples for shoulder and arm injuries could include a VA disability rating for shoulder range of motion, VA disability rating for shoulder tendonitis, or VA disability rating for shoulder impingement. My question is, did my DDD cause my arthritis in my neck- is there any kind of connection there? If you are a disabled American veteran with arthritis, I will do my best to help you understand how your arthritis should be rated. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 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. 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? If you hear from the VA, give us a call to make sure we got the information too. 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 The VASRDs 15 body systems had seen periodic rating criteria updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review since 1945. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. VA Disability Ratings for Arthritis Can you please help me understand a bit more about what type of rating I should expect. 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. 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. It is primarily in my L4-L-5-S1 region. Already working with us? As long as they have evidence that the shoulder condition worsened and caused arthritis, then it should still be processed correctly. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, I called my parents doctor -got a referral and paid for a workup with xrays that were better than the sectionals at LBRMC. Without knowing full details regarding incapacitating episodes, I'd assume that your condition would be rated on limited motion of the effected joints. Is it possible to get the facet athropathy secondary to cervical spine DDD (two separate ratings)? DOCTORS IMPRESSION: 1. 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. Multilevel bilateral facet arthropathy. Civilans are not authorized in the VA Sys! If there is insufficient documentation, the C&P examiner may order additional tests. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 It can develop later in life due to the overuse of joints or traumatic injuries that occurred during active duty. I have recently been diagnosed with Epidural Lipomatosis. Thank you for your time! Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting those who have served in the military. Chronic conditions must develop to at least 10% within 1 year of service to be considered at all. 1. 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. Yes, as long as they consider the arthropathy as service-connected, you have potential for getting headaches covered as secondary. All of these falling under VASRD code 5200. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#conditions. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 If these measurements arent properly recorded, you will not receive the correct ratings you deserve. These tears can severely limit a veterans range of motion, which can qualify them for disability benefits based on their inability to work. We use our arms and shoulders for many daily tasks, including getting dressed, driving, and bathing. They wsnt the med reords which have still not been found. Rarely are they used to lower a veteran's ratings. Some of the causes include joint injuries or repeated stress on the joint(s) from sports or job duties. This is important as it removes the need to present direct medical evidence linking arthritis to a particular event or injury. Considering that you have not been medically separated because of the condition, it is unlikely that you have had many incapacitating episodes. AC separation injuries can make daily life extremely challenging. 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