If a veterans rheumatoid arthritis is less severe than the symptoms depicted above, they can be rated under the diagnostic codes for each specific major or group of minor joints. Ten percent of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis experience full spontaneous remission within 6 months of the onset of their symptoms. 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. Make sure you are checked out by a doctor that knows to test for all of those diseases. If you are able to connect your arthritis with your military service, you may be able to receive disability benefits for arthritis. Arthritis is the painful swelling of one or multiple joints. ZThkNzM4NzM3YTY1ZjM2YjdiMGQ4NDEyNTQwOTI3ZTM1YzBkYzEzZGNmODUy document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Veteran Appeal Lawyer assistance with denials and appellate cases nationwide. 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. In this case, the immune system does not function properly and attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and pain. If you had any of these conditions and took Xeljanz, contact us to see if your side-effects qualify for this case. 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. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Your right and left elbows or ankles might start to ache and be swollen. Usually, this disease affects the same joint on both sides of the body. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis may take the expertise of a rheumatologist, or a doctor with specialized training in treating arthritis. If your parents have rheumatoid arthritis, you have an increased risk, but that alone wont keep you out. Rheumatoid arthritis, another common condition among veterans, is an autoimmune disease. Under Diagnostic Code 5002, the VA rates your rheumatoid arthritis case based on the following: 100%: The veteran's rheumatoid arthritis results in incapacitation. 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. According to the VA and CDC, arthritis affects one in five Americans and is the nations leading cause of disability. Rheumatoid arthritis is most commonly seen affecting the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. To do this, the VA doctor will assign you a disability rating. 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. Most branchs activities will aggravate osteoarthritis as well. What Veterans Need to Know About Spinal Stenosis Disability Rating, Allergic Rhinitis VA Rating: How to Obtain Service Connection. Some veterans have service-related disabilities that could cause arthritis, even rheumatoid arthritis. It can occur in or near the wrist, thumb, or fingers. When the VA rates hand disabilities, they do take into account if you are right-handed or left-handed. 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. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. Y2JkMTMyZThhMDNiZmZlMmM0ZmE5YmRkMWRlOWRkZTRiNmZkZmM2OGVhZjM0 In claims for rheumatoid arthritis, DBQs can be helpful because a private doctor, or a rheumatologist, can provide insight into the veterans condition. 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. A Veteran cannot get a higher disability rating for arthritis in the back if their only symptom is pain. Rheumatoid Arthritis is rated under Diagnostic Code 5002. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Not surprisingly, the prevalence of arthritis is higher among veterans than the general population: one in 3 veterans has arthritis. Only one rating per joint. MDNlYWEyZTA0OTYyYmU5MWJhOTFkOWIyNmI0NTM3OTYyZDRiMzNjNmI1MjFl If a joint injury occurs, however, your body can pump as much as three times the normal amount of fluid into your joint. This can result in joints becoming loose, unstable, and painful. RA can be evaluated at up to a 100 percent disability rating which is not common amongst service-connected health ailments. NDZkYTE0YjBkYzI0OTMyZWZhYjliY2U2MWRiYjgyMWMzN2Q0MThmY2ViMDFl Protected VA Disability Ratings: When Can VA Reduce My Rating? Since Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, it could be caused by trauma or chemicals, not just physical wear and tear. 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. Instead of lubricating your joints, the blood can displace the synovial fluid for a little bit and let joints rub together the wrong way. In this case, the bodys immune system allows foreign cells to thrive and accidentally targets beneficial cells that would typically fight off pleural diseases. Initially, people with RA may not see their symptoms. YTlhNjBiMjlhOTYzNjg5MmJjZWJmN2RhODJiODMxZmVhYTRjNDI1YjZlOTlk How to Do VA Math with the VA Combined Ratings Table. If only one joint or joint group is affected and there is evidence of painful motion, you will receive a 10% . Only a VA disability lawyer can efficiently guide a claim through the complex system and obtain maximum benefits. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. This article is for educational and marketing purposes only. Your knuckles on both hands might begin by aching and swelling. COVID-19 UPDATE: WE ARE OPEN FOR PHONE AND EMAIL CONSULTATIONS - 24/7. VA disability benefits fill the financial gap between veterans income and what they need. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 There are many people living happy lives into their 90s with rheumatoid arthritis. 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. Both degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis are rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. When a veterans service-connected medical diagnosis improves, the VA PO Box 96503Dept. The condition is often accompanied by severe pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint. Service connection for arthritis can be direct, secondary, or presumptive. 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. You may also be eligible for a 100% disability rating during the time period in which you are convalescing. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Infections that can cause arthritis include Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks, and Reiter's syndrome, a complication of certain sexually transmitted infections. 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. 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. The veteran may also have their private doctor fill out a DBQ for them. 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. A musculoskeletal disease VA rating has a lot more promise if you have the right combination of symptoms. 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. It can also affect other organs in the body. A 100 percent VA disability rating can be given if the medical condition results in the veteran becoming bedridden or completely incapacitated. For example, arthritis in the hands may cause depression if the condition affects participation in the same physical activities or completing the same tasks that you used to do. She listened to each veteran respectfully and gave them the attention they deserved as she assisted them with the initial steps in our VA claim assistance process. Yes, there are several autoimmune disorders that can be service-connected. -----END REPORT-----. Lay evidence, or lay statements, can be written by the veteran or anyone who knows the veteran and can speak to their condition. Presumptive service-related arthritis is also possible. In this case, a different disability that is now service-connected would have to be the cause of your arthritis. In the most severe cases of gout, a Veteran might get a maximum VA disability rating of 100 percent. Remember that rheumatoid arthritis starts in smaller joints first. You may be entitled to compensation and health care Great! When filing a claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, the veteran will need to demonstrate a connection between their military service and their rheumatoid arthritis. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on September 12, 2019 by Neil Woods Last Updated on October 10, 2022. 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. 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. They may not have affected you during your active duty, but your active duty is what brought it about. The symptoms develop and aggravate other body systems which then slowly lead to death. Already working with us? Rheumatoid arthritis can be evaluated up to 100 percent if it results in complete incapacitation, such as causing the veteran to be bedridden. One way your disability rating can be increased is by combining multiple disabilities. Email: [hidden email], National Organization of Veterans Advocates. 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? Lawmakers Cry Foul Over VA Accessibility Issues. Have you been diagnosed with cancer, blood clots, or a heart problem? Amanda earned her Associates degree in Criminal Justice and hopes to use that knowledge, combined with her work experience, to make a difference. #34938Washington, D.C. 20090-6503, Phone: (888) 878-9350
Generally, the difference between a veteran who receives a lower rating and one who receives a higher rating depends on how many painful episodes occur within one year and the impairments associated with them. Therefore, some people with arthritis may work on a limited basis. Physicians should be using a goniometer to get exact measurements for your joints range of motion. Most of the time your joints move around and slide in the synovial fluid with no problem. In addition, the exact rating varies based on the severity and and number of fingers amputated. Ratings on both hands will trigger the bilateral factor bonus of about 10% additional compensation. OA is commonly known as degenerative arthritis because it causes a steady decline in the cartilage between the bones. 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. Even if the veteran . VA Disability Ratings for Arthritis Degenerative Arthritis (Diagnostic Code 5003) Degenerative arthritis is rated based on the limitation of range of motion of the affected joint (s). Before the exam, the examiner will review the veterans c-file. I'm not sure how they rate both wrists, as mine only effects my left. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Y2ZlOGY2Yzk3MjMwYzFjZDU2MzM1NDczNTY2ZGU4N2M4MGE3NThhOTllYzNh 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. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Sometimes people have improved movement and fewer flare-ups which results in losing some of their VA benefits. 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. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 That goes to show how hard it is to pinpoint a cause. If you underwent a full knee replacement surgery, you would receive a disability rating of 100% for the first year following the surgery. It can be rated up to 40% if entire limbs are affected. 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. can result in further difficulties. This will cause pain and swelling and can even make the joint bulge out. YzUxZmU5OGJjMGMwMGIxNjAyNGY5NzA4M2QxMWUyMjFmNDBlNzBmMTYxMjNm MGE3ZGU2NDJkZWQ1Y2U2YTU0MjM3YTYzOTBjM2E2M2M5MzFjOWM1YjcxOWM1 Military burn pits are large areas of land where waste was incinerated by the military and its contractors. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Only a. can efficiently guide a claim through the complex system and obtain maximum benefits. NjFhZjg3YmEwYzliMTViODQ3MjNhMDgyNjgxNWZmNTcxODA0MWUzYWY0OGMz While we still have our home base in Florida, Veterans who have less than a 100% rating for joint pain or osteoarthritis may be able to increase their rating by having each joint considered individually. Did you take Xeljanz for at least one year? MjRlOTFmOTU1MjE0MGE2ZjE0MmJkMzc4NDA3YmM0N2ZjYTgwNzU4Mzc5NzFm A person that is diagnosed with RA today has a much better chance of living a normal life than their grandparents did. For a free consultation with an experienced Veterans disability lawyer, contact the Cameron Firm, PC at 800-861-7262 or fill out the contact box on our website. 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. than the general population: one in 3 veterans has arthritis. An example of this may be if the veteran is bedridden by their arthritis. 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. For example, if someone is given a 30% disability rate, it . 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. When you go for your C&P exam, its important to inform the doctor of your flareups and how they affect you. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 Please send us a message by filling out the form below, and we will get back to you shortly. MjFmMzFmODIyN2RmMmFhOWU5NzQ5NzkyZWU0MDk0MzE3YTc1NTFlYjk1ZWQw Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. Your access to this site was blocked by Wordfence, a security provider, who protects sites from malicious activity. It was then that she discovered her true passion, helping veterans, began. This means that these symptoms can be rated under their own specific diagnostic code for each major or minor group of joints. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. During the C&P examination, a VA doctor will also examine your injury and ascertain what level of disability it is causing. There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. Please complete this form to send us your message. 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. Thanks, Woods and Woods please keep up what you do in helping disabled veterans like myself. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. An attorney is a valuable partner in all phases of a disability claim. NzJiNjAxMjRkMTg5MzJhOTc2NGRmMDVhNGM0YjdhYjBlM2E5N2I5NDljNzAz As a result, veterans who receive a rating for their rheumatoid arthritis may be able to receive compensation at the 100 percent rating level through TIDU. Aug 08, 2014 #4. In this instance, the veteran must prove that their condition is uniquely hinders their ability to obtain substantially gainful employment and therefore should not be rated on the standard disability rating criteria. 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. The VA disability for hand pain (amputated fingers) is under diagnostic codes 5126 to 5156. These cookies do not store any personal information. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of benefits for Veterans with arthritis. A VA disability rating for knee tendonitis or joint pain may also be based on your range of motion during your VA disability knee exam. COVID-19 WILL NOT STOP US FROM WINNING FOR OUR VETERANS. 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. Joint deformity also may occur which is non-reversible. You cant hold down a steady job that supports you financially (known as substantially gainful employment) because of your service-connected disability. 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. ZTc2N2RiNGNlYmYwYzE5MDkwZWU3OWJhZmE2YjdlMzljMTFkMGExNjk1MjA0 This benefit compensates veterans at the 100 percent rating level, even if their disability rating may be less than that. How Does the PACT Act Affect DIC Benefits? Pain medication, hot and cold therapy, and braces can help with pain in hand movement. Your knees might not be able to bend very far because of pain. OWQxZiIsInNpZ25hdHVyZSI6IjljMTRkZTQ1MjQ5NWIyMTRhODMwNTE2MGY5 VA math can be a mess when you are adding a 10% rating for your left elbow and a 30% rating for your right hand. Lack of movement in your fingers and numbness can be a symptom of diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other ailments. The cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is unknown. How Can I Increase My VA Disability Rating for Joint Pain and Arthritis? 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. There are many types of arthritis, but the three most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. When dealing with averages, its important to not get discouraged. This can be done by filing: You may also be able to file an appeal within one year of the VAs decision on your claim. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. A disability on your dominant hand will result in a higher rating than on your non-dominant hand. Essentially, the difference in conditions between a veteran who receives a 60% rating and a 100% rating depends on whether rheumatoid arthritis causes them to be bedridden and completely incapable of doing chores, household tasks, their daily activities, and working. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. Contact Us Can the VA reduce your disability rating? 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. ODlmNmRiN2VhYjJiNWNmZDJjNDJmOGY0ZjVmNDc0MWI4ZGI0ODQzMWM5ZmE2 24. If the condition is moderate, it's usually rated up to 20%. Attorney Gang is frequently in the news with commentary on issues affecting veterans. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to get what they deserve. It will also consider how much pain you experience and the effect of the condition on your everyday life. NWNjYmI3ZmFmMDUzM2ZkNmM3M2FhOGZlYzllMmFlMDE2NzZiMjQzYmJhZTQ5 There is also no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatments that can help reduce symptoms. Veterans who are prevented from working because of their rheumatoid arthritis, or symptoms of their rheumatoid arthritis, may be able to receive a monthly VA disability benefit called total disability based on individual unemployability, or TDIU. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 Extreme cases of RA, with the right (or wrong, depending on how you look at it) family medical history and age can decrease a persons lifespan by 15 years. The practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, but the pits emitted plumes of toxic smoke. I'm right hand dominate, so the most they will ever give me 30%. U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), Disabilities Due to Agent Orange Exposure, Dependency Indemnity Compensation Appeals, Total Disability Individual Unemployability (IU) Appeals, Eligibility for PTSD-Related DIC Benefits. Because the VA's rules and regulations keep them from giving higher ratings just for back pain, a Veteran will have to go . talal al hammad wealth; . Already working with us? Over 100 conditions fall under the umbrella of arthritis, including arthritis in the hands, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases. YWYwZmRjOTFmMjAwZTBiYWZmODU4YzJkYjNiNjcxOGRkNTA2MTM4MTk3NWU5 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. To do this, VA may call the veteran or send a letter. YzNmYmUzOTI1MWU5YWEyMjNkZDNiZDFmN2MxYTcwNDlkZDkyNjYxMjFhNzQw NTU3NzA5YTNkNDEwOGVmY2Y5Mjc4NGI3YzA2MzcxODNiZWViZWU0NGVlZjNh YjVkOWY0YWQ4MWI0ZjMyNzk2ODU2N2U4NmMxZTAzYzk3MzdmNjNhNzBiMjY0 Over 100 conditions fall under the umbrella of arthritis, including arthritis in the hands, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. MDViYTgxOWEwODZlZjQwMmQ1ZGIxNzQyODg1Njc0MzE0NDQ4YWM3ZmFiNWE4 As with degenerative arthritis, a rating for limited range of motion cannot be given in addition to a rating for rheumatoid arthritis. Since there are so many causes that are still misunderstood, drawing a service connection is more about making the case that your symptoms started because of your military service. For instance, knee flexion is the measure of how far you can bend your knee. There are many causes of arthritis among Veterans, but the most common are injuries and infections. Even when conditions are completely debilitating, many veterans only have an 80% disability rating for arthritis and conditions related to joint pain. 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. Some back problems caused by service-related activities may not appear until years Veterans Affairs (VA) provides ratings for allergic rhinitis. 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. Sometimes you can qualify for TDIU even if you could do a sedentary job that isnt the job that youve had all of your life. If you have arthritis or joint pain issues, the VA disability lawyers at Woods and Woods can help ensure you get the highest disability rating that youre qualified to get. For example, both hands, knees, or ankles may be affected, as opposed to only one hand, knee, or ankle. MGEyZTIyOTMwNWRiMDM1NGE1ODBhZGM0YmE1NTYwMTdkOTQxMTM5ZGJiNDBl YzE4MzliMjk3MDRjZDMwNjc5MTkyOTUwMDA3MjI1NGE0ODE3Y2NmNDg1N2E5 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. A claim for service connection for arthritis may be established by documented indications of repeated stress on your joints during service. Usually, the same joint on both sides of the body will be 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). M2ZmMDc3NTE2ZmE3ZWMxODU4YWFkNGY3NWM0MWFkNTQyNzhmZTFlMjhkM2Mx The VA Ratings Schedule for Rheumatoid Arthritis One or two painful flare-ups a year: 20% Rating Clear impairments to daily living and health diagnosed by a doctor or 3 or more incapacitating episodes a year: 40% Rating The combined ratings are then calculated by rounding up to the nearest ten. THE PHYSICAL OFFICE IS CLOSED BUT WE ARE FULLY OPERATIONAL. Arthritis is a common condition that can cause pain and difficulty moving. It tends to begin symmetrically. NjY3MzZkOTJiNjlkNDAxYjViYjE1YzUxNDM4MjZlNDMwMDJjYWQ1ZDQ3MzRl Spinal stenosis (diagnostic code 5238): Spinal stenosis is when the spaces in the spine are narrowed and . Importantly, lay evidence may also be submitted by fellow service members. Post author: Post published: June 29, 2022; Post category: Uncategorized; (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. 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. Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause joint deformity which is non-reversible. Back pain is one of the leading health problems that veterans face. Lingering effects of a previous injury, mostly prior fractures and dislocations, usually lead to degenerative arthritis. A service-connected disability is a medical condition that was caused or made worse by your military service. If arthritis has caused you to lose function in your hands, you may also be entitled to Special Monthly Compensation. You might have swollen finger joints or your elbows may be slightly deformed from swelling. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. 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. You would have to show that it should have always been rated higher, not that your condition is getting worse. Over 100 conditions fall under the umbrella of arthritis, including arthritis in the hands, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases. NGE5MTE2NmZmOWVkMTRiMzlkOGMxNGUwY2MzNDY0M2Q1MTIyNDAxYTJlMDUw These cookies collect information about how you use our website. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 To receive a 20% rating, two or more major joints or two or more groups of minor joints must have occasional incapacitating episodes. Military service takes a significant toll on a veterans body. Total Disability Individual Unemployability, Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Claims Process, 38 CFR 3.09(a) of the Code of Military Regulations. Specifically, a rheumatologist may perform a blood test to look for certain blood proteins, or antibodies, related to rheumatoid arthritis. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. The VA considers rheumatoid arthritis to be a disabling condition. Notably, a thumb is rated higher than a finger. Rheumatoid arthritis is covered under Diagnostic Code 5002. You may also have developed a secondary condition that should have been factored into the rating. This will contain any documentation that has previously been submitted to VA, as well as the veterans medical and service records. VA Disability Rating for Arthritis in Your Hands or Trigger Finger Remember that rheumatoid arthritis starts in smaller joints first. It was a long 5 year journey but the end result was worth every minute of it. Different from degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition seen quite often among active duty service members or former military service members. ODY1OGY5MDE2MzMzOWEyYWU5YjY5NzI0MDQ5MWE5NzliODUzMmJhYzg1MzI2 You received a 70% disability rating from the VA. Going through the process of getting your disability rating increased for joint pain or arthritis can be confusing and overwhelming.