va disability rating for arthritis in shoulder

However, it is still very important to provide evidence that the arthritis is secondary along with the claim. The first VASRD update, in September 2017, was for dental and oral conditions. This injury is typically caused by a fall directly on the shoulder point or a direct blow from contact. 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. Therefore, the C&P examiner ought to test for active and passive, weightbearing and non-weightbearing, motion pain. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. 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%. In some cases, these conditions may lead to loss of use and incapacitating episodes. 38 CFR Part 4 section B details all of the diagnostic codes for musculoskeletal problems with your shoulder. 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. Would the VA even consider this? Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 I did some research online and read headaches can sometimes arise from problems in the neck, and degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis in the neck. I also have a question about Administrative Decision For Cue. For a convalescence claim to be awarded, the period must be at least one month, surgery has resulted in postoperative residuals like being housebound or a continuing need for crutches or wheelchair, or a major joint has been immobilized by a cast. They found a bump I had on my right hairline area. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle while minor joints include toes, fingers, spine, and sacroiliac. For more information on how to calculate this number click here. Next possible rating for arthritis is 40%, followed by a 20% rating, which involves one or two exacerbations annually with a well-established diagnosis. If limited motion is not present, then you will receive one overall combinedrating under VA diagnostic code 5003 for degenerative arthritis. It is odd for the VA to open a CUE claim without you having requested it. The examiner documented this as two incapacitating episodes as well as two non-incapacitating episodes. 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. I submitted because of the Burn Pit Act where I could not register due to being a Civilian!! Veterans that have to have their arm amputated below the deltoid will receive a 70 percent rating. Also based on the MRI results listed above are there any conditions I could file for separately for example "Mild spinal canal stenosis, mild bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing"? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. A VA disability rating percentage is awarded in multiples of 10, representing the severity of the impact of the disease or injury. For a supplemental claim, you can show new evidence that wasnt considered with your initial claim. This functional loss could require surgery such as a knee replacement. Official websites use .gov To receive veterans benefits for your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation, you mustprove a service connection for the condition. Through X-rays that display "rat bites" on my distal joints and wrists to psoriatic sores on my hands and blood tests show positive results for the arthritic condition. What is the highest rating I can get for Achilles Tendonitis/Tenosynovitis and is that solely based on the range of motion of the ankle? 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS All the military and VA did was give me medication. Also my ankle hurts when I move it so can I apply the painful motion principle to my already existing ankle rating to get an increase? If you hear from the VA, give us a call to make sure we got the information too. Mild spinal canal stenosis. Rotator cuff injuries are common among veterans who have experienced traumatic injuries while in service. The VA does not rate a disability under limited range of motion and degenerative arthritis. Since it has been so many years, it is just as likely that the sleep apnea developed on its own and isn't connected. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. This gives the veteran a bilateral factor of 2.8%. A doctor can determine if your service had a causal relationship with your arthritis by looking at your injuries or overuse of the joints. In August 2018, VAs third update to the VASRD focused onskin conditions. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Finally, it is also possible to receive a secondary service-connection if it is determined that an already service-connected condition is causing arthritis. If it doesnt clearly state this, then it doesnt apply. We use our arms and shoulders for many daily tasks, including getting dressed, driving, and bathing. There are a couple of conditions that are an exception to this rule, but if you have one of these conditions, our discussion about that condition on our site will clearly say that you can rate it in addition to other conditions that affect that joint. There is no significant medical evidence to correlate the build up of fat to abnormal gate. 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. I was very skeptical working with an attorney at first. 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. Basically I was trying to convince the VA that the pain issues with my neck was caused by my left ankle when walking ect. A 20% is the highest you can receive for a significantly limited ROM. No spinal canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing. 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. Ultimately, yes, they may ask for the extra money they paid you to be returned. L4-L5 disc protrusion and acute L5-S1 disc protrusion. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 The pain issues in my foot have been ongoing for years. Synovial hypertrophy is closer to RA, and would be rated under 5002. http://blog.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/2018/01/secondary-conditions-for-va-disability.html. In this scenario, your arthritis would have to be the result of, or secondary to, a separate disability that is currently service-connected. AC separation patients may also experience arthritis because the shoulder separation damages the ligaments surrounding the AC joint. 3. The second review, in May 2018, was for gynecological conditions. If you have one or more disability ratings, you can view your VA combined disability rating and your individual ratings online. When examining my wrist the examiner also notated abnormal results for ROM. During the course of finalizing this rulemaking, VA received comments from various Veterans Service Organizations and Veterans to ensure fair evaluations are established. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. It does mention in my rating paperwork arthritis in my back as well. This shoulder disability diagnostic code is 38 C.F.R. If you have used steroids as a treatment for a service-connected condition, then it could qualify that way. 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. 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. 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? 10% for pain in my leg from back problems. A locked padlock 100%- Completely incapacitated and bedridden, regardless of how many joints are affected. Can you explain a bit more and also can they rate this together? Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. I had issues with PTSD over the years from my time in the Army. If your shoulder aches from time to time when it rains, youre likely to get 10 percent disability. Specifically. Already working with us? No, the VA will only give you a single spine rating for your cervical spine. 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. Only one rating per joint. Arthritis has now developed secondary to your shoulder condition. 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 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. 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. At Woods and Woods, the Veterans Firm, weve helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. He is a professional in the work he is doing. them are Veterans themselves. You can also submit a new claim for a secondary condition or increase your disability rating by combining multiple disabilities. I was at Three FOBs ( Forward Operations Bases) in Iraq Camp Anaconda Balad, Camp Cooke Taji and Q-West Qayyarrah, between 2004 and 2008. Is there a possibility degenerative disc disease (DDD) causes or exasperates the condition of cervical spondylosis? The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but this Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Also, what is an "incapacitating episode"? Hopefully that didnt just create more questions than it answered. 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. My med board was done twice I appealed because the nuerologist would not allow me access to ENT examination and wrote up an inconclusive report stating ehivh tesrs haf not worked. If there is limited motion in your joint, then your condition will be rated based on that joints limited motion. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. 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. You can file a Notice of Disagreement, take the higher review lane, orsubmit a supplemental claim. So yes, the correct way is the one you suggested, but your claim should still process correctly. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. 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. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. So now I have a letter from the DOD saying they have evidence about 25 items LHI was supposed to check. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! This evidence includes: Ensure you fill out your claim entirely and send all supporting documents this helps process the claim quicker. 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. 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? That arthritis is a secondary condition that should be reviewed by the VA and compensated where appropriate. So lets jump to having multiple joints with Degenerative Arthritis. Sir, I was recently diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." This is a higher rate than among the civilian population, and it is one of the leading causes of physical disability. If these measurements arent properly recorded, you will not receive the correct ratings you deserve. However, both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. They will, however, rate your radiculopathy separately. VA claims processors will use this update to make consistent decisions with greater ease.. 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. 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. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#conditions. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Or will i tell the examiner when i have my evaluation?Thanks doc. VA requires that limitation of As we mentioned, shoulder injuries are extremely common among service members tasked with heavy lifting and training exercises that include overhead motions. Active cases of Would I have a chance for additional disability rating if I filed the arthritis as a secondary cause of the Chondromalacia Patella? VA rates disability from 0% to 100% in 10% increments (e.g. 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. Bilateral facet arthropathy. Factors including frequency and severity of joint swelling, stiffness, tenderness should all be reported and discussed to achieve a full picture of the severity. 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. Finally this year my doctor mentioned a sleep study because it's causing me to have more migraines (service-connected). These tears can severely limit a veterans range of motion, which can qualify them for disability benefits based on their inability to work. 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. 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. 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. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. The spine is very related, so it is possible for your DDD to cause your cervical spine problems. Are ratings based on range of motion for example to get 10%, flexion measures more than 30 but less than 45. 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. 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? This claim was reviewed as a secondary condition to my service connected rating for lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis, left ankle. 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). Surgery can sometimes improve the function of the affected joints. The VASRDs 15 body systems had seen periodic rating criteria updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review since 1945. Were here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. ", For the arthritis of bilat hands/fingers/wrists the examiner stated the following:"b. THE CONTRACTOR CHECKED 4 THINGS PROPERLY & the rest eas Covid delayed. Thanks for the quick reply, I currently have a rating of 10% for the lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis of the left ankle. An official website of the United States government. Also would Cervical Radiculopathy be a possible secondary condition to cervical degenerative disc disease (two separate ratings). Many of Yes, "arthrosis" is really a term describing the joint itself. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! 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. Without knowing full details regarding incapacitating episodes, I'd assume that your condition would be rated on limited motion of the effected joints. How Can You Increase Your Shoulder Injury VA Disability Rating? Mild to moderate neural foraminal narrowing is present at L4-S1 levels 3. I could see he wanted me off his work liad and out of the service because my appeal went past my EOS date. VA Disability Rating for Shoulder Labral Tear is similar: Severe: 40% for dominant and 30% Minimal spinal canal stenosis. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Because most of the people are complaining about their system. Worth a shot to apply. One of these includes a temporary rating based on hospitalization. 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!" Bilateral facet arthropathy. 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. The VA experienced delays during the Covid-19 pandemic like many other industries. If a prosthetic device replaces the entire shoulder joint, the condition is rated at 100% for the month following discharge from the hospital. Is it possible to be rated under 5002 for the arthralgia/flare ups as well as limited ROM? 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. I tried to go back to the incidents in the med records-but photocopies that are poor are not wanted. I want to file for an increase and wonder what rating codes this would be under. 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. 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. That is the main reason why I chose Woods and Woods. Over the years my knees have become worst and was recently diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in both knees. 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. 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. The result was Ive not felt like other people since & I mean that in a nuerological way not a mental way. I report when theres much DISCOMFORT which is rarely during a GP interview. At most, 20% for 1-2 incapacitating episodes/year. My question to you is could the VA be looking at one of my service connected disabilities and potentially give me an increased rating or could this be a possible downgrade in a rating where they are looking to take something away from me. And I have the new neck problems. Since limited motion of the wrist is only rated 10% at the most, the 20% rating under 5002 is the more likely rating option. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Unless you also have instability, the only way to increase your rating is for your range of motion to significantly decrease. For one scar they did a 10% as a secondary condition to my service connected ankle. Code 5237 is used for general back pain. Private medical records or hospital reports related to your AC separation that show the deteriorating condition. Hello Sir, I was recently diagnosed with degenerative talonavicular arthrosis of my right foot. With my experience, I would recommend their service to others, in respect to anyone who is struggling I would highly recommend Woods and Woods. 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 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? The VA saves me with a surgery when they absolutely must because I got a POA to present an affidavitt. It is medically indicated that the ankle would cause this condition, so it makes sense that the VA denied it. C5/C6: Symmetric posterior disc bulge with superimposed focal central to right subarticular disc protrusion. Insiders, today we are discussing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis. You can definitely claim it as secondary, but the VA will not rate it as a separate condition. since you already have 10%, the pain is rated and won't allow for additional. The VA evaluates shoulder replacements under Diagnostic Code 5051. Thanks for all the help and advice you are giving us. I'm thinking about doing a secondary claim for the cervical spondylosis to the DDD. I called my parents doctor -got a referral and paid for a workup with xrays that were better than the sectionals at LBRMC. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Rating. 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. If a dislocated shoulder is a secondary-connection to tumors, deforming arthritis, or other disease, your treatment might look very different. The VA diagnostic code for rheumatoid arthritis is 5002. Thanks. I went to have the swelling checked and a large Baker's cyst was found behind my left knee as well as arthritis. The author of my 2nd board did try by sending me to Nuclear med for imaging. If you work with us, well keep tabs on when the VA makes a decision. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. I am on methotrexate and REALLY thinking about the switch to Humira. When the muscles are overused or experience undue force, the tendons often tear from the stress. You cannot rate both. When he refused & refused my request for champus to get a doctor he trusted. 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. 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.". Since you have multiple disc conditions, you could qualify for a rating under Intervertebral Disc Syndrome instead if that offers higher rating under incapacitating episodes. We assign a disability rating based on Webor traumatic arthritis, do not complete this questionnaire, INSTEAD complete the Joint Questionnaire for the affected area (e.g., if the diagnosis is osteoarthritis of the knee, complete the VA Form 21-0960M-9, Knee and Lower Leg Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire). It takes about 125 days to get an answer to your initial claim. The VA does not rate a disability under limited range of motion and degenerative arthritis. Moreover, if there is pain (without limited motion), then the VAs painful motion principle kicks in. Under the painful motion rule, the minimum compensable rating of 10% must be assigned. Therefore, the C&P examiner ought to test for active and Right wrist: Palmar Flexion (0-80): 0 to 55 degree Dorsiflexion (0-70): 0 to 45 degree Ulnar Deviation (0-45): 0 to 25 degree Radial Deviation (0-20): 0 to 15 degree, and left wrist: Palmar Flexion (0-80): 0 to 60 degree Dorsiflexion (0-70): 0 to 40 degree Ulnar Deviation (0-45): 0 to 45 degree Radial Deviation (0-20): 0 to 20 degree. This is making me very nervous. An untreated AC injury can make daily, independent life a struggle. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 The process can be overwhelming and confusing thats where your attorney steps in. Moreover, if there is pain (without limited motion), then the VAs painful motion principle kicks in. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Most spine conditions are inter-related as they cause further wear and tear on other parts of the spine. 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. C4/C5: Symmetric posterior disc bulge. The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are. 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? Normal MRI study of the cervical and thoracic spine. Sir, I was diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." The cyst and the arthritis would all be rated together under code 5003, degenerative arthritis, on how they affect the motion of the knees. All of these falling under VASRD code 5200.

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