va disability rating for arthritis in fingers va disability rating for arthritis in fingers

These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. 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. Additionally, he should explain why your condition falls into that particular category. Neuralgia cannot be rated higher than moderate, even if it is considered severe. 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. 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. The disability rating increases based on how many flareups you experience annually and how they affect your daily life. Importantly, arthritis can be a source of secondary conditions as well. In order to be rated under the different diagnostic codes, a limited range of motion must be confirmed with symptoms of swelling, painful motion with evidence, and muscle spasms. The first stage in every VA disability claim is demonstrating a link to military service. The veteran will also need to submit a diagnosis of their condition. If arthritis has caused you to lose function in your hands, you may also be entitled to Special Monthly Compensation. There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This shouldnt stop you from pursuing your claim, though. There are many free resources on how to connect with other disabled veterans suffering from arthritis, specifically through the Arthritis Foundation. COVID-19 WILL NOT STOP US FROM WINNING FOR OUR VETERANS. MjFmMzFmODIyN2RmMmFhOWU5NzQ5NzkyZWU0MDk0MzE3YTc1NTFlYjk1ZWQw Rheumatoid arthritis, or more commonly known as RA, is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Already working with us? Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 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. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 As with most medical conditions,, Follow Amanda Dejesus, Veterans' Advocate: Remember that rheumatoid arthritis starts in smaller joints first. 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. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Joint pain and arthritis in the hands is a common condition faced by veterans. It adds 10% to the combined disability rating. YTlhNjBiMjlhOTYzNjg5MmJjZWJmN2RhODJiODMxZmVhYTRjNDI1YjZlOTlk 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. Rheumatoid arthritis progression can be slow and only show itself after months of symptoms. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777. Sometimes sharing experiences can alleviate some of the psychological stress veterans can face from living with chronic pain. The disability rating will dictate the rate of compensation you receive for the injury/impairment. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. MjRmOTBlYjYzMzQ2ZWQ3YWQ3Mjg4ZGI2NDA2MDdiNjIyZjg0YjM3Y2MwMzAz You received a 70% disability rating from the VA. 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. It can occur in or near the wrist, thumb, or fingers. As you may have noted, degenerative arthritis is rated lower than rheumatoid arthritis. 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). This benefit compensates veterans at the 100 percent rating level, even if their disability rating may be less than that. VA rates rheumatoid arthritis in the ankle under 38 CFR 4.71 (a), Diagnostic Code 5002. The claim will be reviewed by a claims processor, who will determine whether the Veteran is eligible for benefits. When a veterans service-connected medical diagnosis improves, the VA PO Box 96503Dept. 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 minimum of 10 percent is given for every joint that has pain with motion. 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. 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. The rating schedule for the VA is as follows: It is important to note that these ratings cannot be used in addition to other ratings for limited motion to accrue more VA disability benefits. Some topical products, such as creams or gels, may also provide relief for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, but the pits emitted plumes of toxic smoke. MDNlYWEyZTA0OTYyYmU5MWJhOTFkOWIyNmI0NTM3OTYyZDRiMzNjNmI1MjFl A musculoskeletal disease VA rating has a lot more promise if you have the right combination of symptoms. (What most of us call VA Math.) You may also have developed a secondary condition that should have been factored into the rating. OGZjNDc4OTVkNjc4OWNjNTMwM2ZkMGJjNWI2NDllZGJhODUxMzRiZjNmZjg2 Did you take Xeljanz for at least one year? The bilateral factor takes into consideration that a disability affecting both knees (or arms, legs, etc.) We are here to represent veterans nationwide. Most arthritis victims veterans, in particular have osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis. Military burn pits are large areas of land where waste was incinerated by the military and its contractors. We are here to represent veterans nationwide. 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. There are many types of arthritis with different causes and symptoms. 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. Notably, a thumb is rated higher than a finger. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. The cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is unknown. 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. One of these antibodies is called rheumatoid factor, or RF, and is found in about 80 percent of people who have rheumatoid arthritis. Lawmakers Cry Foul Over VA Accessibility Issues. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! (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. You would have to show that it should have always been rated higher, not that your condition is getting worse. Amanda DeJesus is a Claims Advocate for Hill and Ponton. 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. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 The percentage of Americans with arthritis is expected to. ZThkNzM4NzM3YTY1ZjM2YjdiMGQ4NDEyNTQwOTI3ZTM1YzBkYzEzZGNmODUy This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. The VA wont let you double dip on any disability, so if you get a 10% rating for poor flexion in your knee, they wont consider giving you 30% for arthritis pain in the same knee. Any rheumatoid arthritis that is less severe than the above-listed symptoms is just rated on its own, such as limited motion. This fluid acts like oil between the hinges of your joints. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Attorney Gang is frequently in the news with commentary on issues affecting veterans. 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. If you arent currently showing symptoms, you could be in fine shape to enlist. Ratings on both hands will trigger the bilateral factor bonus of about 10% additional compensation. Total Disability Individual Unemployability, Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Claims Process, 38 CFR 3.09(a) of the Code of Military Regulations. The VA will also consider whether arthritis is an overall condition in the body such as in the case of rheumatoid arthritis or if it occurs in specific joints. If you cant straighten it, you might get up to a 50% disability rating. At the same time, something like quitting smoking can increase your average lifespan by 10 years. Countless veterans have disability ratings of only 50% or lower for these types of conditions when they might be eligible for significantly higher ratings others have disability ratings of only 80% when they might be eligible for a 100% disability rating. Military service takes a significant toll on a veterans body. ZTQ2ZWNiMzY2MGVjYmY2NjFlNWJmYzA2NGNkNDFkMmQzNWZlMDZjMjRhOWRh It is very important to make sure VA has the veterans up-to-date contact information so that no C&P exam requests are missed. His victories for veterans are often featured in mainstream news, including the Miami Herald, Dallas Morning News, Sacramento Bee, and others, as well as in many military publications. For example, if osteoarthritis is present in one joint, but another has a torn ACL, your disability rating will increase because each joints condition is evaluated separately. ZTg1MDZhNjgwZjA5MmQ4ZDZlYzY4MDQ3YmFmOTQwNzMzYmMyODcwZDBlMjUy is found in about 80 percent of people who have rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is covered under Diagnostic Code 5002. Partial knee replacements are also eligible to receive 100% disability in the first year following the procedure. Have your doctor specifically use this language when he/she explains your limitations due to knee arthritis. suffering from arthritis, specifically through the Arthritis Foundation. When the VA rates hand disabilities, they do take into account if you are right-handed or left-handed. Make sure you are clear to the VA if your affected joints keep you from being able to do your normal job. It can occur in or near the wrist, thumb, or fingers. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. 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? At some point, you might mow the grass or carry in some groceries and be sore. This will cause pain and swelling and can even make the joint bulge out. RA can be evaluated at up to a 100 percent disability rating which is not common amongst service-connected health ailments. Do you need to dispute the rating that was given to you? This rating will determine the amount of benefits that the Veteran receives. In addition to the pain that some veterans undergo, there is also a high risk that RA will lead to a loss in their mobility. VA disability benefits fill the financial gap between veterans income and what they need. Other causes of arthritis that may be linked to military service include exposure to chemicals and pollutants, such as asbestos, silica, and benzene. A Veteran may receive a rating of 100% if their rheumatoid arthritis is completely incapacitating. Arthritis can be caused by a joint being overused, such as in athletes, or by a traumatic injury to the joint, such as a car accident. Genetics may play a role in a persons likelihood to develop rheumatoid arthritis. One way your disability rating can be increased is by combining multiple disabilities. 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. 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. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. Lack of movement in your fingers and numbness can be a symptom of diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other ailments. There are a lot of ways to look at arthritis from the perspective of getting the most care for a disabled veteran. Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause joint deformity which is non-reversible. Veterans often have aches and pains from normal life in the service. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. 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. Usually, the same joint on both sides of the body will be affected. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 Over time there is a loss of cartilage, which caused the joint spacing between the bones to become smaller. 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 A blood test might show high levels of the rheumatoid factor while your symptoms are still unclear. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Veterans who do not wish to take medication or for whom drug treatment is not especially effective can join self-management classes and physical activity classes to help with their symptoms. We would like to hear from you. The overuse or injury does not need to be traumatic. MjRlOTFmOTU1MjE0MGE2ZjE0MmJkMzc4NDA3YmM0N2ZjYTgwNzU4Mzc5NzFm #2: Direct Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Arthritis rated under DC 5010 with a rating of 10 percent or 20 percent. Over 100 conditions fall under the umbrella of arthritis, including arthritis in the hands, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases. To do this, the VA doctor will assign you a disability rating. A disability on your dominant hand will result in a higher rating than on your non-dominant hand. The VA rating specialist will categorize instability of the joint in three ways: slight (10%), moderate (20%), or severe (30%). There are many types of arthritis, but the three most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 The rating schedule then steps down to 60%, 40%, and then 20%, which involves one or two exacerbations annually with a well-established . 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. Contact ustoday to schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help increase your VA rating for joint pain and arthritis. 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. Back pain is one of the leading health problems that veterans face. Heavy backpacks, rough parachute landings, repetitive use of your joints holding your gun, a steering wheel, or other equipment can all contribute to typical wear on your body. Your information is NEVER shared and kept secure and confidential. Ratings on both hands will trigger the bilateral factor bonus of about 10% additional compensation. To diagnose, the doctor may perform certain tests and physical examinations, as well as examine the persons medical history. It was then that she discovered her true passion, helping veterans, began. Multiple organs and body systems are affected along with your joints. 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. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. It may be difficult to get 100% TDIU from one disability, but here one of our VA disability lawyers talks about common disabilities that add up to a 100% combined rating. A Veteran may receive a rating of 100% if their rheumatoid arthritis is completely incapacitating. Contact Us This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. 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. The knuckles where your fingers meet your hands and those next knuckles are the ones most affected by swelling and pain from rheumatoid nodules. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other body systems such as therespiratoryand cardiovascular systems. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Most of the time your joints move around and slide in the synovial fluid with no problem. Osteoarthritis will show up in your knee or elbow if you wear them out, but RA is different. ZDI2OWJlYWI0ZjIzNzA2ODBlOThkODY0NDJmYTgxYzkxZjc5YmUxNGU3NWNk Rheumatoid arthritis is most commonly seen affecting the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. RheumatoidArthritis is ratedunder Diagnostic Code 5002. Occasional incapacitating arthritis wont be enough to get you a high rating, but it will help you get your initial diagnosis. What Veterans Need to Know About Spinal Stenosis Disability Rating, Allergic Rhinitis VA Rating: How to Obtain Service Connection. Specifically, eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limit meat, fish, and poultry. The number of joints affected is irrelevant. 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. Lower ratings may be given for occasional incapacitating episodes. To apply for these benefits, Veterans must submit a claim to the VA. It tends to begin symmetrically. Xeljanz is a medicine prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and colitis. While we still have our home base in Florida, ZjcwYzA0NGMyOTc0MjAyNGU3YmVlY2NkOGZlMGFhZWJlNjZjIn0= Rheumatoid arthritis can show up after youve been discharged for months. As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, the symptoms show up in ways that are easier to measure. NjY3MzZkOTJiNjlkNDAxYjViYjE1YzUxNDM4MjZlNDMwMDJjYWQ1ZDQ3MzRl If you are active and injure yourself and it takes an abnormally long time for your injury to heal, that can be a sign of RA also. 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. There are generally two pathways to become eligible for TDIU: Veterans with multiple conditions may have a combined rating which would make them eligible for TDIU. A frequent kind of arthritis in Veterans is degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), which is classified under Diagnostic Code 5003 as the result of joint overuse or injury. , contact the Cameron Firm, PC at 800-861-7262 or fill out the contact box on our website. 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. A family-owned business since 1985, our lawyers have helped thousands of veterans who are entitled to disability benefits get the highest disability rating they deserve for their service-connected joint pain and arthritis. However, the PACT Act does create a framework for adding and removing presumptive conditions and strengthening federal research on toxic exposure. It is up to veterans and their doctors to devise a treatment plan for arthritis. 60%: The veteran has severe incapacitating episodes four or more times per year. Rheumatoid arthritis often worsens over time. It is often easier to apply for an upgrade in rating than to create service connection after a long length of time. Lay evidence, or lay statements, can be written by the veteran or anyone who knows the veteran and can speak to their condition. 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. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Email: [hidden email], National Organization of Veterans Advocates. Depending on the combined rating of your disabilities, the bilateral factor can bump you up to a rating of 80% or more. Since rheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative condition, you can have it reviewed every few years and apply for a change. considering multiple limitation of motion evaluations for a joint pain and multiple limitation of motion evaluations for a joint example 1: compensable limitation of two joint motions example 2: compensable limitation of one motion with pain in another example 3: noncompensable limitation of two motions with pain RA can come in all levels of No combined rating will apply. OTM5ZWUwOWQ3MTgxZWZlMmY5OWYwMzU0MTIyYzI0MTNhY2FiYTRhNmEyZDBi All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Most of your joints are filled with a fluid called synovial fluid. OWQ4NTA5NjFkMGFiZGMzNjkxZGQwMWZkOTA5NzVlYWE3YTQ3Y2M5MDU5NDMx In any case, a lower-ranking for Veterans is not uncommon. Although there are many types of arthritis, the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this case, the bodys immune system allows foreign cells to thrive and accidentally targets beneficial cells that would typically fight off pleural diseases. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Rheumatoid arthritis, another common condition among veterans, is an autoimmune disease. However, both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. 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). There are two main types of arthritis: degenerative arthritis and, When you have scoliosis, it means that your spine has an abnormal curvature. 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. Hand osteoarthritis (OA) happens when the cartilage in the finger bones wears down where two bones meet. Odd jobs (marginal employment), dont count. VA Disability Ratings for Rheumatoid Arthritis VA rates rheumatoid arthritis under Diagnostic Code 5002. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. 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. Your knuckles on both hands might begin by aching and swelling. Under Diagnostic Code 5002, the VA rates your rheumatoid arthritis case based on the following: 100%: The veteran's rheumatoid arthritis results in incapacitation. talal al hammad wealth; . For instance, which pages you go to most. eyJtZXNzYWdlIjoiMDlhNTFlMzMwZjNiMmRlYWZkMTFlZWVkMmVmNzY3NmI0 The bill added 23 burn pitandtoxic exposure-related conditions to VAs presumptive list for covered veterans: At this time, rheumatoid arthritis is not included on the list of presumptive conditions for burn pit and other toxic exposure. All Rights Reserved. The percentage of Americans with arthritis is expected to increase to one in four or around 25% by 2040. 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. As such, rheumatoid arthritis is categorized an autoimmune disease. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Amanda earned her Associates degree in Criminal Justice and hopes to use that knowledge, combined with her work experience, to make a difference. The clear diagnosis from a doctor is the most important part of getting VA benefits for autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Facebook 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. YzE4MzliMjk3MDRjZDMwNjc5MTkyOTUwMDA3MjI1NGE0ODE3Y2NmNDg1N2E5 Toxins released by military burn pits can be the cause of such environmental factors. We use this information for confidential communication only and never for marketing purposes. Physicians should be using a goniometer to get exact measurements for your joints range of motion. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. VA Disability Rating for Arthritis in Hands Joint pain and arthritis in the hands is a common condition faced by veterans. VA Disability Rating for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Total Disability / Individual Unemployability for Arthritis and Joint Pain Conditions (TDIU), VA Disability Rating for Arthritis in Hands, VA Disability Ratings for Knee Joint Pain and Arthritis. MWRmZTM2OTgzNWQ0MzgzMDVjMmJhZDM4OTliNGY1OGU2ZTZlN2IyMTliZTJj Your knuckles on both hands might begin by aching and swelling. Here is a video explaining how the VA combined ratings table works from one of our Veterans Disability Lawyers. A 100 percent VA disability rating can be given if the medical condition results in the veteran becoming bedridden or completely incapacitated. Rheumatoid arthritis can be evaluated up to 100 percent if it results in complete incapacitation, such as causing the veteran to be bedridden. Generated by Wordfence at Sun, 5 Mar 2023 0:15:18 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. 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. Arthritis is the painful swelling of one or multiple joints. That goes to show how hard it is to pinpoint a cause. Some people may experience the following symptoms: If the inflammation caused by RA goes unchecked, it can cause damage to cartilage and to the bones. Arthritis is the most common disability and affects 52.5 million adults in the United States, or one in every five. YzJkYjI0MDE1ZDUxYmI2NzRlOTA5NTNkNjcyMGYwYjRiMjMyNmZkZGY3MjYz In this case, the immune system does not function properly and attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 During the exam, the examiner may physically exam the joints which have been affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 We have updated our Privacy Policy. NGE5MTE2NmZmOWVkMTRiMzlkOGMxNGUwY2MzNDY0M2Q1MTIyNDAxYTJlMDUw MjkzNTdjODAzYzdlNjM3YjcyZjNiYTExYmM2YzVjYzYzYzc0YzY0OGE3ZDJi If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If only one joint or joint group is affected and there is evidence of painful motion, you will receive a 10% . Sometimes people have improved movement and fewer flare-ups which results in losing some of their VA benefits. In this case, a different disability that is now service-connected would have to be the cause of your arthritis. Typically, the spine forms a curvature in the lower back and at the top of the shoulders., If you experienced a back injury during active duty, or an injury that later contributed to back pain, you may be eligible for disability benefits. TDIU is the equivalent of a 100% disability rating, entitling you to the same amount of compensation each month. As mentioned above, environmental factors have been identified as a potential trigger for rheumatoid arthritis. The veteran may also use a DBQ, or Disability Benefits Questionnaire, to bolster their claim. By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog.