They can help you find a treatment plan or recommend you to an orthopedist. Veterans must (1) have a current, diagnosed shoulder or arm condition; (2) have experienced an event, injury, or illness during service; and (3) provide a medical nexus linking their shoulder or arm condition to their in-service event. <]>> Select factors that cause this functional loss. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. 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). Stiffness and loss of range of motion can pop up due to consistent use of a certain muscle group or body part. The Schedule of Ratings expresses range of motion in degrees, making it easy for disabilities to be rated and categorized. This means an in-service event, injury, or disease related to your military service caused you to develop Knee Pain. 0000000596 00000 n For example, a veteran would need to show diagnosis and treatment records for a medical condition, such as a shoulder disability. The examiner will usually either be a VA physician or a VA contracted physician. The second subset provides a more global picture of functional loss associated with repetitive use over time. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. If your musculoskeletal condition inhibits your range of motion significantly, you are more likely to receive a higher disability rating from the VA. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Claims involving both the cervical spine and the thoracolumbar spine are rated under the same general rating formula. Does procured evidence (statements from the Veteran) suggest pain, fatigability, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination which significantly limits functional ability with flare-ups? An unfavorable opinion will not. you viewed to avoid repetition. Can I get VA Disability for shoulder pain? The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for Knee Pain is to have objective medical evidence (X-Ray, MRI results, etc.) If ankylosed, is there involvement of Muscle Group XIII (posterior thigh group, hamstring complex of 2-joint muscles: (1) biceps femoris; (2) semimembranosus; (3) semitendinosus)? 12 Stretches to Help Relieve Tight Shoulders, Everything You Need to Know About Muscle Stiffness, What You Should Know About Primary Lateral Sclerosis. All of the criteria include severe, moderately severe, moderate, or slight and corresponds to a disability rating ranging from 0 to 40 percent. The primary adductors are: The Pectoralis major the Lattisimus dorsi. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Knee Pain include: To be eligible for a Knee Pain VA Rating, a veteran must meet three (3) criteria by law: If you think you have a knee condition, but dont have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA health facility nearest youto make an appointment right away! Did the veteran have pain on ROM? Please select all that apply and describe: 4A. 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. startxref To obtain an official measurement of range of motion, the examiner will typically use a tool called a goniometer. The rating number correlates with the monthly payment amount veterans are entitled to receive. Function: Depression of the arm from vertical overhead to hanging at the side (1, 2); downward rotation of scapula (3, 4); 1 and 2 act with Group III in forward and backward swing of the arm. Indeed good sir, ROM is all that matterssupposedly. This is a relatively common condition that can be caused by the tasks required of military members, including physical training, transporting supplies, or lifting heavy objects on a regular basis. 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.. 0000002843 00000 n That's why so many people turn to experienced law firms like Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law. However, when this is not feasible, an as clear as possible description of that loss should be provided. Ensure the security of your data and transactions USLegal fulfills industry-leading security and compliance standards. Veterans who are granted TDIU are paid at the one hundred percent rate, which is the highest form of compensation VA awards. Flexion endpoint (140 degrees): _____ degrees. DOI: Common conditions affecting range of motion, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4690598/, dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/FSA/forms/pdf/13-585a.pdf, medlineplus.gov/shoulderinjuriesanddisorders.html, Pendulum and Codman Exercises for Shoulder Rehabilitation. Like I had thought, they only gave me 20% for my shoulder. Circumference of atrophied side: _____ cm. Answer: No, your age cannot affect your service connected VA disability benefits! endstream endobj 354 0 obj <>/Metadata 25 0 R/PieceInfo<>>>/Pages 24 0 R/PageLayout/OneColumn/StructTreeRoot 27 0 R/Type/Catalog/Lang(EN-US)/LastModified(D:20100525154543)/PageLabels 22 0 R>> endobj 355 0 obj <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/ExtGState<>>>/Type/Page>> endobj 356 0 obj <> endobj 357 0 obj <> endobj 358 0 obj <> endobj 359 0 obj <> endobj 360 0 obj <> endobj 361 0 obj <> endobj 362 0 obj <>stream Minor knee pain usually responds well to self-care measures. So, if you cannot use the shoulder at all, sounds like you should get the maximum rating. Limita-tion of motion must be objectively confirmed These cookies do not store any personal information. The shoulder's anatomy is complex, but all the different moving parts allow a wide range of motion in the joint. Is the Veteran able to perform repetitive-use testing with at least three repetitions? xbbb`b``3 Right lower extremity (specify location of measurement such as 10cm above or below the knee): Circumference of more normal side: _____ cm. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For instance, under the subcategory for The Knee and Leg, there are eight diagnostic codes: Several of these disabilities are rated based on the degree of motion, but we will look specifically at limitation of extension for an example. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Examiners should also test the contralateral joint (unless medically contraindicated). Random flare-ups are common in musculoskeletal disabilities, making each day a different experience for Veterans with these conditions. From there, it is easy to see where each degree listed in the diagnostic code lies. Many activities in service, such as lifting heavy objects, transporting heavy supplies, or forms of physical training, can often cause shoulder and arm injuries. Function: Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. For example, a veteran can be rated for Knee Pain secondary to Hip Pain, among others. Types of body movements anatomy and physiology i. I am able to lift my arm to 80 degrees but cannot carry ANYTHING with my left shoulder/arm. document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) PTSD Lawyers | Berry Law Firm. If yes, what was the Extension degree endpoint (if different than above)? The VA rates knee conditions under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, DC 5257, Knee Impairment. Range of motion of a joint is gauged during passive ROM (assisted) or active ROM (independent)). If a condition is not directly listed on the Shoulder and Upper Arm Condition Ratings page, it is rated under the code that best describes it or its dominant symptom (hint: the majority will be rated as limitation of motion). Learn about causes of uneven hips, such as scoliosis. If yes, document the Veterans description of instability/ recurrent subluxation in his/her own words. The VA rates shoulder conditions based on how they affect the use of shoulders and arms. Over time, the joint disease results in decreased mobility of the joints. 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. In many cases, Veterans may find their claims denied even though their disabilities are related to their service in the military. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. The Schedule of Ratings for the musculoskeletal system is found at 38 C.F.R 4.71a, and it contains numerous subcategories. Thus, its possible for to get various conditions service connected Secondary to Knee Pain. Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscle to bone. Range of Motion We should then test the range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder in different directions. (2012). Shoulder range of motion. Favorable angle in full extension or in slight flexion between 0 and 10 degrees. The Schedule also provides charts to help assist with understanding what these degrees mean. When each qualifying joint motion is painful but motion is not actually limited to a compensable degree under its applicable 52XX-series DC, only one compensable evaluation can be assigned. VA Knee Disability Rating: Is Knee Pain a VA Disability? Since flare-ups can frequently make your symptoms worse, make sure that you do not accidentally give the VA the impression that your condition is milder than it is. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. 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. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the knee and/or lower leg? They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. 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 . Function: Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of the arm above shoulder level. Military disability ratings for elbow and forearm conditions. Additionally, after the exam, veterans should be sure to request that a copy of the examiners report be sent to them. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Flexion is a movement that decreases the angle between the two parts that the joint is connecting. Major joints include the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. Yes or no. Show each measured range of motion separately rather than as a continuum. C&P examiners are instructed to ask about both repetitive motion and flare-ups for musculoskeletal conditions. All rights reserved. Shoulder (Flexion - Extension) Left Left Abduction 150O Adduction 30O Extension 50O Flexion 150O Degrees . The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. The explanation should not be based on an examiners shortcomings or a general aversion to offering an estimate on issues not directly observed. The VA wants to . The VA uses the rules of the VASRD to rate shoulder conditions based on how they affect the ability to use the shoulder and arm. 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. 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. A normal range for abduction, starting with your palms at your sides, is around 150 degrees in a healthy shoulder. xb```b``a`a`` @1" P. Imagine your body is a cabinet, your arms are the cabinet doors and youre shutting the doors. 0 With OA, the tissues in the joint break down over time or have an alteration in their structure. Ratings will be decided by how much movement can occur around a joint or body part at a VA C&P exam for back pain. If you are still in the military, then you can request your military physician to refer you to the MEB and start the IDES process. SECTION III RANGE OF MOTION (ROM) AND FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION. Email: [hidden email], National Organization of Veterans Advocates. Is there ankylosis of the knee and/or lower leg? VA Range of Motion Chart for Back The code used for back and spine conditions are primarily based on range of motion (ROM) measurements, thoracolumbar strain, and the range of flexion and extension. Degenerative disc disease PO Box 96503Dept. Learn about the Normal Joint Range of Motion Study | CDC People with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease, may develop chronic joint disease from repeated bleeding into their joints. VA may request a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to examine the veterans shoulder or arm condition. Okay, lets jump into this Insiders Guide for getting a service connected disability rating for Knee Pain. Does procured evidence (statements from the Veteran) suggest pain, fatigability, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination which significantly limits functional ability with repeated use over time? The Schedule of Ratings lists disabilities under different categories based on the part of the body affected. With the help of an attorney, you can present additional evidence to the VA that can influence the VAs decision regarding your claim. Recurrent subluxation or instability: Unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes both an assistive device (e.g., cane(s), crutch(es), walker) and bracing for ambulation. endstream endobj startxref Yes or no. 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 rotator cuff is a network of four tendons that connect the humerus to the scapula. As anyone with musculoskeletal problems will know, your range of motion may vary from day-to-day. VA does not send copies of the report unless specifically requested, so in order to receive a copy, the veteran must request one. The experienced VA disability attorneys on our team understand how VA claims work and are dedicated to helping Veterans get the compensation they are entitled to. These symptoms can be extremely painful, and they can most definitely contribute to the VAs rating of your disability. If youre trying to increase your VA disability for knee pain, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant the higher rating criteria by law. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Please cite and discuss evidence. HWn}W4f rS2o& f0}q\,+_jJyM6{vw~f_~pdCsn3vni:l3|=;3%&v3a_N7/v>fv>m;^m ~_5YYY0m=:bd0n[m#h[d#. Alternatively, they might suffer from more stiffness and loss of range of motion throughout the day. Function: Stabilization of shoulder against injury in strong movements, holding the head of the humerus in the socket; abduction; outward rotation and inward rotation of the arm. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service memberUnfit for Duty. Return to Top Accurate Measurements ( 4.46): Measurements are essential to proper ratings. Limitation of extension for the knee is rated under diagnostic code 5261. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. This is Military service can lead to many types of bone and ligament damage. Many. The rules of the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) are used to assign rating percentages to conditions. VA Disability Ratings for Shoulder and Arm Conditions, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, 4.73, Schedule of Ratings Muscle Injuries, total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU), Common Shoulder and Arm Conditions Among Veterans, Compensation and Pension Exams (C&P) for Shoulder and Arm Conditions, Obtaining TDIU with a Shoulder or Arm Condition, 10 Most Common Disabilities for Veterans and How Theyre Rated, Recurrent dislocation of scapulohumeral joint. Veterans should provide copies of medical records detailing symptoms, treatment, and results. Our channel provides. VA Rating for Unfavorable Ankylosis of the Knee: What Are Some Common VA Secondary Conditions to Knee Pain? VA Disability Rating. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Any test results or medical imaging records will be important, as well. 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). What is the VA Knee Rating Chart? Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Hip flexion averages 110-120 degrees, extension 10-15 degrees, abduction 30-50 degrees, and adduction 25-30 degrees. (2014). Extrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Trapezius; (2) levator scapulae; (3) serratus magnus, 5302 Group II. xref 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. The VA Compensation & Pension Physical Examination County of Ventura Veteran Services Office Human Services Agency 855 Partridge Drive, Ventura, CA 93003 www.vchsa.org To make an appointment, call: 805-477-5155 Functional Loss - Disability of the musculoskeletal system is primarily the inability, due to damage or 2C. Range-of-motion exercises stretch stiff joints. On rest/non-movement causes functional loss (if checked describe in the comments box below), More movement than normal (indicate if there is nonunion of fracture), Interference with sitting Interference with standing, Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45 degrees or more. 2.1 ). 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. Many veterans leave the service with shoulder problems. Your doctor will diagnose a potential issue through a series of tests, which may include: If youre worried about the range of motion of your shoulder, you should mention the issue to your doctor. If the amputation involves the complete removal of the humerus only, it is rated at 90 percent. A normal range of motion for your shoulder depends on your flexibility and the overall health of your shoulder. The latter considers medical probability of additional functional loss as a global view. Frequent aches and pains can add to the severity of a musculoskeletal disability in addition to problems with range of motion. If your claim has been approved, you will be given a specific disability rating between ten and 100 percent. 0000006279 00000 n Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Pro Tip: Ankylosis is the immobilization of a joint due to disease, injury, or surgical procedure. At Veterans Disability Info, we can address any questions you may have about the claims or appeals procedure linked to your service-connected shoulder rating claims. tation of motion of the specific joint or joints in-volved is noncompensable under the codes a rating of 10 percent is for application for each such major joint or group of minor joints af-fected by limitation of motion, to be combined, not added under diagnostic code 5002. The VA knee rating chart is broken out into two separate categories based on Pain or Unfavorable Ankylosis.. There are several range-of-motion tests that a doctor would do to assess your shoulder: To file for disability through the VA, veterans need to establish a link between military service and the current disability. Rotator cuffs, dislocations, and poorly healed bones all contribute to long-term disabilities in veterans. Subsequent questions consider additional factors such as pain, fatigue, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination. It is my non-dominant shoulder. )cz+}+7TRExDwGneyI\y9iv~ 6> 5A. Function: Extension of the elbow (long head of triceps is the stabilizer of shoulder joint). After the exam, the examiner will use the findings to issue an opinion, which will either be favorable or unfavorable. The 10% rating is met when f lexion is . A favorable opinion will endorse the view that the shoulder or arm condition was caused by service. All Rights Reserved. Under each category is a list of diagnostic codes representing common disabilities of that body part. #2: Secondary Service Connection for Knee Pain with a rating of 10%, 20%, or 30%. However, as their joints warm up, they might have a more considerable degree of motion and be able to move and stretch more freely. Estimate range of motion in degrees for this joint immediately after repeated use over time based on information procured from relevant sources including the lay statements of the Veteran. Normal Range: Photo/Video: Shoulder Flexion: On the lateral surface of the glenohumeral joint, about 1 inch below the acromion process. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14526-musculoskeletal-pain, https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health-strategies/musculoskeletal-disorders/index.html. Arthritis, degenerative (hypertrophic or osteoarthritis). They use the rules of the VASRD to determine that rating. Spinal muscles: Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions). Is there evidence of pain? Gates DH, et al. Active motions are those that can be . If yes, is the frequent effusion a result of a diagnosis in Section I? Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. 0000003377 00000 n Here, learn how the VA rates shoulder injuries. For example, if the veteran lacks 10 degrees of full knee extension and has normal flexion, show the range of motion as extension to minus 10 degrees (or lacks 10 degrees of extension) and flexion 10 to 140 degrees. They said they considered the Deluca v. Brown case but it was not warranted. Your shoulder joint is a complex system made up of five joints and three bones: This system of joints and bones allows your shoulder to move in different directions. The experienced VA disability attorneys on our team understand how VA claims work and are dedicated to helping Veterans get the compensation they are entitled to. Extension is a movement that increases the angle between the two parts that the joint is connecting. Range of motion measurements for any body part should be clearly measured with a goniometer. After the one-year period, the condition is then given a permanent rating. 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. The following are a list of five sections and common questions asked at a VA C&P exam for Knee Pain, based on the DBQ for Knee and Lower Leg conditions. Veterans will need to be able to show that a condition is impacting their well-being and ability to work. 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. Relevant disabilities should be documented in military service treatment records. For example, a veteran can be entitled to multipledisability ratings for a knee conditionif they experience instability in addition to limitation of motion. Veterans who undergo shoulder surgery may be eligible for a temporary total rating based on convalescence. What if you went to your C&P examination on a great day with minimal symptoms? #34938Washington, D.C. 20090-6503, Phone: (888) 878-9350 Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Or rate on impairment of the function of the contiguous joint. In accordance with CFR Title 38, Part 4 How to Get a Knee Pain VA Rating: Basic Eligibility Criteria. The final diagnostic code for this rating will either look like 5051-5002 or 5051-5203, where the first four-digit code defines the condition as a shoulder replacement, and the second code tells how the condition is rated. Certain disabilities can correspond with a specific disability score from the VA. Once it ends, the 100 percent rating will continue for a period of 3 months (unless otherwise specified). We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. 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. Va range of motion chart for back fillable online ; ffxi skillchain chart 2012 . Physical therapy and knee braces also can help relieve pain. It could be coming from your latissimus dorsi. The question Does this ROM contribute to functional loss? asks if there is functional loss that can be ascribed to any documented loss of range of motion; and, unlike later questions, does not consider the numerous other factors to be considered. We have updated our Privacy Policy. What Veterans Need to Know About Osteoarthritis? VA Ratings for Shoulder Replacements Shoulder replacements are evaluated under Diagnostic Code 5051.