Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 If it's necessary for your entire arm and shoulder to be amputated, the VA will give you a 90% disability rating. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 If the veteran is unable to obtain substantially gainful employment as the result of a shoulder or arm condition, they may be eligible for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). Applying for VA Benefits Years After Service: Is It Allowed? Limitation of extension for the knee is rated under diagnostic code 5261. When taking your C&P exam, tell your VA physician everything you can about your condition, including how your symptoms may vary from day-to-day. 20 / 20% - at shoulder level. Shoulder Rotator cuff repair refers to the surgery to correct a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder. Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is the VA designation for a veteran who is unable to work due to the level of disability. Range of Motion for the Shoulder | Veterans Disability Bone and Joints Disability Ratings Table 4.71a Schedule of ratingsmusculoskeletal system. Injuries in combat, such as a blow from an accident, a forceful impact, or a fall, could also result in shoulder or arm injury. Stiffness and loss of range of motion can pop up due to consistent use of a certain muscle group or body part. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. With the help of an attorney, you can present additional evidence to the VA that can influence the VAs decision regarding your claim. Certain disabilities can correspond with a specific disability score from the VA. During a C&P exam, a doctor or medical professional will measure your range of motion and express the extension in degrees for rating purposes. Shoulder injuries in the military are a common source of VA disability compensation. Each condition gets its own code and is eligible for a certain level of disability rating. During this procedure, a VA doctor will examine your injuries. Amputation If your arm cannot move 25 degrees away from your side, youll get a disability rating of 50 percent for a dominant arm or 40 percent for a non-dominant arm. However, it is important to note that if you have multiple injuries in your arm, those cannot be combined for a higher rating than the rating youd get for amputation of the limb. Va disability rating for shoulder labral tear. How The VA Rates Arthritis - Military Benefits In addition to shoulder dislocations, this code can also cover any injury to the humeral bone, including the humerus itself, the humeral head that sits inside your scapula, or the humeral neck that connects the two. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] This could be something like a shoulder dislocation that occurred during a training exercise. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Payment amounts vary depending on factors like the number of dependents. After the first year, you'll receive a permanent disability rating based on your level of function once you're fully healed. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. The medical evidence indicates that the veteran's right shoulder disability limits his range of motion; however, does not indicate limitation of motion such as to warrant a disability rating in excess of 30 percent. Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscle to bone. Whenever a Veteran applies to receive disability benefits from the VA, they are asked to visit their regional VA office for a Compensation & Pension examination. Without service connection, you will not be able to qualify for compensation the VA can only provide financial support to Veterans with verifiable, service-connected disabilities. How to Protect Veterans From Financial Exploitation of Their VA Benefits April 26, 2023 Dear Chairman Tester and Ranking Member Moran, A veteran disabled in the service of our country Can I still apply for VA benefits even though I left the military years ago? If you lost a pinky finger in the military, it may impact your ability to live a normal life a bit. This benefit gives injured veterans monthly compensation to make up for the limits their injury places on their life. In the exam, either a VA physician or VA contracted physician will generally ask questions about the shoulder or arm condition and the veterans time in service. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. Yes, as long as the shoulder pain is service-connected, you can qualify for VA Disability. An unfavorable opinion will not. 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. All of the criteria include severe, moderately severe, moderate, or slight and corresponds to a disability rating ranging from 0 to 40 percent. Welcome to the PEB Forum! VA Disability for Shoulder and Arm Injuries. If youre a veteran dealing with shoulder pain, you may be wondering how to get a shoulder pain VA rating. If the amputation involves the complete removal of the humerus only, it is rated at 90 percent. If youve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low ratingor youre unsure how to get startedreach out to us! The following Diagnostic Codes are included under the former and evaluated based on the range of motion of a major/minor joint group: Diagnostic Code 5200 Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis (abnormal stiffening and immobility) of: Diagnostic Code 5201 Arm, limitation of motion of: Diagnostic Code 5202 Humerus, other impairment of: Diagnostic Code 5203 Clavicle or scapula, impairment of: The Diagnostic Codes under 38 CFR 4.73 for shoulder and arm conditions are split into six groups based on the limitation of motion of the different affected muscles. VA Rating for shoulder & Arm Injury: How does VA rates injury? The glenohumeral joint is where the ball at the top of the upper arm bone or humerus fits into the glenoid joint socket. pain. By asking the right questions and keeping tabs on a Veterans symptoms, the VA should get a more accurate sense of a Veterans disability and how its severity can vary from day-to-day. Important - Will Not Pay Reimburse - Reginfo.gov For instance, which pages you go to most. If the entire shoulder joint has been replaced by a prosthetic device, the condition is rated at 100 percent for one month after being discharged from the hospital following the replacement. Once service connection is granted, VA will assign a disability rating based on the severity of the veterans condition. Keep in mind all joints (shoulder, elbow, knee, and back) are based on a range of motion, not the amount of pain it causes or the amount of medication needed for relief. Your range of motion may be better than normal on the day you take your C&P exam if so, communicate with your VA physician about the fact that your symptoms can get better and worse unpredictably. 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. In contrast, pyramiding is a practice prohibited by VA, and refers to when a veteran has two disability ratings for a single manifestation of their disability. They will not treat your upper arm or prescribe pain killers, but they may take X-rays to determine if the cuff tear was partial-thickness or full-thickness, a malunion, etc. If the knee can only bend to 15, then it is rated 30%. A diagnosis from your treating physician for a torn rotator cuff. You may be owed compensation. In that case, the VA would have the impression that your range of motion was much higher than it might be. Knee conditions are fairly common for U.S. veterans. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Theyll do a physical examination and ask questions about how the tear affects your ability to work. We have updated our Privacy Policy. If you cant raise your arm to the front or side more than 25 degrees, youll get a disability rating of 40 percent for a dominant arm and 30 percent for a non-dominant arm. Protective tissues called the labrum line the joint socket. Every case needs to be treated differently. Finally, if the amputation is below the deltoid but above the elbow, it is rated 80 percent for the dominant arm and 70 percent for the non-dominant arm (Diagnostic Code 5122). A normal range of motion for shoulder extension to the highest point you can lift your arm behind your back starting with your palms next to your body is between 45 and 60 degrees.. If the arm is amputated below the shoulder but above the point where the deltoid attaches to it, then it is rated 90 percent for the dominant arm, and 80 percent for the non-dominant arm (Diagnostic Code 5121). This limitation can make it difficult to do even simple daily tasks, such as reaching for something in an upper cabinet or washing your hair. Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25 from side: Intermediate between favorable and unfavorable: Favorable, abduction to 60, can reach mouth and head: Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25 from side: Midway between side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45), At shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 90). This is often based on if you can rotate or extend your shoulder, using the criteria listed above. A favorable opinion will endorse the view that the shoulder or arm condition was caused by service. Per the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), you have several options to fight the decision: The VA will rate rotator cuff surgery based on the severity of the pain and the thickness rotator cuff tears, often around 10 20%. Not being able to use your shoulder can affect your ability to work and limit daily life. There are many knee and leg conditions eligible for service connection. This can make it tough to present the VA with an accurate representation of the severity of your disability because you may often be dealing with varying levels of pain or limited range of motion. VA may request a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to examine the veterans shoulder or arm condition. Learn what youve been missingso you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE! VA disability ratings can range from 0% up to 100% total disability depending on the severity of one's range of motion injury. In this video, we'll be discussing VA Disability for limited range of motion and loss of use claims. Rotator cuff tears that stem from overuse may be less obvious to the veteran though. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14526-musculoskeletal-pain, https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health-strategies/musculoskeletal-disorders/index.html. Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? Your clavicle can also dislocate from your scapula at your acromioclavicular joint. The Schedule of Ratings lists disabilities under different categories based on the part of the body affected. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The shoulder's anatomy is complex, but all the different moving parts allow a wide range of motion in the joint. If your shoulder is damaged in such a way that its held together by soft tissues instead of bones, youll get a rating of either 50 percent or 40 percent. This refers to the range of motion a person has when their knee is moving towards the body. If you believe that your torn rotator cuff occurred in the military, youll need to gather the following documents to present to your local VA Regional Office (RO): The RO is looking for specificity in all documents. Or, you can get help from an expert veteran coach who can help you navigate the VA claims process. Since a musculoskeletal disability can significantly inhibit your movement, aspects of life that used to come easily may now be nearly impossible for you. What to Expect At Your VA C&P Exam for Your Shoulder Pain. And if your humeral bones are broken in such a way that you can see a deformity just by looking at your arm, youll receive a rating of either 30 percent or 20 percent, depending on the arm and the severity. Other causes. Your pectoral muscle extends across your chest, and your rhomboids, teres major, latissimus dorsi, infraspinatus, and coracobrachialis muscles connect to your scapula. Often shoulder and arm conditions are rated based on range of motion. For a free consultation, call us at 1-877-526-3457. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Degenerative arthritis and osteoporosis can both affect your shoulders. Since that time, we have provided compassionate Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Therefore, the C&P examiner ought to test for active and . VA officials will attempt to corroborate as many details as possible before determining the next steps. This is the most common knee problem eligible for VA disability benefits, with ratings that typically range from 10% to 30%. If you suffer from neck pain or stiffness, consider neck mobility exercises. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. When one or both sacroiliac joints are inflamed, veterans may receive a sacroiliitis VA disability rating. You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.WE CAN HELP. If you have more than one condition affecting your shoulder, might be able to get a disability rating for all of those conditions. VA Shoulder Pain Ratings and Grip Increases, Learn More About Shoulder Injuries in the Military, The VA has alsogenerated a systemto allow you to combine multiple injuries or conditions into one overall disability rating, How to Do VA Math with the VA Combined Ratings Table, Read More About VA Ratings for Arm and Hand Amputation, Multiple ratings for the same condition is called pyramiding, extra 10% rating from the bilateral factor, 7 Things to Consider When Thinking About Applying for VA Disability Years After Service, I am so glad I was referred to Woods and Woods. Thanks, Woods and Woods please keep up what you do in helping disabled veterans like myself. The Department of Veterans Affairs says of this condition that, when established via X-rays, the VA disability rating will be made "on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. For example, if you sustained a blow to the shoulder joint in the military that weakened the infraspinatus. How do I increase my rating percentages? The C&P examiner will then write a report about their findings and send it to the VA regional office. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. eCFR :: 38 CFR 4.71a -- Schedule of ratings - eCFR :: Home Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. What Veterans Need to Know About Osteoarthritis? We can help you apply for disability benefits or appeal a denied application. For flare-ups, the examiner should ask whether a Veteran deals with flare-ups and ask them to describe their functional loss as a result. Sometimes, though, increases in the severity of your symptoms can be more unpredictable. Code 5202 is a broad code that covers a wide range of injuries. VA Disability Ratings for Shoulder Injuries - Cuddigan Law 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. You may also get cancer or other tumors in your shoulder that are a result of your military service. Other causes of restricted range of motion include: inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the joint, or joint swelling. The VA disability rating for shoulder rotator cuff tear is typically around 10%-20%. The disability rating assigned also depends on whether the veterans dominant (higher evaluation) versus nondominant (lower evaluation) arm is affected. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. Function: Elevation and abduction of arm to the level of the shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of the arm. A full description of the events that led up to the shoulder pain and limitation of motion. Using a measurable metric like range of motion (ROM) makes it easier for the VA to accurately assess a Veterans level of disability. And remember, this approach is not only for wrists- it works for ankles, knees, elbows, or any one incident that causes multiple injurues. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc, Total Disability Individual Unemployability, Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25 from the side, Intermediate between favorable and unfavorable, Favorable, abduction to 60, can reach the mouth and head, Flexion and/or abduction limited to 25 from side, Midway between side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45), At shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 90), With frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements, With infrequent episodes and guarding of movement only at shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction at 90 ). The exam aims to gather more information about your shoulder condition and how it affects your daily life. M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 1, Section C - Arthritis The information you obtain on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Our lawyers are committed to helping veterans get disability compensation. Tell Your C&P Examiner Everything You Can About Your Symptoms, Including Flare-Ups. Relevant disabilities should be documented in military service treatment records. VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs Any test results or medical imaging records will be important, as well. Many veterans leave the service with shoulder problems. VA Disability Rating for Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear | CCK Law Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Make an appointment for a no-obligation consultation with us now online or by phone at 888.878.9350. After the first year, youll receive a permanent disability rating based on your level of function once youre fully healed. When these muscles are overused or subjected to undue force, the tendons may tear from the stress. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 This is why workers compensation claims may be filed even though the surgery was actually a result of a problem that one experienced in the service. How will my torn tendon be rated? There are a few principles the VA uses in determining disability ratings that apply to shoulder conditions. The description of the events must be verifiable and they present a clear narrative of what happened. The VA has 3 ways to categorize this aspect when rating arthritis of the knee: slight (10%), moderate (20%), or severe (30%) under Diagnostic Code 5257. 27K views 2 years ago Today, we examine VA ratings for conditions affecting Veterans' shoulders and arms. Factor #2: Instability. At Jan Dils Attorneys at Law, we have the knowledge and resources to help you navigate the process VA rating for shoulder injury. Please complete this form to send us your message. The minimum permanent rating for a shoulder replacement is 30 percent for a dominant arm and 20 percent for a non-dominant arm, but you could get a rating as high as 50 or 60 percent, depending on your condition. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. If you dont have trouble controlling your movement, but your bones didnt heal back together, youll get a rating of 10 percent. This diagnostic code breaks down the way that the shoulder and arm move. Youll also get 10 percent if your bones did heal back together, but not properly. VA disability is awarded because you were injured while serving, regardless of the glory of the job. Two things that veterans know are a given in active duty military life. Stiffness and loss of range of motion can pop up due to consistent use of a certain muscle group or body part. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 According to Title 38, for a minor shoulder that can raise between 25 and 90 degrees is 20% disability. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. If you can't talk now, fill out this form so we can contact you at a better time. These other injuries, diseases, and conditions are rated depending on how severely they impact your life. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. Understanding How Flare-Ups Impact Range of Motion Claims, Alternatively, they might suffer from more stiffness and loss of range of motion throughout the day. Even if you did not lose your shoulder and/or arm, it's still possible you can't use . Injuries to the shoulder and arm commonly occur while performing both combat and non-combat duties during service. Already working with us? After the one-year period, the condition is then given a permanent rating. Neurological rehabilitation is, in particular, a rapidly emerging field. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and preferences such as text size, fonts and other customizable website elements. You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, You have a medical diagnosis for your shoulder, and youre experiencing current symptoms, You experienced an event, injury, or illness while you were serving that caused or aggravated your shoulder pain (either directly or indirectly). Separate ratings occur when there is another distinct manifestation of a disability that is not currently rated. If you have to have a shoulder replacement, the VA will place you on100 percent disabilityfor the first year after the surgery and you will get a code of 5051. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. Military and private medical treatment records: Severe rated at 30% to 40% depending on dominant or non-dominant arm, Moderately severe rated at 20% to 30% depending on dominant or non-dominant arm, Moderate rated from 10% to 20% depending on shoulder function, File an Appeal with the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). It is also important to note that you cannot receive two different ratings for effects stemming from the same root cause. We advocate for the disabled. 1115) Expand Table Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. Further movement beyond that is coded differently and will receive ratings based on how severe the limitation is. While we still have our home base in Florida, The VA is looking for the impact that your disability has on your life on your ability to work, maintain relationships with family and friends, and carry out simple tasks. During the appeals process, you can present medical records, testimonials from fellow soldiers, and any other evidence that may play a role in changing the outcome of your claim. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. You may also be eligible for secondary service connection if you cant prove a direct link. C&P examiners are instructed to ask about both repetitive motion and flare-ups for musculoskeletal conditions. So if you have a shoulder separation and a humerus injury that rate at 20 percent each, your disability rating is not 40 percent. you viewed to avoid repetition. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Sometimes, though, increases in the severity of your symptoms can be more unpredictable. For shoulder disabilities that result from bone, tendon, or ligament issues, the VA assigns a percentage based on the severity of the range of motion limitation (see tables below). For example, diagnostic code 5301 measures the upward rotation of the scapula, elevation of the arm above shoulder level, and the extrinsic muscles of the shoulder girdle. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. For instance, the following chart accompanies the Schedule of Ratings for ankle, knee, and hip disabilities: Each subcategory under the Rating Schedule includes numerous diagnostic codes, which represent specific disabilities. Here is our video explaining VA math for combined VA disabilities. This is often based on if you can rotate or extend your shoulder, using the criteria listed above.

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