(e) Combinations of finger amputations at various levels, or finger amputations with ankylosis or limitation of motion of the fingers will be rated on the basis of the grade of disability; i.e., amputation, unfavorable ankylosis, most representative of the levels or combinations. This fluid acts like oil between the hinges of your joints. We can also find mistakes like if you were rated for rheumatoid arthritis and limitation of motion but not rated for the complete autoimmune disorder, we need to write some letters! Your knuckles on both hands might begin by aching and swelling. That goes to show how hard it is to pinpoint a cause. Gout also falls under the diagnostic code 5002 (38 CFR 4.71a). You may be eligible for a temporary increase of a 100% disability rating if you have been hospitalized for more than 21 days for joint replacement surgery. the immune system does not work properly and attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Since that time, we have provided compassionate Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on October 27, 2020 by Neil Woods Last Updated on December 27, 2022. Over 100 conditions fall under the umbrella of arthritis, including arthritis in the hands, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases. The following materials have been linked to military burn pits: Enacted in August 2022, the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Actoffers needed relief to veterans suffering the toxic effects of burn pit exposure. 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. Sometimes sharing experiences can alleviate some of the psychological stress veterans can face from living with chronic pain. Lower ratings may be given for occasional incapacitating episodes. Typically, the VA will look to medical evidence to determine your rating such as blood tests as well as X-rays and MRIs of the joints that are affected. It doesnt cost you anything to have us look over your current rating and see if you are ready to apply for an increase. One just should show that the reported symptoms of joint problems continued after they returned to civilian life. M2ZmMDc3NTE2ZmE3ZWMxODU4YWFkNGY3NWM0MWFkNTQyNzhmZTFlMjhkM2Mx The assumption of service connection applies if your symptoms of arthritis occur within one year after release from service and meet the VA's 10% disability level. 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. Importantly, arthritis can be a source of secondary conditions as well. PTSD, fibromyalgia, depression, and diabetes all carry symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis, so make sure you are tested for all of those too if you are showing these symptoms. A person that is diagnosed with RA today has a much better chance of living a normal life than their grandparents did. It can be rated up to 40% if entire limbs are affected. Joint deformity also may occur which is non-reversible. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. The practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, but the pits emitted plumes of toxic smoke. Already working with us? Amanda earned her Associates degree in Criminal Justice and hopes to use that knowledge, combined with her work experience, to make a difference. Both degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis are rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. This will contain any documentation that has previously been submitted to VA, as well as the veterans medical and service records. Additionally, some research indicates that genes may be affected by triggers in the environment, viruses, bacteria, physical and emotional stress, and other factors, which may then manifest in rheumatoid arthritis. Since the average VA disability claim can take 5 years, work with our lawyers to make sure you get everything listed on your application that you can. NTVhOWUzYzMxMGQzMGIxMzc5Njg4NzMxMTUzNWI4ODA4NTg5ZmMwYmU3MjY4 Symptoms come and go at rare and random intervals at the onset of RA then may increase in severity and frequency as you get older. Depending on where you served and the experiences you had, rheumatoid arthritis, PTSD, thyroid issues, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease could all be linked. Attorney Gang is frequently in the news with commentary on issues affecting veterans. Depending on the symptoms and the number of joints affected, Veterans are mostly given a 10% or 20% grade. Any rheumatoid arthritis that is less severe than the above-listed symptoms is just rated on its own, such as limited motion. Have your doctor specifically use this language when he/she explains your limitations due to knee arthritis. Even if the veteran . Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? How Does the PACT Act Affect DIC Benefits? If you have joint pain or osteoarthritis in both hands, the rating for each disability can be combined for an increased rating. You may also be able to receive benefits if you are unable to work because of your arthritis. Only a. can efficiently guide a claim through the complex system and obtain maximum benefits. Advanced treatments range from steroid injections to hand braces. It can occur in multiple areas of the body, such as the hands, knees, or back, and can worsen as a Veteran ages. It is very important to make sure VA has the veterans up-to-date contact information so that no C&P exam requests are missed. Importantly, lay evidence may also be submitted by fellow service members. 1. Ratings on both hands will trigger the bilateral factor bonus of about 10% additional compensation. A VA disability rating percentage is awarded in multiples of 10, representing the severity of the impact of the disease or injury. As such, rheumatoid arthritis is categorized an autoimmune disease. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. A frequent kind of arthritis in Veterans is degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), which is classified under Diagnostic Code 5003 as the result of joint overuse or injury. The nature of military service creates wear and tear on the muscles and bones of the back and spine, leading to chronic conditions later in life. You may also have developed a secondary condition that should have been factored into the rating. Eric Gang is an award-winning lawyer with a national law practice focused on Veterans Disability Appeals on behalf of U.S. veterans wrongfully denied medical and disability benefits. VA rates rheumatoid arthritis under Diagnostic Code 5002. we represent clients nationwide. This condition usually affects the range of motion in the joint closest to the fingertip, the base of the thumb, and the middle joint of a finger. It certainly is nice to have someone as caring and understanding as Woods and Woods to help fight your case and keep you current on all phases of the procedure. Since swollen achy ankles can be caused by a number of things, you might not look for the RA diagnosis right away. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs when the immune system does not work properly and attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Here is a video explaining how the VA combined ratings table works from one of our Veterans Disability Lawyers. For example, if someone is given a 30% disability rate, it . 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. You may be able to increase this rating if you also have symptoms of trigger finger.If you have lost the use of your hand and are can no longer work, you may be eligible for TDIU. Since rheumatic diseases are a type of disease that progresses, you want to get started on your claim as soon as symptoms affect you. It was a long 5 year journey but the end result was worth every minute of it. 24. NWNjYmI3ZmFmMDUzM2ZkNmM3M2FhOGZlYzllMmFlMDE2NzZiMjQzYmJhZTQ5 RA can be evaluated at up to a 100 percent disability rating which is not common amongst service-connected health ailments. VA Disability Rating for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Total Disability / Individual Unemployability for Arthritis and Joint Pain Conditions (TDIU), VA Disability Rating for Arthritis in Hands, VA Disability Ratings for Knee Joint Pain and Arthritis. Since the average VA disability claim can take 5 years, work with our lawyers to make sure you get everything listed on your application that you can. #2: Direct Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Arthritis rated under DC 5010 with a rating of 10 percent or 20 percent. Lawmakers Cry Foul Over VA Accessibility Issues. ZmIxZDFmMWFlMzQ0MTgxMmE3NzQ3YjI1YWYyNmJiNDcwNmY3YzFmNGUwYmJl Providing Training For Those Who Represent Americas Veterans and Their Dependents Since 1993. Ten percent of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis experience full spontaneous remission within 6 months of the onset of their symptoms. If you had any of these conditions and took Xeljanz, contact us to see if your side-effects qualify for this case. 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. 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. I cant thank you enough! If you arent currently showing symptoms, you could be in fine shape to enlist. Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause joint deformity which is non-reversible. In most cases RA will affect the jointsbilaterally, meaning if you have RA in your right hand, then you will most likely also have it in your left hand. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. During the exam, the examiner may physically exam the joints which have been affected by rheumatoid arthritis. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. These treatments may include medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Here one of our VA disability lawyers talks about how SMC (Special Monthly Compensation) works to help you get more money for extra expenses related to your disabling condition every month. Although there are many types of arthritis, the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. She joined the Hill and Ponton family in September of 2014 as an Intake Specialist. RA can be evaluated at up to a 100 percent disability rating which is not common amongst service-connected health ailments. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. To treat rheumatoid arthritis, a person may be prescribed certain medications to reduce symptoms and keep inflammation at the lowest possible level. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 There are many causes of arthritis among Veterans, but the most common are injuries and infections. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Linkedin. If you have been confirmed to have rheumatoid arthritis, they probably wont let you join up. Lack of movement in your fingers and numbness can be a symptom of diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other ailments. Arthritis is considered a chronic disease and subject to presumptive service connection if symptoms appear within one year of discharge from military service and are at least 10% disabling. Each joint may receive a separate disability rating under different diagnostic codes that can make your rating closer to reaching 100% when combined. Perhaps more importantly, VA disability benefits give these veterans free access to the latest medical treatments. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. A 100 percent VA disability rating can be given if the medical condition results in the veteran becoming bedridden or completely incapacitated. Range of motion and pain levels are key factors to your disability rating. MDViYTgxOWEwODZlZjQwMmQ1ZGIxNzQyODg1Njc0MzE0NDQ4YWM3ZmFiNWE4 If your VA disability claim has been denied, it is your right to appeal that decision. A family-owned business since 1985, our lawyers have helped thousands of veterans who are entitled to disability benefits get the highest disability rating they deserve for their service-connected joint pain and arthritis. You cant hold down a steady job that supports you financially (known as substantially gainful employment) because of your service-connected disability. Increasing your VA disability rating for arthritis or joint pain can be challenging, but its not impossible. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that creates inflammation that causes the tissue lining the inside of the joints to swell. The following spinal conditions are all rated under the same general rating formula: Lumbosacral or cervical strain (diagnostic code 5237): This would be the diagnostic code assigned to a Veteran experiencing pain in their neck or back. In this case, the bodys immune system allows foreign cells to thrive and accidentally targets beneficial cells that would typically fight off pleural diseases.