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If you cant straighten it, you might get up to a 50% disability rating. It will also consider how much pain you experience and the effect of the condition on your everyday life. There are many causes of arthritis among Veterans, but the most common are injuries and infections. Sometimes sharing experiences can alleviate some of the psychological stress veterans can face from living with chronic pain. Your knuckles on both hands might begin by aching and swelling. While we still have our home base in Florida, For a free consultation with an. The knuckles where your fingers meet your hands and those next knuckles are the ones most affected by swelling and pain from rheumatoid nodules. Do you need to dispute the rating that was given to you? It's important that your doctor use these three terms to explain your limitations due to arthritis. If your VA disability claim has been denied, it is your right to appeal that decision. If your parents have rheumatoid arthritis, you have an increased risk, but that alone wont keep you out. One of these antibodies is called rheumatoid factor, or RF, and is found in about 80 percent of people who have rheumatoid arthritis. Usually, this disease affects the same joint on both sides of the body. VA Ratings for Spine Issues are Based on Movement, Pain, and X-Rays Different Types of Arthritis Can Get Different VA Ratings Bone Spurs Cause Burning or Tingling in Your Hands or Feet Don't Wait Until Arthritis and Back Pain is Unbearable Get a Free Consultation from our Certified VA Lawyer Team MjRlOTFmOTU1MjE0MGE2ZjE0MmJkMzc4NDA3YmM0N2ZjYTgwNzU4Mzc5NzFm Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that creates inflammation that causes the tissue lining the inside of the joints to swell. If you are able to connect your arthritis with your military service, you may be able to receive disability benefits for arthritis. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. A blood test might show high levels of the rheumatoid factor while your symptoms are still unclear. There is a 40% rating for three or more incapacitating episodes per year and a 20% rating for two or more incapacitating episodes per year. It was then that she discovered her true passion, helping veterans, began. If the VA determines that your service-connected arthritis is just as likely as not to have caused your depression, then secondary service benefits are available for both arthritis and depression. VA disability benefits fill the financial gap between veterans income and what they need. It is often easier to apply for an upgrade in rating than to create service connection after a long length of time. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Read on to learn more about the VA ratings for joint pain and arthritis and how you may be able to get a higher disability rating to receive the maximum compensation youre entitled from the VA. VA disability ratingsfor rheumatoid arthritis start at 20% for one or two painful flareups per year. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Usually, in a direct connection claim, the veteran must show an in-service stressor or event, a current arthritis diagnosis, and a nexus between the two. MDNlYWEyZTA0OTYyYmU5MWJhOTFkOWIyNmI0NTM3OTYyZDRiMzNjNmI1MjFl The VA wont let you double dip on any disability, so if you get a 10% rating for poor flexion in your knee, they wont consider giving you 30% for arthritis pain in the same knee. You want to make sure you apply for every benefit you deserve, and dont leave it to the VA to figure it out. If a joint injury occurs, however, your body can pump as much as three times the normal amount of fluid into your joint. In comparison, a grade of 60% will be given if their ailment causes them to lose weight, anemia, or a reduction in their general health on more than four occasions each year. In addition to the loss of function and pain in the hands, RA symptoms include low red blood cell count, skin lumps, fever, and fatigue. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 We also assist the surviving spouses of deceased service members to obtain the benefits to which theyre entitled. Advanced treatments range from steroid injections to hand braces. Linkedin. It is up to veterans and their doctors to devise a treatment plan for arthritis. As with degenerative arthritis, a rating for limited range of motion cannot be given in addition to a rating for rheumatoid arthritis. To treat rheumatoid arthritis, a person may be prescribed certain medications to reduce symptoms and keep inflammation at the lowest possible level. MWZiYTMyODdjYmI2OWUwNTJlOTM0YmI2NjIyMTQ5ZjBjZjk1NTYxZDc4NDJk document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I want to take the time to thank everyone at wood and woods that worked on my case. This will contain any documentation that has previously been submitted to VA, as well as the veterans medical and service records. If anyone is looking for a firm that will fight for them and get everything that you are entitled to then wood and woods is your firm. This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Copyright 2022. 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. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 Heavy backpacks, rough parachute landings, repetitive use of your joints holding your gun, a steering wheel, or other equipment can all contribute to typical wear on your body. An attorney is a valuable partner in all phases of a disability claim. Initially, people with RA may not see their symptoms. That carries a 10%-30% rating depending on how much it bends. Your knuckles on both hands might begin by aching and swelling. ZmIxZDFmMWFlMzQ0MTgxMmE3NzQ3YjI1YWYyNmJiNDcwNmY3YzFmNGUwYmJl They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] #34938Washington, D.C. 20090-6503, Phone: (888) 878-9350 Rheumatoid arthritis can show up after youve been discharged for months. This means that these symptoms can be rated under their own specific diagnostic code for each major or minor group of joints. With an even number of fingers involved, and adjacent grades of . Aug 08, 2014 #4. MjFmMzFmODIyN2RmMmFhOWU5NzQ5NzkyZWU0MDk0MzE3YTc1NTFlYjk1ZWQw Both degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis are rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. In any case, a lower-ranking for Veterans is not uncommon. Other causes of arthritis that may be linked to military service include exposure to chemicals and pollutants, such as asbestos, silica, and benzene. VA Disability Ratings for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School. It can occur in multiple areas of the body, such as the hands, knees, or back, and can worsen as a Veteran ages. Because injuries are common in military service, it is a little easier for a VA disability lawyer to establish a service-related connection in degenerative arthritis cases. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other body systems such as therespiratoryand cardiovascular systems. Here are some tips on your C&P exam from one of our VA disability lawyers. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. To do this, the VA doctor will assign you a disability rating. Some joint pain conditions are rated higher by the VA than others. Some imaging tests may include an x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI. RA affects 1.3 million Americans The specific cause is unknown It is more common than any other autoimmune disorder, including psoriasis, Crohns disease, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. It happens when a persons antibodies attack their synovial joint fluid, which is the natural lubrication of your joints. NTU3NzA5YTNkNDEwOGVmY2Y5Mjc4NGI3YzA2MzcxODNiZWViZWU0NGVlZjNh Most of your joints are filled with a fluid called synovial fluid. Although there are many types of arthritis, the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Since Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, it could be caused by trauma or chemicals, not just physical wear and tear. Even mild overuse or injury could cause arthritis in some cases. Service connection for arthritis can be direct, secondary, or presumptive. Since that time, we have provided compassionate The bill added 23 burn pitandtoxic exposure-related conditions to VAs presumptive list for covered veterans: At this time, rheumatoid arthritis is not included on the list of presumptive conditions for burn pit and other toxic exposure. If you took Xeljanz for a year and suffered side effects, Multiple organs and body systems are affected along with your joints. 24. There are generally two pathways to become eligible for TDIU: Veterans with multiple conditions may have a combined rating which would make them eligible for TDIU. NWNjYmI3ZmFmMDUzM2ZkNmM3M2FhOGZlYzllMmFlMDE2NzZiMjQzYmJhZTQ5 Providing sufficient evidence of the pain you experience may be able to help significantly increase your rating. Rheumatoid arthritis in the wrists and hands can sometimes be mistaken for soreness due to over-usage but will persist much longer and degrade the joint over time. However, both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. Its going to be rated based on pain and range of motion due to joint damage but wont escalate into the ratings of degenerative arthritis. Ten percent of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis experience full spontaneous remission within 6 months of the onset of their symptoms. Specifically, a rheumatologist may perform a blood test to look for certain blood proteins, or antibodies, related to rheumatoid arthritis. The VA rates degenerative arthritis under Diagnostic Code 5003 and assigns either a 10% or 20% rating. Only one rating per joint. M2ZmMDc3NTE2ZmE3ZWMxODU4YWFkNGY3NWM0MWFkNTQyNzhmZTFlMjhkM2Mx There is also no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatments that can help reduce symptoms. If you underwent a full knee replacement surgery, you would receive a disability rating of 100% for the first year following the surgery. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? Have you been diagnosed with cancer, blood clots, or a heart problem? In comparison, a grade of 60% will be given if their ailment causes them to lose weight, anemia, or a reduction in their general health on more than four occasions each year. This can result in joints becoming loose, unstable, and painful. Increasing your VA disability rating for arthritis or joint pain can be challenging, but its not impossible. The VA rates nerve damage on a scale from mild to complete. Fill out the short form below to contact us. While each condition that causes knee joint pain is assigned a rating based on its severity, your disability rating may be increased based on VA secondary conditions to knee pain. However, even without a 100% disability rating, you may be eligible for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if you cannot carry out substantially gainful employment due to your arthritis or joint pain. Frequently during the course of service, a serviceman or woman may overuse their joints and/or have been affected by traumatic injuries to their joints. Joint deformity also may occur which is non-reversible. Arthritis can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome, which can result in complete paralysis of the hand, warranting a disability rating of up to 70% for your dominant hand. By combining multiple disabilities, you may be able to get your disability rating up to 80% or higher depending on the rating assigned to each. Over 100 conditions fall under the umbrella of arthritis, including arthritis in the hands, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases. Your right and left elbows or ankles might start to ache and be swollen. A Disability Benefits Questionnaire is a form created by VA so that the veteran may address important aspects of their condition, such as symptoms, severity, possible causes, and relation to other disabilities. OWQxZiIsInNpZ25hdHVyZSI6IjljMTRkZTQ1MjQ5NWIyMTRhODMwNTE2MGY5 Some topical products, such as creams or gels, may also provide relief for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Have you been diagnosed with cancer, blood clots, or a heart problem? If you arent currently showing symptoms, you could be in fine shape to enlist. These treatments may include medications, physical therapy, and surgery. As such, rheumatoid arthritis is categorized an autoimmune disease. Over 100 conditions fall under the umbrella of arthritis, including arthritis in the hands, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases. OWM4OTdjNWM2NDIwOTU3YzgzNWRhOGY3MTljN2E0NDFiOTdiMzY5MjE1ZjZm Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. Depending on the combined rating of your disabilities, the bilateral factor can bump you up to a rating of 80% or more. The VA uses aCombined Rating Tableto determine your compensation when factoring in more than one condition. A 100 percent VA disability rating can be given if the medical condition results in the veteran becoming bedridden or completely incapacitated. In claims for rheumatoid arthritis, DBQs can be helpful because a private doctor, or a rheumatologist, can provide insight into the veterans condition. A 100 percent VA disability rating can be given if the medical condition results in the veteran becoming bedridden or completely incapacitated. Lack of movement in your fingers and numbness can be a symptom of diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other ailments. To apply for these benefits, Veterans must submit a claim to the VA. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. The first stage in every VA disability claim is demonstrating a link to military service. -----BEGIN REPORT----- The United States Military used burn pits as part of itswaste disposal protocolin places such as Iraq and Afghanistan in the post-9/11 era. If you are diagnosed with this disease and are incapacitated as a result, you are generally provided with 100 percent disability, regardless of how many joints are affected. Importantly, arthritis can be a source of secondary conditions as well. The practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, but the pits emitted plumes of toxic smoke. However, if you have a satisfactory range of motion but there is still pain, the VA will look to X-ray evidence for evidence of arthritis and assign a 10% or 20% disability rating. Many veterans begin to settle back into civilian life when their hand arthritis becomes too painful and debilitating to ignore. VA Disability Ratings for Rheumatoid Arthritis VA rates rheumatoid arthritis under Diagnostic Code 5002. But does your rating last forever? There are a few different ways you canrequest an increasein an existing disability rating. You may reach us at (888) 878-9350 or by filling out our online form for more details on how we may be able to assist. We would like to hear from you. The VA will consider the severity of your arthritis, its effects on your daily life, and any medical treatments you have been prescribed. Make sure you are checked out by a doctor that knows to test for all of those diseases. The same applies if you are assigned a 50% rating for degenerative disc disease in the spine adding additional joint conditions to your combined rating may be able to get you to a rating of 80% or higher, depending on the rating assigned to each. You may also be able to increase a disability rating for knee pain by combining the VAs bilateral factor. When dealing with averages, its important to not get discouraged. Trigger finger is a different condition that affects hands but is not considered arthritis. Some of these things require X-Ray proof, while other times the pain and swelling are symptoms enough to get the diagnosis. The exam will usually be performed by a VA physician or a VA contracted physician. The VA is also looking into complementary treatments like nutritional supplements, massage treatments, and activity pacing. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you had any of these conditions and took Xeljanz, contact us to see if your side-effects qualify for this case. Please complete this form to send us your message. Spinal stenosis (diagnostic code 5238): Spinal stenosis is when the spaces in the spine are narrowed and . Coming from a lineage of WWII and Vietnam veterans, he has litigated some 1,000 appeals at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, recovering millions of dollars on behalf of disabled veterans. Odd jobs (marginal employment), dont count. The veteran may also have their private doctor fill out a DBQ for them. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Even if life-altering pain keeps a Veteran from doing things, the VA may only give a Veteran a 10% disability rating. Typically, the spine forms a curvature in the lower back and at the top of the shoulders., If you experienced a back injury during active duty, or an injury that later contributed to back pain, you may be eligible for disability benefits.