Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. But, rheumatoid arthritis will only be rated either as an active condition or for its chronic residuals. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#a. The first thing you need to do is request your VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Because of this, it probably won't cause a problem that it was claimed this way. Sir, I was recently diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." 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. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has cited it as the number one reason for disability discharge among service members. It affects daily life and job. The length of this period will depend on the specific of the condition, but it would have to be significant. 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) .. As a federal employee, file the appropriate claim through your employing agency. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. I received a 10% disability at separation for on one knee. 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. 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? If it has healed and you have recovered, the VA wont deem it a disabling condition. them are Veterans themselves. Welcome to the PEB Forum! Would I have a chance for additional disability rating if I filed the arthritis as a secondary cause of the Chondromalacia Patella? This will best be explained by using an example. Many of VAs last update came in August 2019, focusing oninfectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies. If you are not receiving maximum compensation, you can file foran increaseif your condition worsens. 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"? There are 5 primary ways a veteran can prove Arthritis is service connected and get VA disability benefits: #1: Direct Service Connection for Degenerative Arthritis VA Now Offering Toxic Exposure Screenings for All Veterans, Comprehensive List of Benefits for Veterans with Disabilities, VA Healthcare Eligibility Expansion PACT Act, VA Family Caregiver Program Now Open to All. 4.71a, 5201. Muscles and tendons that keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket make up the rotator cuff. Common Secondary Service-Connected Conditions - Military I've taken methotrexate for a few years. Technically, you are correct that it should have been submitted as a secondary condition since arthritis was not present at all during service. Rotator cuff injuries are common among veterans who have experienced traumatic injuries while in service. The process can be overwhelming and confusing thats where your attorney steps in. This is making me very nervous. The spine is very related, so it is possible for your DDD to cause your cervical spine problems. This involves the recovery period following a surgery related to your service-connected condition. Physical therapy can also help manage pain and restore some of the range of motion to the shoulder. Osteoarthritis can manifest from mildly disabling to almost complete impairment, and will be rated by the VA accordingly once service connection is proven. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. Yes, as long as they consider the arthropathy as service-connected, you have potential for getting headaches covered as secondary. Only one rating for the entire joint. 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). Is there a possibility degenerative disc disease (DDD) causes or exasperates the condition of cervical spondylosis? The presence of sleep issues while in service does not directly mean sleep apnea. The rating authority could look at your case and disagree, but the examiner's opinion does hold weight. 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. My left knee occasionally gives out and I limp but that comes and goes. The result was Ive not felt like other people since & I mean that in a nuerological way not a mental way. The VSOs work directly with the VA and not for the individual (me the veteran). Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. 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. Excellent question, and a tricky situation. 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. Contact Us ", For the arthritis of bilat hands/fingers/wrists the examiner stated the following:"b. From rotator cuffs and dislocations to poorly healed bones, shoulder and arm injuries are common among soldiers and all these injuries can lead to long-term disabilities in 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. It is medically indicated that the ankle would cause this condition, so it makes sense that the VA denied it. Web4.30 - Convalescent Ratings 4.31 - A No-Percent Rating return to top Subpart B - Disability Ratings The Musculoskeletal System 4.40 - Functional Loss 4.41 - History of Injury 4.42 - As long as they have evidence that the shoulder condition worsened and caused arthritis, then it should still be processed correctly. Acromioclavicular Joint Separation VA Disability Rating. 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. However, both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. I have a question. 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? Here are some tips on your C&P exam from one of our VA disability lawyers. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, When he refused & refused my request for champus to get a doctor he trusted. This shoulder disability diagnostic code is 38 C.F.R. *If you have already received a rating for Limited Motion of a joint, then you cannot receive a rating for arthritis in that joint. 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. Thanks for all the help and advice you are giving us. They wsnt the med reords which have still not been found. Since this condition had gotten somewhat worse I have been experiencing headaches. They do not have any evidence concerning my knee or most of the stuff on their list. I DONT MIND a delay so long ad they look at my knee & all the many items I listed earlier. It is odd for the VA to open a CUE claim without you having requested it. 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 VA evaluates shoulder replacements under Diagnostic Code 5051. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! If you need help with a service-connected claim for arthritis, feel free to give us a call for a free case evaluation! Check out our range of motion rating info on our website. Because most of the people are complaining about their system. Official websites use .gov Bilateral facet arthropathy. Regardless of the code, however, most spine conditions are all rated on the same system: limited motion. C6/C7: Symmetric posterior disc bulge. VA medical records and hospital records relating to your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation or that show it has gotten worse. Then, the conditionreceives a permanent rating after the conditional period is complete. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 If the entire arm is amputated, it will change to a 90% rating whether it is your dominant arm or not. Bilateral facet arthropathy. For example, the VA regulations provide that if you are service-connected for an amputation and subsequently develop arthritis, arthritis may be granted service connection secondary to the amputation. No facet arthropathy. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, degenerative arthritis is the primary reason for discharge from active duty military service. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theankle.html#joint, Dear DR Johnson, I am currently a 50% disabled veteran. In addition to the methotrexate I'm now taking Plaquenil and Voltaren gel. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Kirsten is a Florida native and received her Bachelor's degree from Florida State University in Criminology & Psychology. Keep reading to learn more about VA disability benefits for arm and shoulder conditions and how you can increase your disability rating. 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 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. In August 2018, VAs third update to the VASRD focused onskin conditions. It is primarily in my L4-L-5-S1 region. In December 2018, VA updated the rating criteria forhematologic and lymphatic systems. Thanks. Dislocated Shoulder (Acromioclavicular Joint) VA Disability If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 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. 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. Call us today to discuss your VA disability appeal or your first application. Under 4.71a,Diagnostic Code 5203, the VA assigns shoulder separations a 20% rating for either arm, regardless of severity. Your physicians know your case and are better able to determine the causes, etc. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. An untreated AC injury can make daily, independent life a struggle. I'm wondering if the ultrasound and symptoms alone are enough for the VA to award secondary service connection? The VA will only award a SINGLE rating under range of motion per shoulder! Rheumatoid arthritis, in terms of chronic residuals, will be rated under the appropriatediagnostic code for the group of minor joints involved, major joints, etc. This is the link to get started, FAST. 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. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 They will, however, rate your radiculopathy separately. Most spine conditions are inter-related as they cause further wear and tear on other parts of the spine. I submitted because of the Burn Pit Act where I could not register due to being a Civilian!! A lock ( However, if your arthritis is bad enough that you are completely 5051 Shoulder replacement (prosthesis). This Sept. 1. In contrast torheumatoid arthritis a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder that can affect more than your joints degenerative arthritis results from the wearing down of the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones. VA requires that limitation of View Your VA Disability Ratings | Veterans Affairs Thankfully, the in-service injury does not need to be traumatic to be considered connected. Is there ever any service connected disability awarded when a vets service RECORDS are never located even after 40 years of health complaints? For the most accurate measurement and associated rating, examiners often use a goniometer regarding your joints flexion and extension. eCFR :: 38 CFR 4.71a -- Schedule of ratings - musculoskeletal It depends on what the problems are. Although range of motion is a big factor, the functional impairment ought to be addressed as well. 40% for ankylosing spondylosis and DDD. http://blog.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/2018/01/secondary-conditions-for-va-disability.html. 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 C4/C5 degenerative disc disease resulting in moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. 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. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. AC separation injuries can make daily life extremely challenging. I have recently been diagnosed with Epidural Lipomatosis. So yes, the correct way is the one you suggested, but your claim should still process correctly. 3. Is this analogous to RA or Degenerative Arthritis? To receive veterans benefits for your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation, you mustprove a service connection for the condition. But arthritis can also be presumptively service-connected. Completing these tasks for an extended period while serving can lead to many other VA secondary conditions to shoulder injuries, including: Should a veterans shoulder condition lead to amputation, the rating will change. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 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%. I also have a question about Administrative Decision For Cue. Hello Dr. Johnson. 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. 100%- Completely incapacitated and bedridden, regardless of how many joints are affected. I could see he wanted me off his work liad and out of the service because my appeal went past my EOS date. My rheumatologist ordered an U/S that showed mild synovial hypertrophy in each wrist. 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. 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. To establish service connection through continuity of symptomatology, the claimed disability must be considered chronic pursuant to 38 CFR 3.309(a), symptoms must be documented in service and after discharge, and there must be a connection between your post-service symptoms and your current disability. 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. since you already have 10%, the pain is rated and won't allow for additional. VA Disability Rating for Shoulder Labral Tear is similar: Severe: 40% for dominant and 30% Unfortunately, it is common for the VA to overlook information or make mistakes on arthritis claims. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Finally this year my doctor mentioned a sleep study because it's causing me to have more migraines (service-connected). Foot conditions could contribute to arthritis in the spine, but not really fat deposits. In some cases, these conditions may lead to loss of use and incapacitating episodes. I'm also wondering with symptoms such as these if it's more likely I'm rated under 5002 or 5003?
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