Va Rating For Mild Arthritis

Or if incapacitating episodes occur 3 or more times per year 60- If there is an overall decline in health but is short of.

Va rating for mild arthritis. Degenerative arthritis established by X-ray findings will be rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved DC 5200 etc. 5003 Arthritis degenerative hypertrophic or osteoarthritis. The following percentages are available under the rating criteria for rheumatoid arthritis. Good Day to All.

The VA has 3 ways to categorize this aspect when rating arthritis of the knee. The VA rating specialist will categorize instability of the joint in three ways. The VA assigns rating percentages based on the frequency of incapacitating episodes. To be rated at 10 percent for arthritis of the spine veterans must have X-ray evidence revealing two or more major joints or two or more groups of minor joints are afflicted by degenerative arthritis of the back.

If the VA Rater has been provided a claim with MRIX-Ray evidence of Degenerative Arthritis Osteoarthritis of the knees for example is a CP Exam for range of motion still required or can the rater assign a rating of 10 or 20 percent without a CP Exam. Slight 10 moderate 20 or severe 30. To receive a 20 percent rating for degenerative arthritis X-ray evidence must show that two or more major joints or two or more groups of minor joints have degenerative arthritis and produce occasional incapacitating episodes. The VA policy in this area includes a prohibition on combining ratings.

Have your doctor specifically use this language when heshe explains your limitations due to knee arthritis. The diagnostic code for rheumatoid arthritis is 5002. 20- One or two incapacitating episodes per year 40- If there is a definite decline in health. Several rating criteria affect the total rating decision.

One rating under code 5261 for limitation of extension straightening and another under code 5260 for limitation of flexion bending. To be rated at 10 percent for degenerative arthritis veterans must have X-ray evidence revealing two or more major joints or two or more groups of minor joints are afflicted by degenerative arthritis. 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. 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.

The VASRD allows for two ratings to be given for limited motion of the knee if the knee cannot bend AND cannot straighten all the way. 20 Rating Clear impairments to daily living and health diagnosed by a doctor or 3 or more incapacitating episodes a year. To receive a 20 percent rating for arthritis of the back X-ray evidence must show that two or more major joints or two or more groups of minor joints have degenerative arthritis of the back and produce occasional incapacitating episodes. 100 if you are completely incapacitated and are confined to staying in bed.

Additionally he should explain why your condition falls into that particular category. The VA Ratings Schedule for Rheumatoid Arthritis One or two painful flare-ups a year. However both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis can receive the following disability ratings from the VA.

The VA official site states that 20 and 10 ratings mentioned above cannot be combined with ratings based on limitation of motion. Slight 10 moderate 20 or severe 30 under Diagnostic Code 5257. The first rating system for Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System is Degenerative Arthritis. Under the schedule of ratings in the VA regulations arthritis may be rated under degenerative arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.