I am a Gulf War Vet and am currently SC. VA claims processors will use this update to make consistent decisions with greater ease.. Minimal spinal canal stenosis. Only one rating per joint. Dr. Johnson, I currently have a service connected disability rating for a lateral collateral ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis of the left ankle. They will, however, rate your radiculopathy separately. It's rated first on limited motion. 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%. 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. Sir, I was diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." This is the link to get started, FAST. When the muscles are overused or experience undue force, the tendons often tear from the stress. The spine is very related, so it is possible for your DDD to cause your cervical spine problems. Not at all. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 Sir, I was recently diagnosed with multilevel cervical facet arthropathy or as the VA calls it "cervical spondylosis." So yes, the correct way is the one you suggested, but your claim should still process correctly. I had issues with PTSD over the years from my time in the Army. The presence of sleep issues while in service does not directly mean sleep apnea. Yes, "arthrosis" is really a term describing the joint itself. Since that time, we have provided compassionate Were here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. In addition to the methotrexate I'm now taking Plaquenil and Voltaren gel. The VA does not rate a disability under limited range of motion and degenerative arthritis. Well I got a letter today stating THEY made a calculation error when I submitted a claim for two painful scars. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Is it possible to be rated under 5002 for the arthralgia/flare ups as well as limited ROM? 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. I have a 60% rating for dermatomyositis (40% for Raynauds secondary to the DM). A 20% is the highest you can receive for a significantly limited ROM. Insiders, today we are discussing how the VA determines benefits for arthritis. This functional loss could require surgery such as a knee replacement. WebWhen there is an award based on pain with motion with movement of the shoulder. Another option for service connection is to claim arthritis as a secondary disability. She came to Hill & Ponton in August 2015 wanting to help veterans and started off as a Case Manager. -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. 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. I'm thinking of filing a claim for headaches as a secondary condition to the facet joint osteoarthritis in my neck. Additionally, the connective tissues deteriorate and there is often inflammation of the joint lining. Now, if you dont have limited motion, then your condition is rated as. This Sept. Correlation for radicular symptoms. 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. 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. we represent clients nationwide. I started to get the ball rolling with Mr. Woods/Mr. Welcome to the PEB Forum! L4-L5 disc protrusion and acute L5-S1 disc protrusion. There are two main types of arthritis: degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Over the years my knees have become worst and was recently diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in both knees. 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? Would the VA even consider this? Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), is the most common form affecting veterans. You haveone yearto appeal the claim from the date ofthe denial. 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"? When he refused & refused my request for champus to get a doctor he trusted. 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. Both of my legs have recently begun swelling, the right leg occasionally and the left almost daily. Its a workers compensation claim. It is odd for the VA to open a CUE claim without you having requested it. While it is known to result in the breakdown of cartilage, it also affects the entire joint. You would want to get a NEXUS letter from a specialist confirming this correlation. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. 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. Excellent question, and a tricky situation. The report then lists general degenerative arthritis and traumatic arthritis with 268,882 and 258,135 recipients, respectively. Because of this, it probably won't cause a problem that it was claimed this way. I was very skeptical working with an attorney at first. The call is free and we wont charge you a single fee until we win your case. To complicate things, some Veterans may not report an injury at the time that it occurred. Good question. Normal MRI study of the cervical and thoracic spine. The VA saves me with a surgery when they absolutely must because I got a POA to present an affidavitt. The VASRD determines how much disability compensation veterans will receive each month in addition to their eligibility for other VA benefits. My rheumatologist ordered an U/S that showed mild synovial hypertrophy in each wrist. They do not have any evidence concerning my knee or most of the stuff on their list. Veterans granted TDIU receive payment at the 100% rate the highest compensation for VA disability awards. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. Mild spinal canal stenosis. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#form. You are in a tough spot for your spondylosis. Osteoarthritis can theoretically affect any joint but typically occurs in your hands, feet, spine and hips. Learn aboutthe complete list of updatesto the rating schedule. C5/C6: Symmetric posterior disc bulge with superimposed focal central to right subarticular disc protrusion. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 He did not write "arthritis" he just submitted "left shoulder increase" .. Is this correct? VA rates disability from 0% to 100% in 10% increments (e.g. If there is insufficient documentation, the C&P examiner may order additional tests. Mild to moderate neural foraminal narrowing is present at L4-S1 levels 3. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Yes, if you can prove a service-connection and show that it is still causing you problems. How Can You Increase Your Shoulder Injury VA Disability Rating? 100%- Completely incapacitated and bedridden, regardless of how many joints are affected. If you have arthritis or another secondary condition related to your AC separation, you may be eligible for further compensation under acombined rating. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. The revision, effective Feb. 7, ensures that this portion of the VASRD uses current medical terminology by removing obsolete conditions, clarifying ambiguities, and providing detailed and updated criteria for the evaluation of musculoskeletal and muscle injury disabilities, including adding conditions that previously did not have diagnostic codes. Ok thank you I had a visit with my Primary Care Doctor and she mention my Sleep Apnea maybe the cause. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS That is the main reason why I chose Woods and Woods. With all forms of arthritis, the patients range of motion and associated pain are key factors in evaluating the rating. Arthritis especially tends to affect those who are overweight, as well as older men. The pain issues in my foot have been ongoing for years. 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) .. 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. The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review in 70+ years. Some veterans will undergo a knee replacement, with hip and knee joints being the most common, to help with mobility and pain. 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. If the VA sends you a letter stating that they denied your claim, its important to contact a veterans rights lawyer to figure out your next steps. For a supplemental claim, you can show new evidence that wasnt considered with your initial claim. 1. 38 CFR Part 4 section B details all of the diagnostic codes for musculoskeletal problems with your shoulder. 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. If limited motion is not present, then you will receive one overall combinedrating under VA diagnostic code 5003 for degenerative arthritis. 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. 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. Acromioclavicular joint separation, also known as AC separation, occurs when the clavicle (collar bone) separates from the scapula (shoulder blade). Arthritis has now developed secondary to your shoulder condition. However, a shoulder can only be given a single rating, so the VA would ultimately not rate the arthritis as a separate condition. This has happened about 3 times since that first occurrence. I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella when I separated from the service in 1978. If you are filing an appeal, it can take up to 12-18 months for the VA to review and grant your appeal. I'm trying to figure out of the conditions I have with my ankle what could give me a rating increase. A doctor can determine if your service had a causal relationship with your arthritis by looking at your injuries or overuse of the joints. If we hear from the VA, well contact you as soon as we can to follow up with our next steps. Note (2): The 20 percent rating on the basis of activity within the past 5 Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices AC separation patients may also experience arthritis because the shoulder separation damages the ligaments surrounding the AC joint. 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? What is my disability for this type of arthritis? Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. The VA opened this claim up and I'm not sure why because I did not make a request a Cue. See your personnel office for the proper forms. I report when theres much DISCOMFORT which is rarely during a GP interview. I'm thinking of filing a claim for Achilles Tendonitis, my question is will the VA rate Achilles Tendonitis as a separate stand alone condition separate from the issues I have with my ankle? Thank you for your time and have a great day. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The VA evaluates shoulder replacements under Diagnostic Code 5051. Is it possible to get the facet athropathy secondary to cervical spine DDD (two separate ratings)? 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. The examiner documented this as two incapacitating episodes as well as two non-incapacitating episodes. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#rheum. Today, VA announced its next update: The musculoskeletal system and muscle injuries. I also have a question about Administrative Decision For Cue. I got handed to psych people instead of medical people. Therefore, the C&P examiner ought to test for active and passive, weightbearing and non-weightbearing, motion pain. Regardless of the code, however, most spine conditions are all rated on the same system: limited motion.