My question to you is can I get a rating increase to my cervical spine degenerative disc disease rating due to the facet arthropathy in my cervical vertebrae? 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. 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. I was at Three FOBs ( Forward Operations Bases) in Iraq Camp Anaconda Balad, Camp Cooke Taji and Q-West Qayyarrah, between 2004 and 2008. them are Veterans themselves. we represent clients nationwide. Now, if you dont have limited motion, then your condition is rated as. He is a professional in the work he is doing. Three months after returning from Balad in 2008 I had open heart surgery to replace my failing Aortic Valve at St Josephs Hosp in Syracuse NY. or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. VA medical records and hospital records relating to your Acromioclavicular Joint Separation or that show it has gotten worse. Unfortunately, it is common for the VA to overlook information or make mistakes on arthritis claims. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. I have had sleep issues for years including while I was in. 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. For the most accurate measurement and associated rating, examiners often use a goniometer regarding your joints flexion and extension. Specifically. Sir, I got a bit of bad news today as the VA denied my claim for multilevel facet arthropathy or as they call it "cervical spondylosis". In such cases, the VA is able to consider certain, This post will outline the basics of GERD and how service-connection VA disability benefits may be possible under the VA schedule of ratings, despite the lack of an exactdisability ratingschedulefor. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. They found a bump I had on my right hairline area. They would just consider it along with your other condition and give you a single overall rating that reflects the overall condition of the shoulder. -Amber, Dr. George P Johnson I have been officially diagnosed with chandramalicia patella I am receiving 10% on my VA for it but now I am gonna be in a knee brace and using a tens unit how much will my rating go up to due to having those items to use. While it is known to result in the breakdown of cartilage, it also affects the entire joint. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#a. If you hear from the VA, give us a call to make sure we got the information too. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. For more information on how to calculate this number click here. Under the painful motion rule, the minimum compensable rating of 10% must be assigned. If you have to have your arm amputated up to the deltoid, which is midway above your elbow, youll get a rating of 80 percent. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. 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. Hello Sir,I currently have a 10% rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease. All Rights Reserved. You can get a rating higher than 20%, but only if your range of motion worsens. With all forms of arthritis, the patients range of motion and associated pain are key factors in evaluating the rating. Because limited motion is so vital to your arthritis rating, it is essential that physicians record the exact measurements for your range of motion measurements. Now that we understand that, lets jump into arthritis. Were here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. Since this condition had gotten somewhat worse I have been experiencing headaches. I had earlier x-rays of my neck, that a neurologist told me I had arthritis in my neck. Generally speaking, VA rates shoulder and arm conditions under both 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System and 4.73 Schedule of Ratings, The length of this period will depend on the specific of the condition, but it would have to be significant. An untreated AC injury can make daily, independent life a struggle. I'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. So, if your arthritis gives a higher rating than the meniscus condition, then it is rated, and the other is ignored. If you cannot get and/or keep gainful employment because of your shoulder condition, you may qualify fortotal disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). Degenerative arthritis leads to symptoms including pain, stiffness, limitation of motion, limitation of flexion, grating sensation or clicking with joint use (known as crepitus or crepitation), swelling, and joint instability or buckling (i.e., knee giving out). The Rhumetologist, Epidemiologist have all determined that yes I have arthritis that exhibits psoriasis in most of the areas that are affected by arthritis. If we hear from the VA, well contact you as soon as we can to follow up with our next steps. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 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. Would I have a chance for additional disability rating if I filed the arthritis as a secondary cause of the Chondromalacia Patella? But arthritis can also be presumptively service-connected. Basically I was trying to convince the VA that the pain issues with my neck was caused by my left ankle when walking ect. This claim was reviewed as a secondary condition to my service connected rating for lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis, left ankle. Finally this year my doctor mentioned a sleep study because it's causing me to have more migraines (service-connected). This article covers rotator cuffs, shoulder blades, and other general shoulder injuries that qualify for VA disability. Sir, I was recently diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." 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. About VA Disability Ratings | Veterans Affairs They will, however, rate your radiculopathy separately. While we still have our home base in Florida, This is important as it removes the need to present direct medical evidence linking arthritis to a particular event or injury. Veterans that have to have their arm amputated below the deltoid will receive a 70 percent rating. Because that was defunite they changed the diagnosis to rid themselves of my puzzling case. She came to Hill & Ponton in August 2015 wanting to help veterans and started off as a Case Manager. Greetings, I am currently rated 10% for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, I was also diagnosed with cervical facet arthropathy. Private medical records or hospital reports related to your AC separation that show the deteriorating condition. WebThe osteoarthritis disability ratings are either 10% or 20% depending on the following symptoms: 10%: a veteran has degenerative arthritis in two or more major joints or two or For the purposes of this blog, the primary focus will be on VA disability for degenerative arthritis, which affects 27 million Americans. 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. AC separation patients may also experience arthritis because the shoulder separation damages the ligaments surrounding the AC joint. 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. Your treatments may also vary depending on your other conditions. Is there a possibility degenerative disc disease (DDD) causes or exasperates the condition of cervical spondylosis? Here are some tips on your C&P exam from one of our VA disability lawyers. If you are not receiving maximum compensation, you can file foran increaseif your condition worsens. After many CP exams this is now what has been updated on ebenefits. The first thing you need to do is request your VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, I've taken methotrexate for a few years. Presumptive service connection is possible because the VA characterizes arthritis as a chronic disease under 38 CFR 3.309. How does VA rate shoulder injury You can also submit a new claim for a secondary condition or increase your disability rating by combining multiple disabilities. My iimited duty post was to security call in hourly at a 5 story barracks full of guys all awaiting boards. 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) .. You might also receive a VA disability rating for shoulder rotator cuff tear. The joints If these measurements arent properly recorded, you will not receive the correct ratings you deserve. If you are a disabled American veteran with arthritis, I will do my best to help you understand how your arthritis should be rated. Acromioclavicular joint separation, also known as AC separation, occurs when the clavicle (collar bone) separates from the scapula (shoulder blade). Mild spinal canal stenosis. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Arthritis especially tends to affect those who are overweight, as well as older men. Active cases of Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! So lets jump to having multiple joints with Degenerative Arthritis. 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. The pain issues in my foot have been ongoing for years. Many veterans develop their arthritis later in life as the cartilage wears down. Nonsurgical treatments for AC separation include a sling, ice packs, and medications to manage the pain. C4/C5: Symmetric posterior disc bulge. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. 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. Because these measurements are vital in the arthritis rating, a physician must record the exact range of motion measurements using a goniometer. Thank you for your time and have a great day. 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%. That is an estimate, of course. Thanks for all the help and advice you are giving us. 38 CFR Book C, Schedule for Rating Disabilities - Web Automated The painful motion principle does apply. 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! It really hurts when no one put attention to the person who served his country and puts his life in danger. Rheumatoid arthritis, or more commonly known as RA, is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. They kept pointing to the VA as the answer. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Regardless of the code, however, most spine conditions are all rated on the same system: limited motion. 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. 3. The VASRD determines how much disability compensation veterans will receive each month in addition to their eligibility for other 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. The combined rating of the veterans bilateral conditions (right foot and left knee) is 28%. Or will i tell the examiner when i have my evaluation?Thanks doc. I have pain in both knees and they actually feel like they are on fire inside. Only one rating for the entire joint. 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 understand a joint condition can only be rated as degenerative arthritis if it does not have a limited enough range of motion. We can help maximize your compensation and make sure you get the disability rating youre entitled to the first time you file for disability. The VA experienced delays during the Covid-19 pandemic like many other industries. No matter how many ranges of motion are impacted! When the muscles are overused or experience undue force, the tendons often tear from the stress. Next possible rating for arthritis is 40%, followed by a 20% rating, which involves one or two exacerbations annually with a well-established diagnosis. I report when theres much DISCOMFORT which is rarely during a GP interview. It depends on what the problems are. So yes, the correct way is the one you suggested, but your claim should still process correctly. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. disability compensation va compensation VASRD. I'm thinking about doing a secondary claim for the cervical spondylosis to the DDD. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Osteoarthritis can theoretically affect any joint but typically occurs in your hands, feet, spine and hips. An official website of the United States government. Getting the Highest VA Rating for Arthritis - Woods and Woods, It takes about 125 days to get an answer to your initial claim. Degenerative arthritis may also be referred to as osteoarthritis and is the most common form of arthritis. I tried to go back to the incidents in the med records-but photocopies that are poor are not wanted. As with all VAdisability claims, proving service connection is the first important step. How VA Rates Arthritis for Disability Benefits | CCK Law No sacroiliac joint fusion to suggest ankylosing spondylitis. Muscles and tendons that keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket make up the rotator cuff. The VA diagnostic code for rheumatoid arthritis is 5002. Code 5237 is used for general back pain. 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. In December 2018, VA updated the rating criteria forhematologic and lymphatic systems. 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? Sir, I was diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." 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 It is thought that degenerating discs can place undue stress on the facet joints, thus over time leading to degeneration and formation of osteoarthritis in the facet joints". Because of the nature of the condition, there doesnt need to be a traumatic event, or injury, to prove service connection for osteoarthritis. During the course of finalizing this rulemaking, VA received comments from various Veterans Service Organizations and Veterans to ensure fair evaluations are established. When examining my wrist the examiner also notated abnormal results for ROM. Over the years my knees have become worst and was recently diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in both knees. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. The VA Ratings Schedule for Rheumatoid Arthritis One or two painful flare-ups a year: 20% Rating Clear impairments to daily living and health diagnosed by a doctor or 3 If you need additional information to reply, please let me know.