(Newswire.net — January 8, 2021) — According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, degenerative arthritis is the main cause of disability discharge among members of the military. The VA 2015 Annual Benefits Report asserts that more than 395,000 military veterans are receiving disability payments for degenerative arthritis.
It’s important to know how the VA rates arthritis so you’ll know whether you’re eligible for disability benefits. Keep scrolling to learn more about what you can expect if you’re a veteran with service-connected arthritis.
Direct Service Connection
As a veteran, you have to prove that you developed arthritis due to an event that took place during your military service. Overusing the joints and service injuries can lead to arthritis later in life since the condition gets worse as the body’s cartilage naturally starts to wear down. Your arthritis injury does not have to be traumatic for you to receive benefits.
A doctor will review the injuries you received while serving in the Armed Forces to confirm whether or not there is a casual relationship between arthritis and your current health condition. If the VA rules that there is a connection, you will receive direct service connection benefits.
Presumptive Service Connection
Keep in mind that rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis may qualify you for benefits. Arthritis is a chronic condition according to 38 CFR § 3.309. According to the VA, if your arthritis symptoms appear within a year of your discharge and are at least 10% disabling, you have a presumptive service connection.
Secondary Service Connection
The VA disability calculator is also used to determine a secondary service connection. If you are a veteran with arthritis and the condition was caused by another condition related to your military service, you may be eligible for a secondary service connection.
For instance, if your leg was fully or partially amputated and you later develop arthritis, and arthritis can be attributed to your previous medical condition, then you would qualify for service connection benefits on a secondary basis. You can also receive secondary service connection benefits if you develop depression as a result of arthritis since your mobility may be limited.
How the VA Rates Arthritis
Degenerative arthritis carries the diagnostic code 5003. The VA classifies degenerative arthritis based on the limit of the range of motion of the joints affected by arthritis. If the range of motion can’t be computed, the VA will assign a 10% rating for each minor and major joint group affected by arthritis.
These ratings are combined to determine a final rating for arthritis. If you have degenerative arthritis, you will receive a disability rating of either 10% or 20%. X-rays are used to determine the severity of arthritis so veterans can receive an accurate rating. A 20% rating is for more debilitating forms of arthritis, while a 10% rating applies to minor cases.
The VA requires observation for the limitation of mobility. Evidence of pain when moving, muscle spasms, and swelling are all signs that a veteran is significantly suffering from arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as diagnostic code 5002. This condition can be assessed at up to 100% if the veteran is bedridden. Lower rates are for veterans who occasionally experience incapacitation. If you suffer from incapacitating episodes more than four times a year or have other symptoms like a general decline in health, anemia, or weight loss, your rating will be 60%.
If you have an established impairment due to rheumatoid arthritis and have three or more episodes per year that prevent your movement, you will receive a 40% rating. A rating of 20% will be assigned if you have two or more incapacitating episodes annually.
Knowing the details of your arthritis diagnosis can give you a better idea of what types of VA disability benefits you are eligible for. Be sure to work with your doctor to ensure you have accurate documentation to submit to the VA and keep the VA informed about any changes in your health so you can receive fair disability payments.