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. you'll want to join this case, Increased VA Disability Ratings for Joint Pain and Arthritis. Since arthritis worsens over time, you should consider having your condition reviewed every few years. YTlhNjBiMjlhOTYzNjg5MmJjZWJmN2RhODJiODMxZmVhYTRjNDI1YjZlOTlk It can show up in making you very tired, having tingling in your hands and feet, or even as a stiff joint, of course. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. Here are some tips on your C&P exam from one of our VA disability lawyers. They may not have affected you during your active duty, but your active duty is what brought it about. Lower ratings may be given for occasional incapacitating episodes. Over 100 conditions fall under the umbrella of arthritis, including arthritis in the hands, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. To treat rheumatoid arthritis, a person may be prescribed certain medications to reduce symptoms and keep inflammation at the lowest possible level. ZTA2NDJiNDhlMmNkYzhhZGU5M2E2OTFjMWNiOTEyOTZiODYyZDc0ZmRlMjAz We use this information for confidential communication only and never for marketing purposes. Spinal stenosis (diagnostic code 5238): Spinal stenosis is when the spaces in the spine are narrowed and . Most of the time, though, you can apply for an increase in a rating which results in more money per month. 60%: The veteran has severe incapacitating episodes four or more times per year. Presumptive service-related arthritis is also possible. OA is commonly known as degenerative arthritis because it causes a steady decline in the cartilage between the bones. In more than one case, a veteran was entitled to an increase in benefits years before they applied for that increase, so they were entitled to back-pay for the time in between. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Arthritis as a secondary disability can also be used to get a service connection. The clear diagnosis from a doctor is the most important part of getting VA benefits for autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Make sure you are checked out by a doctor that knows to test for all of those diseases. ZThkNzM4NzM3YTY1ZjM2YjdiMGQ4NDEyNTQwOTI3ZTM1YzBkYzEzZGNmODUy MjRmOTBlYjYzMzQ2ZWQ3YWQ3Mjg4ZGI2NDA2MDdiNjIyZjg0YjM3Y2MwMzAz Lawmakers Cry Foul Over VA Accessibility Issues. Lack of movement in your fingers and numbness can be a symptom of diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other ailments. Rheumatoid arthritis can show up after youve been discharged for months. At some point, you might mow the grass or carry in some groceries and be sore. If you cant straighten it, you might get up to a 50% disability rating. You would have to show that it should have always been rated higher, not that your condition is getting worse. Many veterans begin to settle back into civilian life when their hand arthritis becomes too painful and debilitating to ignore. Military service takes a significant toll on a veterans body. This article is for educational and marketing purposes only. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Rheumatoid arthritis often worsens over time. A musculoskeletal disease VA rating has a lot more promise if you have the right combination of symptoms. Only if you win a CUE case. VA rates rheumatoid arthritis in the ankle under 38 CFR 4.71 (a), Diagnostic Code 5002. An experienced VA attorney can advise you concerning how best to request an increase in your disability rating based on your particular circumstances and condition. Y2JkMTMyZThhMDNiZmZlMmM0ZmE5YmRkMWRlOWRkZTRiNmZkZmM2OGVhZjM0 If VA determines that your service-connected arthritis at least as likely as not caused your depression, then secondary service connection will be awarded. Did you take Xeljanz for at least one year? To do this, VA may call the veteran or send a letter. There are many free resources on how to connect with other disabled veterans suffering from arthritis, specifically through the Arthritis Foundation. 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 ratings given for psoriatic arthritis are as follow: 100% This rating is given to veterans who experience totally incapacitating psoriatic arthritis symptoms, no matter how many joints are affected. The 100% rating for all over pain in movement from rheumatoid arthritis might make more sense to your doctor too. ODlmNmRiN2VhYjJiNWNmZDJjNDJmOGY0ZjVmNDc0MWI4ZGI0ODQzMWM5ZmE2 Most arthritis victims veterans, in particular have osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis. To do this, the VA doctor will assign you a disability rating. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that creates inflammation that causes the tissue lining the inside of the joints to swell. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of benefits for Veterans with arthritis. Under Diagnostic Code 5002, the VA rates your rheumatoid arthritis case based on the following: 100%: The veteran's rheumatoid arthritis results in incapacitation. The thing that is most important when looking at a VA disability rating for arthritis in knees, however, is to make sure you are getting the best rating. 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. Initially, people with RA may not see their symptoms. Here is a video explaining how the VA combined ratings table works from one of our Veterans Disability Lawyers. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. MWZjZTVlNjYyOTMzYjQwMjFmYmM3MjFhZjZlOGQ1ZWQ4OWJmYjVlYmQ1ZDVj One of these antibodies is called rheumatoid factor, or RF, and is found in about 80 percent of people who have rheumatoid arthritis. When a veterans service-connected medical diagnosis improves, the VA PO Box 96503Dept. Gout also falls under the diagnostic code 5002 (38 CFR 4.71a). MjkzNTdjODAzYzdlNjM3YjcyZjNiYTExYmM2YzVjYzYzYzc0YzY0OGE3ZDJi 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. If your VA disability claim has been denied, it is your right to appeal that decision. We also assist the surviving spouses of deceased service members to obtain the benefits to which theyre entitled. In total, the veteran will need to submit the following to VA: To support their claim for service connection, the veteran may submit lay evidence. 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. MWZiYTMyODdjYmI2OWUwNTJlOTM0YmI2NjIyMTQ5ZjBjZjk1NTYxZDc4NDJk The percentage of Americans with arthritis is expected to increase to one in four or around 25% by 2040. NjFhZjg3YmEwYzliMTViODQ3MjNhMDgyNjgxNWZmNTcxODA0MWUzYWY0OGMz The lower levels basically depend on how many flare-ups you have in a year, while the higher levels assume constant pain affecting multiple systems of your body. If the Veteran is eligible, the processor will award a rating based on the severity of the arthritis. While not all cases of rheumatoid arthritis will have a service connection, some do and should be brought to the attention of the Department of Veterans Affairs. You may be entitled to compensation and health care Great! For instance, knee flexion is the measure of how far you can bend your knee. #2: Direct Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Arthritis rated under DC 5010 with a rating of 10 percent or 20 percent. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. Ratings on both hands will trigger the bilateral factor bonus of about 10% additional compensation. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 During the C&P examination, a VA doctor will also examine your injury and ascertain what level of disability it is causing. MTVkYmJjZWYzYjQ3MWYxNjI5NGYwYTQ0YTRjY2I4YmVhY2E4MzBmYmIyODZj They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Lack of movement in your fingers and numbness can be a symptom of diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other ailments. Sometimes sharing experiences can alleviate some of the psychological stress veterans can face from living with chronic pain. NjY3MzZkOTJiNjlkNDAxYjViYjE1YzUxNDM4MjZlNDMwMDJjYWQ1ZDQ3MzRl The scale the VA uses to rate rheumatoid arthritis has four tiers at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 100%. While your disability rating is meant to reflect how your condition affects your daily life, TDIU is intended to compensate you for the impact your service-related disability has on your employment. A Veteran may receive a rating of 100% if their rheumatoid arthritis is completely incapacitating. MGEyZTIyOTMwNWRiMDM1NGE1ODBhZGM0YmE1NTYwMTdkOTQxMTM5ZGJiNDBl 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. 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. A blood test might show high levels of the rheumatoid factor while your symptoms are still unclear. OWQ4NTA5NjFkMGFiZGMzNjkxZGQwMWZkOTA5NzVlYWE3YTQ3Y2M5MDU5NDMx Specifically, a rheumatologist may perform a blood test to look for certain blood proteins, or antibodies, related to rheumatoid arthritis. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 You kept me up to date with how my case was proceeding. Amanda Dejesus, Veterans' Advocate Updated: November 15, 2021. According to the VA and CDC, arthritis affects one in five Americans and is the nation's leading cause of disability. MTIzMWQ5ZjNmMGEyMjg5MjExMDljZGEwYzJmMjE5YTkzYzc2OGYzOTYzY2Y1 Instead of getting a VA rating for knee pain, and another rating for ankle pain, it might get more money in your pocket or even a 100% TDIU rating if you get rated for RA instead of individual joint problems. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis may take the expertise of a rheumatologist, or a doctor with specialized training in treating arthritis. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. 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. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. In this case, a different disability that is now service-connected would have to be the cause of your arthritis. I'm right hand dominate, so the most they will ever give me 30%. The number of joints affected is irrelevant. If your parents had it, your risk of having it increases 4 times over. talal al hammad wealth; . This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Total Disability Rating for Joint Replacement Surgery, Increasing Your VA Rating by Combining Multiple Disabilities, Get Help With Increasing Your Joint Pain and Arthritis Disability Rating, rheumatoid arthritis condition is incapacitating, you may be eligible for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), What You Need to Know about TDIU VA Benefits, https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/unemployability/, the bilateral factor can bump you up to a rating of 80%, How The VA Disability Bilateral Factor Affects Veterans Ratings, temporary increase of a 100% disability rating, I am so glad I was referred to Woods and Woods, A request for an increased VA disability rating using, A claim for a secondary service-related disability. An attorney is a valuable partner in all phases of a disability claim. These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. To apply for these benefits, Veterans must submit a claim to the VA. Again I want to thank everyone at woods and woods because y'all changed my life for the better and I will forever be grateful. Generally, you may be eligible for TDIU if you have one service-connected condition with a disability rating of 60%, or if you have two or more service-connected conditions with a combined rating of 70% or more and one of the conditions has at least a 40% disability rating. 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. 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. This is defined as a demonstration of service connection through continuity of symptomatology, as stated in 38 CFR 3.09(a) of the Code of Military Regulations. If you are able to connect your arthritis with your military service, you may be able to receive disability benefits for arthritis. MjRlOTFmOTU1MjE0MGE2ZjE0MmJkMzc4NDA3YmM0N2ZjYTgwNzU4Mzc5NzFm Even if the veteran is not fully bedridden or incapacitated, other lower ratings can be given for individuals suffering from the limitation of motion, osteoarthritis, inflammatory pain, musculoskeletal pains, and more. Many veterans begin to settle back into civilian life when their hand arthritis becomes too painful and debilitating to ignore. 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. 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. That doesnt seem like a big deal, but if you notice the soreness and stiffness lasting hours or days longer than usual, pay attention to that pain. A service-connected disability is a medical condition that was caused or made worse by your military service. One way your disability rating can be increased is by combining multiple disabilities. Your knuckles on both hands might begin by aching and swelling. RA can be evaluated at up to a 100 percent disability rating which is not common amongst service-connected health ailments. These treatments may include medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. The cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is unknown. MDViYTgxOWEwODZlZjQwMmQ1ZGIxNzQyODg1Njc0MzE0NDQ4YWM3ZmFiNWE4 Back pain is one of the leading health problems that veterans face. Did you take Xeljanz for at least one year? These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Before the exam, the examiner will review the veterans c-file. You are also more likely to get trigger finger while you are still in the service, rather than years later. Specifically, eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limit meat, fish, and poultry. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. For example, two veterans may have the same arthritic condition, but the veteran who has more flareups each year will receive a higher rating. Joint deformity also may occur which is non-reversible. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 It doesnt cost you anything to have us look over your current rating and see if you are ready to apply for an increase. 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. The accredited VA disability lawyers and advocates at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD have decades of experience successfully representing veterans before the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the Federal Circuit. It can also affect other organs in the body. 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. Even once a veteran passes away, a surviving spouse can file a DIC claim if their husband or wife died from complications related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Each joint may receive a separate disability rating under different diagnostic codes that can make your rating closer to reaching 100% when combined. MGE3ZGU2NDJkZWQ1Y2U2YTU0MjM3YTYzOTBjM2E2M2M5MzFjOWM1YjcxOWM1 Rheumatoid Arthritis Doesnt Have to Be a Death Sentence, VA Disability Rating for Arthritis in Your Hands or Trigger Finger, The VA Ratings Schedule for Rheumatoid Arthritis, How to Increase your Rating from 60% to 100%, There are many people living happy lives into their 90s with rheumatoid arthritis. Its critical to understand that the VA doesnt add your disability ratings, but rather, it combines them using a specific formula based on the whole person remaining concept. A claim for service connection for arthritis may be established by documented indications of repeated stress on your joints during service. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. If a VA doctor misdiagnoses you for one of those disabilities, talk to one of our lawyers right away to get the back-pay you deserve for the wrong VA rating. When dealing with averages, its important to not get discouraged. If you are within your first year of being out of the service, though, do it! For a free consultation with an. 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. 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. Rheumatoid arthritis, as an active condition, may receive a 100% VA disability rating if you experience constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement and is totally incapacitating. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide, VA Disability Ratings for Arthritis Conditions, How the VA Rates Rheumatoid Arthritis and Degenerative Arthritis, Pain in major joints, minor joint pain, tenderness, swelling, or stiffness for 6 weeks or more, Morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or more. There are so many variables involved with the diagnosis and the symptoms of RA, you dont have to give up when you receive a diagnosis. You may also have developed a secondary condition that should have been factored into the rating. We never charge a fee to help you apply for disability benefits or increase your disability rating you only pay if we are successful and win your case case. You may be owed compensation. If you have been confirmed to have rheumatoid arthritis, they probably wont let you join up. Have you been diagnosed with cancer, blood clots, or a heart problem? Therefore, some people with arthritis may work on a limited basis. -----BEGIN REPORT----- Amanda earned her Associates degree in Criminal Justice and hopes to use that knowledge, combined with her work experience, to make a difference. 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. Since rheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative condition, you can have it reviewed every few years and apply for a change. This will contain any documentation that has previously been submitted to VA, as well as the veterans medical and service records. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! 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. ZjcwYzA0NGMyOTc0MjAyNGU3YmVlY2NkOGZlMGFhZWJlNjZjIn0= Y2ZlOGY2Yzk3MjMwYzFjZDU2MzM1NDczNTY2ZGU4N2M4MGE3NThhOTllYzNh 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. We are here to represent veterans nationwide. The rating schedule then steps down to 60%, 40%, and then 20%, which involves one or two exacerbations annually with a well-established . 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. MDNlYWEyZTA0OTYyYmU5MWJhOTFkOWIyNmI0NTM3OTYyZDRiMzNjNmI1MjFl you'll want to join this case. 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. NTVhOWUzYzMxMGQzMGIxMzc5Njg4NzMxMTUzNWI4ODA4NTg5ZmMwYmU3MjY4 This benefit compensates veterans at the 100 percent rating level, even if their disability rating may be less than that. Some supplements can also help reduce stiffness, such as omega-3 fish oil. Contact Us 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? Imaging tests may also indicate if the ends of the bones within a joint have been worn down, or eroded. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Rheumatoid arthritis can be evaluated up to 100 percent if it results in complete incapacitation, such as causing the veteran to be bedridden. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 It was a long 5 year journey but the end result was worth every minute of it. When a veteran files a claim for rheumatoid arthritis, VA may request a Compensation and Pension exam, or C&P exam. Instead of lubricating your joints, the blood can displace the synovial fluid for a little bit and let joints rub together the wrong way. Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative arthritis) is a degenerative joint disease that results in the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the joints. You cant hold down a steady job that supports you financially (known as substantially gainful employment) because of your service-connected disability. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Three episodes of rheumatoid arthritis flareups each year can increase your disability rating to 40%. It is also very important to attend the exam, as failure to attend can result in VA denying the veterans claim.