If there is insufficient documentation, the C&P examiner may order additional tests. Surgery can sometimes improve the function of the affected joints. I'm wondering if the ultrasound and symptoms alone are enough for the VA to award secondary service connection? Welcome to the PEB Forum! You must do this within one year of the VA issuing the rating. Learn aboutthe complete list of updatesto the rating schedule. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. The VSOs work directly with the VA and not for the individual (me the veteran). I had earlier x-rays of my neck, that a neurologist told me I had arthritis in my neck. Rotator cuff injuries are common among veterans who have experienced traumatic injuries while in service. Under 4.71a,Diagnostic Code 5203, the VA assigns shoulder separations a 20% rating for either arm, regardless of severity. WebIn late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Claims for musculoskeletal and/or muscle injury conditions adjudicated after Feb. 7, but were pending on the effective date, will be considered under both the old and new rating criteria, and whichever criteria is more favorable to the Veteran will be applied. 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. My rheumatologist ordered an U/S that showed mild synovial hypertrophy in each wrist. The call is free and we wont charge you a single fee until we win your case. Dislocated Shoulder (Acromioclavicular Joint) VA Disability We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Mild to moderate neural foraminal narrowing is present at L4-S1 levels 3. A lock ( I submitted because of the Burn Pit Act where I could not register due to being a Civilian!! since you already have 10%, the pain is rated and won't allow for additional. My iimited duty post was to security call in hourly at a 5 story barracks full of guys all awaiting boards. You can always try to submit a new claim, but it is likely to not be successful. The VASRDs 15 body systems had seen periodic rating criteria updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review since 1945. WebWhen there is an award based on pain with motion with movement of the shoulder. C4/C5: Symmetric posterior disc bulge. The author of my 2nd board did try by sending me to Nuclear med for imaging. So yes, the correct way is the one you suggested, but your claim should still process correctly. Odd jobs (marginal employment), dont count. A NEXUS letter from your physician would strengthen your claim for the hypertrophy as a secondary condition. Your physicians know your case and are better able to determine the causes, etc. Contact Us No spinal canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing. http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem.html#a. Already working with us? Should the VA deny your claim, this does not mean your case is over and you have zero chances of receiving benefits for your injuries. 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? degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine (previously rated as strain, lumbosacral spine, with disc space narrowing DC5237. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review in 70+ years. All Rights Reserved. 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. It affects daily life and job. I claimed synovial hypertrophy/proliferative synovium of bilateral wrists and also arthritis of bilateral fingers, hands, and wrists all secondary to amyopathic dermatomyositis (for which I am SC). http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thespine.html#conditions. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. Since limited motion of the wrist is only rated 10% at the most, the 20% rating under 5002 is the more likely rating option. He did not write "arthritis" he just submitted "left shoulder increase" .. Is this correct? Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 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. As long as they have evidence that the shoulder condition worsened and caused arthritis, then it should still be processed correctly. As with all VAdisability ratings, the examiner will review your medical evidence looking for past diagnoses and symptoms. If not enough, then arthritis. Several rating criteria affect the totalrating decision. Because of the nature of the condition, there doesnt need to be a traumatic event, or injury, to prove service connection for osteoarthritis. My med board was done twice I appealed because the nuerologist would not allow me access to ENT examination and wrote up an inconclusive report stating ehivh tesrs haf not worked. It is primarily in my L4-L-5-S1 region. 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. 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? Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! The musculoskeletal and muscle injuries portion of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD)has been revised to reflect updated medical information used to assess Veterans medical records and determine their VA disability rating. The result was Ive not felt like other people since & I mean that in a nuerological way not a mental way. Claims filed on or after the effective date will be rated under the new criteria. I TRIED REPORTING THE LHI STUFF IF THEY SENT IMAGES AS EVIDENCE to the DOD the the DOD is getting lied to for funding expedient efforts which are not my involved appointments which result in reality for my trust. They do not have any evidence concerning my knee or most of the stuff on their list. And how long are they supposed to last? Please complete this form to send us your message. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 4.71a, 5201. Never hurts to strengthen your case by getting a NEXUS letter from your physician, however. Worth a shot to apply. When examining my wrist the examiner also notated abnormal results for ROM. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? 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 Since it was their error, they often will decide to let it slide, but they do have the legal right to request the funds be returned. 70% PTSD, 20% hearing loss, 10% tinnitus, 10% post right foot fx. You cannot rate both. 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). 100%- Completely incapacitated and bedridden, regardless of how many joints are affected. 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. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 These tears can severely limit a veterans range of motion, which can qualify them for disability benefits based on their inability to work. Lock You might also receive a VA disability rating for shoulder rotator cuff tear. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Chondromalacia patella is rated on either limited motion of the knee or a minimum 10% analogously under arthritis. I guess they needed to test me with the Ucmj and heavy sea duty. The rating authority could look at your case and disagree, but the examiner's opinion does hold weight. With my experience, I would recommend their service to others, in respect to anyone who is struggling I would highly recommend Woods and Woods. 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. It is medically indicated that the ankle would cause this condition, so it makes sense that the VA denied it. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Heres how: In this video from one of our VA disability lawyers, we explain how to service connect your disability that was caused by your military service. Kirsten is a Florida native and received her Bachelor's degree from Florida State University in Criminology & Psychology. I report when theres much DISCOMFORT which is rarely during a GP interview. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Although range of motion is a big factor, the functional impairment ought to be addressed as well. or should I have a totally different one as arthritis due to service connected injury? 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". 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. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. Suggest that you gather all pertinent medical information to assist your 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. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. I DONT MIND a delay so long ad they look at my knee & all the many items I listed earlier. Bilateral facet arthropathy. Civilans are not authorized in the VA Sys! Official websites use .gov 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. If you are not receiving maximum compensation, you can file foran increaseif your condition worsens. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. 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. This injury is typically caused by a fall directly on the shoulder point or a direct blow from contact. This has happened about 3 times since that first occurrence. Call our team to talk about your case and well help you to see if you have a case. 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. However, both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. One of these includes a temporary rating based on hospitalization. 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. 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. C4/C5 degenerative disc disease resulting in moderate-to-severe right and moderate left neuroforaminal narrowing. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on June 25, 2021 by Neil Woods Last Updated on February 14, 2023. Bilateral facet arthropathy. The most common cause of epidural lipomatosis is steroid use. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, degenerative arthritis is the primary reason for discharge from active duty military service. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The VA will only award a SINGLE rating under range of motion per shoulder! Bilateral facet arthropathy. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 After many CP exams this is now what has been updated on ebenefits. Because most of the people are complaining about their system.