Well I got a letter today stating THEY made a calculation error when I submitted a claim for two painful scars. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Ok thank you I had a visit with my Primary Care Doctor and she mention my Sleep Apnea maybe the cause. 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. C4/C5 degenerative disc disease resulting in moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. Under the VAs schedule of ratings, they can rate arthritis as degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis several criteria affect that decision. 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. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! The VASRD determines how much disability compensation veterans will receive each month in addition to their eligibility for other VA benefits. Yes, "arthrosis" is really a term describing the joint itself. Since both conditions directly affect the use of the ankle, the VA will lump both conditions together and give you a single rating under the code that allows the higher rating. The report then lists general degenerative arthritis and traumatic arthritis with 268,882 and 258,135 recipients, respectively. I started to get the ball rolling with Mr. Woods/Mr. or should I have a totally different one as arthritis due to service connected injury? 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. My question is, did my DDD cause my arthritis in my neck- is there any kind of connection there? 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. Sir, I was recently diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." Is it possible to get the facet athropathy secondary to cervical spine DDD (two separate ratings)? 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"? At Woods and Woods, the Veterans Firm, weve helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices 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. While it is known to result in the breakdown of cartilage, it also affects the entire joint. I am overseas working and at a loss how to communicate with the doctors here. I'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Sir, you sent me a reply to my question about Administrative Decision For Cue the VA initiated. Unless you also have instability, the only way to increase your rating is for your range of motion to significantly decrease. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Additionally, while there are other forms of arthritis under the VA codes, such as pneumococcic or traumatic, these specific forms are rated within one of the two main umbrellas: degenerative or rheumatoid. Bilateral facet arthropathy. 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, They typically add up disabilities and veterans meet the criteria like this: 1. 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. If these measurements arent properly recorded, you will not receive the correct ratings you deserve. The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of veterans service-connected conditions. Mild spinal canal stenosis. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! 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%. If you are a Veteran in crisis 10%, 20%, 30% etc. If youre a veteran and have been injured or have developed a disability, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. Regardless of the code, however, most spine conditions are all rated on the same system: limited motion. No sacroiliac joint fusion to suggest ankylosing spondylitis. Talk to your doctor (or our in-house nexus doctor) about your symptoms to see if they are connected. All FOBs had Burn Pits inside the wire! Yes, as long as they consider the arthropathy as service-connected, you have potential for getting headaches covered as secondary. That is an estimate, of course. Note (2): The 20 percent rating on the basis of activity within the past 5 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). We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Is there a possibility degenerative disc disease (DDD) causes or exasperates the condition of cervical spondylosis? VA rates disability from 0% to 100% in 10% increments (e.g. 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. Symptoms and signsof AC shoulder separation include: Before you canapplyfor VA disability for AC joint separation, you need to gather evidence and supporting documents to file with your claim. You can also submit a new claim for a secondary condition or increase your disability rating by combining multiple disabilities. Could I file this new diagnosis secondary to my right foot injury since the way I walked affects my back alignment. Only one. Rotator cuff injuries are common among veterans who have experienced traumatic injuries while in service. If you cannot get and/or keep gainful employment because of your shoulder condition, you may qualify fortotal disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). Hello Dr. Johnson. This is making me very nervous. 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. 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. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. 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? The VA saves me with a surgery when they absolutely must because I got a POA to present an affidavitt. Whats more, getting a disability rating thats enough to reflect the severity of arm and shoulder injuries is another hurdle. Under 4.71a,Diagnostic Code 5203, the VA assigns shoulder separations a 20% rating for either arm, regardless of severity. The VASRDs 15 body systems had seen periodic rating criteria updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review since 1945. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 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. The Rhumetologist, Epidemiologist have all determined that yes I have arthritis that exhibits psoriasis in most of the areas that are affected by arthritis. The examiner documented this as two incapacitating episodes as well as two non-incapacitating episodes. Acromioclavicular joint separation, also known as AC separation, occurs when the clavicle (collar bone) separates from the scapula (shoulder blade). 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? They do not have any evidence concerning my knee or most of the stuff on their list. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! In this scenario, your arthritis would have to be the result of, or secondary to, a separate disability that is currently service-connected. Since it has been so many years, it is just as likely that the sleep apnea developed on its own and isn't connected. Official websites use .gov Learn aboutthe complete list of updatesto the rating schedule. Synovial hypertrophy is closer to RA, and would be rated under 5002. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The second review, in May 2018, was for gynecological conditions. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 If it causes significantly new or progressed symptoms, it could contribute to having your overall cervical spine condition increased. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theankle.html#joint, Dear DR Johnson, I am currently a 50% disabled veteran. 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. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. However, if your arthritis is bad enough that you are completely 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. 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. If two or more major or minor jointgroups are affected, but there are no incapacitating exacerbations, a 10% rating may be assigned. Sir, I was diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." If the symptoms of your arthritis come later, it may still be possible to establish a service-connection. Since this condition had gotten somewhat worse I have been experiencing headaches. Osteoarthritis can manifest from mildly disabling to almost complete impairment, and will be rated by the VA accordingly once service connection is proven. Basically I was trying to convince the VA that the pain issues with my neck was caused by my left ankle when walking ect. Tip: Look for your highest disability rating (or highest combined rating) in the left column, and your next lowest disability rating in the top row. If you are already service-connected for arthritis and stay in a hospital for over 21 days as a result of your condition (i.e., joint replacement surgery), you may qualify for a temporary 100% total rating for the duration of your hospital admittance. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. The pain issues in my foot have been ongoing for years. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. They will, however, rate your radiculopathy separately. I am a Gulf War Vet and am currently SC. This granoloma did keep me on the VA radar with a 0 percent rating VA Disability Rating for Shoulder Labral Tear is similar: Severe: 40% for dominant and 30% 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? 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. 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). Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. 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. Under the painful motion rule, the minimum compensable rating of 10% must be assigned. Code 5237 is used for general back pain. Multilevel cervical degenerative disc disease, most pronounced at C3/C4 resulting in moderate spinal canal stenosis, moderate-to-severe left neuroforaminal narrowing, and moderate right neuroforaminal narrowing. http://blog.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/2018/01/secondary-conditions-for-va-disability.html. You can claim the condition either way as long as you provide opinions from your physicians denoting the connection. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has cited it as the number one reason for disability discharge among service members. The first VASRD update, in September 2017, was for dental and oral conditions. impressions. VA Ratings for Spine Issues are Based on Movement, Pain, and X-Rays Different Types of Arthritis Can Get Different VA Ratings Bone Spurs Cause Burning or Tingling in Your Hands or Feet Dont Wait Until Arthritis and Back Pain is Unbearable Get a Free Consultation from our Certified VA Lawyer Team http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/kneeandleg.html#i. Correlation for radicular symptoms. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. To complicate things, some Veterans may not report an injury at the time that it occurred. Several rating criteria affect the totalrating decision. Ultimately, Joe will only have a total of three ratings for his four conditions, instead of four separate ratings. Foot conditions could contribute to arthritis in the spine, but not really fat deposits. Most spine conditions are inter-related as they cause further wear and tear on other parts of the spine. 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. yet assertive representation for our clients. since you already have 10%, the pain is rated and won't allow for additional. You can try, but there is a high likelihood that it would be denied. 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. The spine is very related, so it is possible for your DDD to cause your cervical spine problems. Its a workers compensation claim. 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. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 The VSOs work directly with the VA and not for the individual (me the veteran). WebWhen there is an award based on pain with motion with movement of the shoulder. I filed for compensation change but was denied because of range of motion was not enough. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#a. Veterans that have to have their arm amputated below the deltoid will receive a 70 percent rating. After graduation, Kirsten sought a position in the legal field that would allow her to continue advocating for those in need. Not at all. Nonsurgical treatments for AC separation include a sling, ice packs, and medications to manage the pain. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Since limited motion of the wrist is only rated 10% at the most, the 20% rating under 5002 is the more likely rating option. Finally, it is also possible to receive a secondary service-connection if it is determined that an already service-connected condition is causing arthritis. I have 7 months until retirement (20 years). In December 2018, VA updated the rating criteria forhematologic and lymphatic systems. However, a shoulder can only be given a single rating, so the VA would ultimately not rate the arthritis as a separate condition. 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. I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella when I separated from the service in 1978. 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). 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 There is no significant medical evidence to correlate the build up of fat to abnormal gate. 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. 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. 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. Already working with us? As a federal employee, file the appropriate claim through your employing agency. The key to Degenerative Arthritis is that if there is any limited motion AT ALL in the affected joint, then the condition MUST be rated on limited motion of that joint. I have pain in both knees and they actually feel like they are on fire inside. I'm also wondering with symptoms such as these if it's more likely I'm rated under 5002 or 5003? Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 To get the bilateral factor we take 28% and multiply it by 10%. The VA does not rate a disability under limited range of motion and degenerative arthritis. 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. The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review in 70+ years. This gives the veteran a bilateral factor of 2.8%. Different from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an, For some veterans, the objective criteria in the disability rating schedule may not accurately reflect their true level of disability. You cannot rate both. Knowing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis can also help Veterans get their condition service-connected. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#rheum. 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. Active cases of Unfortunately, it is common for the VA to overlook information or make mistakes on arthritis claims. Rheumatoid arthritis, in terms of chronic residuals, will be rated under the appropriatediagnostic code for the group of minor joints involved, major joints, etc. DOCTORS IMPRESSION: 1. I was so demotivated for so many years that I stayed away from care centers until I could not function. 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. 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. Under the schedule of ratings in the VA regulations, arthritis may be rated under degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Rating. I earned my honorable and other good notes that only served to make people doubt that sensory challenged people can still attempt to complete any mission when others are helping alleviate the heavy lifting. 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. This shoulder disability diagnostic code is 38 C.F.R. I have a question. From what I understand a CUE claim, is when a veteran asks the VA to revise a decision that is final. If not enough, then arthritis. Keep reading to learn more about VA disability benefits for arm and shoulder conditions and how you can increase your disability rating. 100%- Completely incapacitated and bedridden, regardless of how many joints are affected. Worth a shot to apply. I have recently been diagnosed with Epidural Lipomatosis. Veterans with questions regarding this VASRD update may contact VA at 800-827-1000. Both of my legs have recently begun swelling, the right leg occasionally and the left almost daily. No, the VA will only give you a single spine rating for your cervical spine. If there is limited motion in your joint, then your condition will be rated based on that joints limited motion. These tears can severely limit a veterans range of motion, which can qualify them for disability benefits based on their inability to work. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#form. So lets jump to having multiple joints with Degenerative Arthritis. Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net. I understand a joint condition can only be rated as degenerative arthritis if it does not have a limited enough range of motion. 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. You cant hold down a steady job that supports you financially (known as substantially gainful employment) because of your service-connected disability. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, degenerative arthritis is the primary reason for discharge from active duty military service. 10% for pain in my leg from back problems. The VA experienced delays during the Covid-19 pandemic like many other industries. Ok thank you Dr. Johnson have a good one take care. What is my disability for this type of arthritis? For the most accurate measurement and associated rating, examiners often use a goniometer regarding your joints flexion and extension. Since that time, we have provided compassionate Yes, tendonitis would be rated as limited motion as well. Many veterans develop their arthritis later in life as the cartilage wears down. 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. Now, if you dont have limited motion, then your condition is rated as. Unfortunately, the MEB Attorney's response is valid. In those days I did not want a disciplinary action aftet getting just 3 months from my EOS. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. That arthritis is a secondary condition that should be reviewed by the VA and compensated where appropriate. 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. Evans and they did so much. Kirsten has since transitioned to focus on her legal education and has been attending law school full time. However, it is still very important to provide evidence that the arthritis is secondary along with the claim. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/kneeandleg.html#limo. Visit USA.gov, This will take you to the MyHealtheVet website, This will take you to the Suicide Prevention website, This will take you to the VA Find a Form page, This will take you to the VA Publications page, VA updates rating criteria for musculoskeletal and muscle injuries, The Great American Spit Out February 25, Veterans! Working with an experienced attorney can also significantly boost your chances of receiving a higher disability rating. VA medical records and hospital records relating to your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation or that show it has gotten worse. 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. The result was Ive not felt like other people since & I mean that in a nuerological way not a mental way. You may be owed compensation. The cyst and the arthritis would all be rated together under code 5003, degenerative arthritis, on how they affect the motion of the knees. It's never a waste of time to make sure the VA is aware of your full range of conditions. Arthritis especially tends to affect those who are overweight, as well as older men. The VA may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) examination to evaluate your arthritis and assign the appropriate rating. Osteoarthritis can theoretically affect any joint but typically occurs in your hands, feet, spine and hips. What do you think, 2020 MilitaryDisabilityMadeEasy.com - All rights reserved, There are all sorts of tricky rules in the. 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). If your motion is more limited, you may qualify for a higher rating on that alone. Your combined rating is My question is what about the Department of Army Civilians who spent multiple Deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan? 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? 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 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. Muscles and tendons that keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket make up the rotator cuff. As with all claims submitted to the VA, it is required that there is a service-connection to the veterans arthritis. Veterans granted TDIU receive payment at the 100% rate the highest compensation for VA disability awards. So, if you have arthritis in your knee, and you cannot bend it all the way, then it is rated once on limited motion of the knee. Here are some tips on your C&P exam from one of our VA disability lawyers.