What is the Reasonable Doubt Rule for Knee Pain? C&P examiners are instructed to ask about both repetitive motion and flare-ups for musculoskeletal conditions. I cannot put pressure on it (including sleep), cannot sit w/o my shoulder hurting, cannot use my left hand when driving, pretty much that arm is useless and is dead weight. Extension is a movement that increases the angle between the two parts that the joint is connecting. 0000001300 00000 n Veterans who undergo shoulder surgery may be eligible for a temporary total rating based on convalescence. There are 3 primary ways a veteran can get a VA disability rating for Knee Pain: #1: Direct Service Connection for Knee Pain with a rating of 10%, 20%, or 30%. (If yes, please explain). Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. The normal shoulder range of motion is 157 -162 for Forward Flexion Is an upgoing movement from the front side or the sagittal plane facilitated by the pectorals, anter More, 148-152 for Abduction Is a sideways upgoing movement in the frontal plane brought about by the supraspinatus and the mid, and 53 - 59 for External Rotation The range of shoulder external rotation is one of . If there is pain noted on examination, it is important to understand whether that pain itself contributes to functional loss. This DCprovides a 20% rating when thigh flexion is limited to 30 degrees. Many musculoskeletal conditions are rated based on the range of motion, a mostly testable measure of how much loss of function the disability causes. After the one-year period, the condition is then given a permanent rating. Tendons are rated on how they affect the motion of the connected joint(s). Yes or no. Pro Tip: The examiner should provide the estimated range of motion based on a review of all procurable information to include the Veterans statement on examination, case-specific evidence (to include medical treatment records when applicable and lay evidence), and the examiners medical expertise. Shoulder (Flexion - Extension) Left Left Abduction 150O . A normal range of motion for your shoulder depends on your flexibility and the overall health of your shoulder. 0000000016 00000 n The Schedule of Ratings expresses range of motion in degrees, making it easy for disabilities to be rated and categorized. 0000003377 00000 n 1A. Range of motion in va disability claims ptsd lawyers. Indeed good sir, ROM is all that matterssupposedly. The Musculoskeletal System is vast and complex, consisting of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones. Degenerative disc disease PO Box 96503Dept. It could be coming from your latissimus dorsi. Lifting the arm to shoulder level is lifting it to 90 degrees. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Limitation of Flexion of the Knee or Knee Pain is the #3 most common VA claim. The glenohumeral joint is where the ball at the top of the upper arm bone or humerus fits into the glenoid joint socket. Here are 12 stretches to help relieve tension and things you can do to prevent tightness. You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, Unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes both an assistive device (, (a) Sprain, incomplete ligament tear, or repaired complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes a brace and/or assistive device (, (b) Unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes either an assistive device (, Sprain, incomplete ligament tear, or complete ligament tear (repaired, unrepaired, or failed repair) causing persistent instability, without a prescription from a medical provider for an assistive device (, Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45 or more, Favorable angle in full extension, or in slight flexion between 0 and 10. 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. Feel pain across your back? The Schedule of Ratings expresses range of motion in degrees, making it easy for disabilities to be rated and categorized. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. 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. With OA, the tissues in the joint break down over time or have an alteration in their structure. 0000006040 00000 n Since 2008, we've helped thousands of Veterans get the VA Disability benefits they deserve. Veterans who are granted TDIU are paid at the one hundred percent rate, which is the highest form of compensation VA awards. What is the VA Knee Rating Chart? Range of Motion We should then test the range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder in different directions. The first is medical evidence of a current disability. Expand Table The Shoulder and Arm Expand Table The Elbow and Forearm Expand Table The Wrist Expand Table Evaluation of Ankylosis or Limitation of Motion of Single or Multiple Digits of the Hand Expand Table The Spine Expand Table The Hip and Thigh 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. These symptoms can be extremely painful, and they can most definitely contribute to the VAs rating of your disability. Hip flexion averages 110-120 degrees, extension 10-15 degrees, abduction 30-50 degrees, and adduction 25-30 degrees. Muscle stiffness often goes away on its own. Provide a complete description of all affected joints in your narrative summary. )cz+}+7TRExDwGneyI\y9iv~ 6> VA Knee Disability Rating: Is Knee Pain a VA Disability? 2.1 ). Condition. 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. Range of Motion. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14526-musculoskeletal-pain, https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health-strategies/musculoskeletal-disorders/index.html. Your VA benefits will be tax-free, and they can help you support yourself and your loved ones if your disability has made it difficult for you to work and live normally. Check out our Shoulder and Upper Arm Condition Ratings page for the exact codes and ratings. Veterans will need to be able to show that a condition is impacting their well-being and ability to work. If yes, what was the Extension degree endpoint (if different than above)? Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Neck muscle injuries. Active: This type is used when patients can exercise without assistance; patients must move their limbs themselves. Once service connection is granted, VA will assign a disability rating based on the severity of the veterans condition. Range of Joint Motion Evaluation Chart NAME OF PATIENT SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER INSTRUCTIONS: For each affected joint, please indicate the existing limitation of motion by drawing a line(s) on the . For example, I cannot lift any weight, carry bags on my shoulder or in my hands, use it to support myself, etc. The Schedule also provides charts to help assist with understanding what these degrees mean. If your conditions have worsened since you last applied and now qualify for a higher rating, you can submit a new claim, checking the box for an increased evaluation. , making each day a different experience for Veterans with these conditions. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Does the Veteran report or have a history of instability or recurrent subluxation of the knee? Today, we examine VA ratings for conditions affecting Veterans' shoulders and arms. Other exceptions, if any, are noted in specific rating codes found on the Shoulder and Upper Arm Condition Ratings page. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Minor knee pain usually responds well to self-care measures. Clinical descriptive measures of shoulder range of motion for a healthy, young and physically active cohort. If yes, is the muscle atrophy due to the claimed condition in the diagnosis section? 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). Limitation of extension for the knee is rated under diagnostic code 5261. Active motions are those that can be . In addition to those addressed above, are there additional contributing factors of disability? The VA knee rating chart is broken out into two separate categories based on "Pain" or "Unfavorable Ankylosis." For example, Knee Pain (DC 5257) only has VA ratings of 10%, 20%, or 30% while Unfavorable Ankylosis of the Knee (5256) has VA ratings of 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60%. Pro Tip: For any joint condition, examiners should address pain on both passive and active motion, and on both weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing. The shoulder is two different joints and a network of connective tissue and muscles. #3: Unfavorable Ankylosis of the Knee with a rating of 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60%. The VA Schedule of Rating Disabilities provides a basis for service connection and rating each disability. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. With your arms at your sides, turn your palms towards your body and bend your elbows 90 degrees so your hands are pointing in front of you. Range of motion of a joint is gauged during passive ROM (assisted) or active ROM (independent)). They use the rules of the VASRD to determine that rating. 0000003299 00000 n Topics include shoulder surgeries and replacements, amputation, range of . The less you can move or bend your knee, the higher your VA rating will likely be. Does the Veteran report or have a history of frequent effusion of the knee? Shoulder popping, also known as crepitus, has several possible causes. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. All rights reserved. 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 ). Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. With the help of an attorney, you can present additional evidence to the VA that can influence the VAs decision regarding your claim. If range of motion was normal for all joints, please comment in . Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. Is there evidence of pain? 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. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Ideally, a claimant would be seen immediately after repetitive use over time or during a flare-up; however, this is not always feasible. If any limitation of motion is specifically attributable to pain, weakness, fatigability, incoordination, or other; please note the degree(s) in which limitation of motion is specifically attributable to the factors identified and describe. 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. HWn}W4f rS2o& f0}q\,+_jJyM6{vw~f_~pdCsn3vni:l3|=;3%&v3a_N7/v>fv>m;^m ~_5YYY0m=:bd0n[m#h[d#. What Should I Expect at a VA C&P Exam for Knee Pain? The examiner may ask questions about the condition or time in service, as well as physically examine the veteran. 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.