We use our arms and shoulders for many daily tasks, including getting dressed, driving, and bathing. Specifically. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. C5/C6: Symmetric posterior disc bulge with superimposed focal central to right subarticular disc protrusion. The VSOs work directly with the VA and not for the individual (me the veteran). Unfortunately, the MEB Attorney's response is valid. Unless you also have instability, the only way to increase your rating is for your range of motion to significantly decrease. The joints Whats more, getting a disability rating thats enough to reflect the severity of arm and shoulder injuries is another hurdle. *If you have already received a rating for Limited Motion of a joint, then you cannot receive a rating for arthritis in that joint. Correlation for radicular symptoms. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theankle.html#joint, Dear DR Johnson, I am currently a 50% disabled veteran. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices 2. You might also receive a VA disability rating for shoulder rotator cuff tear. Only one. Muscles and tendons that keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket make up the rotator cuff. The first VASRD update, in September 2017, was for dental and oral conditions. 70% PTSD, 20% hearing loss, 10% tinnitus, 10% post right foot fx. Only one rating per joint. 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. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 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. In those days I did not want a disciplinary action aftet getting just 3 months from my EOS. 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. If you have service-connected shoulder pain or injury, reach out to the VA disability lawyers at Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm. Normal MRI study of the cervical and thoracic spine. 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 Degenerative arthritis may also be referred to as osteoarthritis and is the most common form of arthritis. 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. Repetitive stress on your joints with documented symptoms can be sufficient to establish your claim since service connection for arthritis may be proven through continued symptomology. As with all claims submitted to the VA, it is required that there is a service-connection to the veterans arthritis. It is medically indicated that the ankle would cause this condition, so it makes sense that the VA denied it. 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. Finally this year my doctor mentioned a sleep study because it's causing me to have more migraines (service-connected). Hi Dr, Just today I went in to apply for a shoulder increase. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Today, VA announced its sixth update: The musculoskeletal system and muscle injuries. Mild bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing. It is odd for the VA to open a CUE claim without you having requested it. Arthritis is the most common disability and affects 52.5 million adults in the United States, or one in every five. Because these measurements are vital in the arthritis rating, a physician must record the exact range of motion measurements using a goniometer. 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. Civilans are not authorized in the VA Sys! The VA opened this claim up and I'm not sure why because I did not make a request a Cue. I was an Air Force parachute specialist for 8 years and this job required a lot of standing at a table with my neck bent/hunched over looking down at the parachute equipment when packing. VA medical records and hospital records relating to your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation or that show it has gotten worse. Bilateral facet arthropathy. I submitted because of the Burn Pit Act where I could not register due to being a Civilian!! WebFormula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes Diagnostic Code 5423 With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months: 60% With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months: 40% 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 40% for ankylosing spondylosis and DDD. It can develop later in life due to the overuse of joints or traumatic injuries that occurred during active duty. 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. Acromioclavicular joint separation, also known as AC separation, occurs when the clavicle (collar bone) separates from the scapula (shoulder blade). Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. 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. C4/C5 degenerative disc disease resulting in moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. Since last posting my question I have been to the VA for my C&P exam but I am still awaiting my rating. 10%, 20%, 30% etc. Surgery can sometimes improve the function of the affected joints. Correlation for radicular symptoms. Well the regulations state "If there are 1 or 2 scars that are unstable or painful it is rated 10%." All of these falling under VASRD code 5200. Only one rating for the entire joint. Is it possible to get the facet athropathy secondary to cervical spine DDD (two separate ratings)? 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. If it causes significantly new or progressed symptoms, it could contribute to having your overall cervical spine condition increased. Yes, if you can prove a service-connection and show that it is still causing you problems. For one scar they did a 10% as a secondary condition to my service connected ankle. Both of my legs have recently begun swelling, the right leg occasionally and the left almost daily. Thank you for your time and have a great day. 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. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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. I'm trying to figure out of the conditions I have with my ankle what could give me a rating increase. 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 Note (2): The 20 percent rating on the basis of activity within the past 5 If there is limited motion in your joint, then your condition will be rated based on that joints limited motion. Your physicians know your case and are better able to determine the causes, etc. 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. Rating Arthritis But, rheumatoid arthritis will only be rated either as an active condition or for its chronic residuals. them are Veterans themselves. 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. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. As the condition worsens, the bone may harden, change shape or develop bone spurs. AC separation patients may also experience arthritis because the shoulder separation damages the ligaments surrounding the AC joint. Under the VAs schedule of ratings, they can rate arthritis as degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis several criteria affect that decision. No, the VA will only give you a single spine rating for your cervical spine. Common Secondary Service-Connected Conditions - Military 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. Private medical records or hospital reports related to your AC separation that show the deteriorating condition. WebWhen there is an award based on pain with motion with movement of the shoulder. Its a workers compensation claim. VA Disability Ratings for Arthritis Excellent question, and a tricky situation. You're not alone. However, they rated my left knee with 10% as a result of Chondromalacia Patella. VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. If you need help with a service-connected claim for arthritis, feel free to give us a call for a free case evaluation! 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. My iimited duty post was to security call in hourly at a 5 story barracks full of guys all awaiting boards. 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. All FOBs had Burn Pits inside the wire! Ok thank you Dr. Johnson have a good one take care. Veterans with questions regarding this VASRD update may contact VA at 800-827-1000. Moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Often, however, they do not. What do you think, 2020 MilitaryDisabilityMadeEasy.com - All rights reserved, There are all sorts of tricky rules in the. How does VA rate shoulder injury An untreated AC injury can make daily, independent life a struggle. Ultimately, Joe will only have a total of three ratings for his four conditions, instead of four separate ratings. 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. If only one major or minor jointgroup is affected, you may only receive a rating higher than 0% under diagnostic code 5003 if there is also evidence of painful motion. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 A VA disability rating percentage is awarded in multiples of 10, representing the severity of the impact of the disease or injury. If you cannot get and/or keep gainful employment because of your shoulder condition, you may qualify fortotal disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). Woods and Woods is well-versed in the laws and know the best strategies to secure the most favorable outcomes for our clients. 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. 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. 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? 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. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. 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. Contact us today, and lets get started building your case. This involves the recovery period following a surgery related to your service-connected condition. Thanks. Yes, "arthrosis" is really a term describing the joint itself. 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. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 2. A lock ( So, if you have arthritis and a meniscus condition in your knee, you can only receive a rating for one of the two conditions, whichever gives the higher rating. He did not write "arthritis" he just submitted "left shoulder increase" .. Is this correct? This granoloma did keep me on the VA radar with a 0 percent rating 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? You must do this within one year of the VA issuing the rating. Sir, I was diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." Unfortunately, it is common for the VA to overlook information or make mistakes on arthritis claims. You cannot rate both. Many of Technically, you are correct that it should have been submitted as a secondary condition since arthritis was not present at all during service. Many veterans develop their arthritis later in life as the cartilage wears down. Dislocated Shoulder (Acromioclavicular Joint) VA Disability My question is what about the Department of Army Civilians who spent multiple Deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan? The VA diagnostic code for rheumatoid arthritis is 5002. About 6 months ago I started to have severe pain and swelling in my hands and wrists. The rating authority could look at your case and disagree, but the examiner's opinion does hold weight. The VASRD determines how much disability compensation veterans will receive each month in addition to their eligibility for other VA benefits. They will look at the overall symptoms and assign the highest rating they can based on those symptoms. You can file your claimonline, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained and accredited representative like Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 However, both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. When the muscles are overused or experience undue force, the tendons often tear from the stress. If a condition is rated under degenerative arthritis, then your final rating may have a code listed prior to identify the condition itself and then list 5003 to show how it is rated (i.e., 5010-5003). 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. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. If a dislocated shoulder is a secondary-connection to tumors, deforming arthritis, or other disease, your treatment might look very different. If you hear from the VA, give us a call to make sure we got the information too. So, you cannot receive a rating for degenerative disc disease and another for facet arthropathy. 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. The baseline issue is the fact that the VA will only you a single rating for the cervical spine as a whole, no matter how many diagnosed conditions you have (nerve conditions are rated separately). Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net. In late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. 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. Check out our range of motion rating info on our website. 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. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. ). 3. They found a bump I had on my right hairline area. Although range of motion is a big factor, the functional impairment ought to be addressed as well. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#conditions. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 VA updates rating criteria for musculoskeletal and muscle injuries 5051 Shoulder replacement (prosthesis). Evans and they did so much. 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. 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. Bilateral facet arthropathy. 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. About VA Disability Ratings | Veterans Affairs If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Knowing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis can also help Veterans get their condition service-connected. Moderate spinal canal stenosis. Major Minor. With any form of arthritis, your ranges of motion, and any associated pain, are important factors to be evaluated. 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. 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. If you have arthritis or another secondary condition related to your AC separation, you may be eligible for further compensation under acombined rating. Kirsten has since transitioned to focus on her legal education and has been attending law school full time. I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella when I separated from the service in 1978. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. Learn more aboutVA benefits. Rheumatoid arthritis, as an active condition, may receive a 100% VAdisability rating if you experience constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement and is totally incapacitating. 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. 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. I have pain in both knees and they actually feel like they are on fire inside. Weve been adding staff and lawyers during the Covid pandemic to serve disabled veterans better in difficult times. So I take this as they will grant SC for the synovial hypertrophy but not the arthritis? I keep getting we can not locate letters from the St Louis archives. All Rights Reserved. Since limited motion of the wrist is only rated 10% at the most, the 20% rating under 5002 is the more likely rating option. This is a higher rate than among the civilian population, and it is one of the leading causes of physical disability. After many years of trying to receive VA benefits, I tried to work with VSO and it did not work. If your shoulder aches from time to time when it rains, youre likely to get 10 percent disability. And how long are they supposed to last? Good question. VA 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. http://blog.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/2018/01/secondary-conditions-for-va-disability.html. You haveone yearto appeal the claim from the date ofthe denial. The examiner notated the following in regard to the synovial hypertrophy/proliferative synovium:"a. 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 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. We can help maximize your compensation and make sure you get the disability rating youre entitled to the first time you file for disability. A NEXUS letter from your physician would strengthen your claim for the hypertrophy as a secondary condition. Since it has been so many years, it is just as likely that the sleep apnea developed on its own and isn't connected. I'm wondering if the ultrasound and symptoms alone are enough for the VA to award secondary service connection? 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. You are in a tough spot for your spondylosis. In August 2018, VAs third update to the VASRD focused onskin conditions. Not at all. It does mention in my rating paperwork arthritis in my back as well. Can you explain a bit more and also can they rate this together? Arthritis especially tends to affect those who are overweight, as well as older men. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#inter. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. View Your VA Disability Ratings | Veterans Affairs Moreover, if there is pain (without limited motion), then the VAs painful motion principle kicks in. The painful motion principle does apply. For a supplemental claim, you can show new evidence that wasnt considered with your initial claim. Would the VA even consider this? If two or more major or minor jointgroups are affected, but there are no incapacitating exacerbations, a 10% rating may be assigned. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/kneeandleg.html#limo. I was hopeful because the POA statements made the system act to allow an LHI look-and the let me upload the workup documentation to the DOD evidence intake fax yet nobody could ingorm me how to upload the x rays supporting the documentation. Under the schedule of ratings in the VA regulations, arthritis may be rated under degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. VA Disability Ratings for Your Torn Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Pain Official websites use .gov Osteoarthritis can manifest from mildly disabling to almost complete impairment, and will be rated by the VA accordingly once service connection is proven. Never hurts to strengthen your case by getting a NEXUS letter from your physician, however. Foot conditions could contribute to arthritis in the spine, but not really fat deposits. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of veterans service-connected conditions. When examining my wrist the examiner also notated abnormal results for ROM. 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.