Below are some common examples of shoulder and arm conditions: Generally speaking, VA rates shoulder and arm conditions under both 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System and 4.73, Schedule of Ratings Muscle Injuries. These cookies do not store any personal information. These symptoms can be extremely painful, and they can most definitely contribute to the VAs rating of your disability. Range-of-motion testing is one of the main ways the VA determines the severity of your orthopedic disability and therefore what rating you'll receive. SECTION IV - INITIAL RANGE OF MOTION (ROM) MEASUREMENTS. To file for disability, youll need to submit your documentation to the RO where it will be reviewed. 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. Veterans who undergo shoulder surgery may be eligible for a temporary total rating based on convalescence. Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)so you can increase your rating FAST! The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. VA will consider the information you provide on this questionnaire as part of their evaluation in processing the veteran's claim. A decision maker at the VA will review all of the evidence in your claim, including the C&P report, and decide your shoulder pain VA rating. What Veterans Need to Know About Osteoarthritis? Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 2. They will not treat your upper arm or prescribe pain killers, but they may take X-rays to determine if the cuff tear was partial-thickness or full-thickness, a malunion, etc. Function: Elevation and abduction of arm to the level of the shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of the arm. There are a few principles the VA uses in determining disability ratings that apply to shoulder conditions. Under the painful motion rule, the minimum compensable rating of 10% must be assigned. Tendons are rated on how they affect the motion of the connected joint (s). Those two bones form a right angle at your shoulder and are connected by your scapula, also known as your shoulder blade. We have updated our Privacy Policy. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. Frequent aches and pains can add to the severity of a musculoskeletal disability in addition to problems with range of motion. You can use your service medical records, military records, and a personal statement to prove your shoulder injury occurred while you were serving. If youve served in the military, the VA offers you a variety of aid programs and benefits. For instance, if you can still shrug your shoulder but not move your arm, youll get a different rating than if you could not move your shoulder at all. There are a few requirements you must meet in order to qualify for VA disability payments. During this procedure, a VA doctor will examine your injuries. After the first year, youll receive a permanent disability rating based on your level of function once youre fully healed. Sometimes, though, increases in the severity of your symptoms can be more unpredictable. How will my torn tendon be rated? They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] Going back to the example, if a shoulder disability started after service, the veteran's current doctor should confirm that service-related activities contributed to the current disability. 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. Bursitis could also be related to other disabling conditions like Diabetes, tendonitis, gout, or arthritis. 4. The most common cause of bursitis is injury or repetitive use. If youre unhappy with the decision on your VA rating for shoulder pain, you have the right to file to overturn the VAs decision. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The minimum permanent rating for a shoulder replacement is 30 percent for a dominant arm and 20 percent for a non-dominant arm, but you could get a rating as high as 50 or 60 percent, depending on your condition. Once youve had this injury, you may find that youre prone to dislocating that joint over and over again. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 5237 - Lumbosacral or cervical strain: This diagnostic code applies to veterans experiencing general pain in their cervical or thoracolumbar spine. The Foot The Shoulder Girdle and Arm If you have a disability claim with the VA that you would like to appeal, please contact our team at (888) 682-0786 to schedule a free case evaluation. - Your patient is applying to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability benefits. If you have to have a shoulder replacement, the VA will place you on100 percent disabilityfor the first year after the surgery and you will get a code of 5051. The VA disability rating for shoulder impingement is usually rated either as an impairment of the clavicle or scapula OR limitation of motion of the arm. VA may request a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to examine the veterans shoulder or arm condition. If there are occasional periods of weakness, pain, or limited motion then the condition should be rated analogously either under Diagnostic Code 5002 (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis) or 5203 (i.e., impairment of the clavicle or scapula), whichever most closely describes the veterans symptoms. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. The Schedule of Ratings for the musculoskeletal system is found at, , and it contains numerous subcategories. The VA's painful motion rule entitles a veteran to a 10% rating even if they don't meet the specific diagnostic criteria as . 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. Once service connection is granted, VA will assign a disability rating based on the severity of the veterans condition. If you have more than one condition affecting your shoulder, might be able to get a disability rating for all of those conditions. Some veterans may not be aware that VA disability ratings can be assigned for shoulder-specific impairments and painful motion like rotator cuff tears, bursitis, and more. In some cases though, such as the case of a right shoulder impingement syndrome, it may rate higher. Pes Planus is a condition of the foot in which the arches on the inside of your foot are flattened, allowing the entire sole of your foot to touch the, VA Benefits: Depression Secondary to Chronic Pain While we often think of the physical injuries and illnesses that can result from military service, it's also important to consider the ways, 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. An unfavorable opinion will not. We should look over your case to see if we can present your case in such a way to get 100% TDIU if you cant work. To obtain an official measurement of range of motion, the examiner will typically use a tool called a goniometer. Proving the link between your service and an in-service event or injury will be the most difficult part of getting the VA to award you a shoulder pain VA rating. Payments for ratings of 30 percent and above depend on whether you have a dependent spouse and/or children. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. The VA may use several ratings schedules in combination when rating rotator cuff injuries. OA is the most common type of arthritis, the inflammation of joints. Specifically, the VA examines ranges of motion for the cervical spine, or the neck and upper back, and the thoracolumbar spine or lower back. Before we dive into all of the VA disability rating codes for shoulder injuries, lets go over some basic anatomy of the shoulder, beginning with your bones. Payment amounts vary depending on factors like the number of dependents. Function: Upward rotation of scapula; elevation of the arm above shoulder level. Some veterans may not be aware that VA disability ratings can be assigned for shoulder-specific impairments and painful motion like rotator cuff tears, bursitis, and more. In this video, we'll be discussing VA Disability for limited range of motion and loss of use claims. There are also a range of other diseases, injuries, and conditions that can impact your shoulder function. The attorneys at Berry Law Firm are dedicated to helping injured Veterans. 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. VA Ratings for Back Pain range from 10 percent to 100 percent, with breaks at 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, and 50 percent.All ratings are rounded to the nearest 10th, and standard tendonitis is given a 10% minimum rating. However, many different conditions could be causing your shoulder pain, including: These conditions can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reaching for items, combing your hair, or even putting on a shirt. Email: [hidden email], National Organization of Veterans Advocates. In order to qualify, the person will need a rating of 100%. Using a measurable metric like range of motion (ROM) makes it easier for the VA to accurately assess a Veterans level of disability. To determine the extent to which your musculoskeletal disability affects your range of motion, youll need to visit a doctor and get your condition evaluated. Pro Tip: In accordance with the Painful Motion principle, if you have pain upon flexion or abduction of your shoulder, the VA is required to award the minimum compensable rating for the condition, which is 10%. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. Your deltoid muscles extend down from your scapula and clavicle to the upper part of your humerus. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 Alternatively, they might suffer from more stiffness and loss of range of motion throughout the day. This can be difficult because the symptoms limiting functional loss are not usually related to range of motion. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. These receive a code of 5203. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 But one of the biggest sources of aid for many veterans is the VA disability program. The Schedule of Ratings for the musculoskeletal system is found at 38 C.F.R 4.71a, and it contains numerous subcategories. Stiffness and loss of range of motion can pop up due to consistent use of a certain muscle group or body part. The VA assigns a percentage rating for disabilities stemming from limited use of shoulder muscles according to severity. They may test your range of motion and look for muscle weakness. Further movement beyond that is coded differently and will receive ratings based on how severe the limitation is. The VA is looking for the impact that your disability has on your life on your ability to work, maintain relationships with family and friends, and carry out simple tasks. You're not alone. Veterans who have a disability resulting from a shoulder injury during service may be entitled to VA benefits. Intrinsic muscles of shoulder girdle: (1) Supraspinatus; (2) infraspinatus and teres minor; (3) subscapularis; (4) coracobrachialis, 5305 Group V. Function: Elbow supination (1) (long head of biceps is the stabilizer of shoulder joint); flexion of the elbow (1, 2, 3). How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! The joint should allow the arm to move in multiple directions without any pain. If your claim has been approved, you will be given a specific disability rating between ten and 100 percent. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Applying for VA benefits years after service 1. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices Not being able to use your shoulder can affect your ability to work and limit daily life. Attorney Gang is frequently in the news with commentary on issues affecting veterans. Many Different Conditions Could Be Causing Your Shoulder Pain, 2. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. This means that you have a current shoulder condition caused or worsened by an event or injury during your military service. At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process, so you can get the rating and compensation youre owed by law. In addition to shoulder dislocations, this code can also cover any injury to the humeral bone, including the humerus itself, the humeral head that sits inside your scapula, or the humeral neck that connects the two. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). 38 CFR 4.71a Diagnostic Code 5200 Scapulohumeral articulation, ankylosis of: 38 CFR 4.71a Diagnostic Code 5201 Arm, limitation of motion of: Recurring pain when using your shoulder (e.g., lifting, pushing, etc. Per the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), you have several options to fight the decision: The VA will rate rotator cuff surgery based on the severity of the pain and the thickness rotator cuff tears, often around 10 20%. Some shoulder injuries may require surgery. They are rated at 20 percent for either arm and regardless of severity. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Shoulder replacements are evaluated under Diagnostic Code 5051. The disability rating assigned also depends on whether the veteran's dominant (higher evaluation) versus nondominant (lower evaluation) arm is affected. Random flare-ups are common in musculoskeletal disabilities, making each day a different experience for Veterans with these conditions. Flexor muscles of elbow: (1) Biceps; (2) brachialis; (3) brachioradialis. Strain and disabilities to the shoulders are common during deployment, training, and combat. Finally, veterans must show a connection between in-service injury or disease and the present disability. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 Bursitis is defined as inflammation and swelling of a fluid-filled sac called the bursae; typically this leads to thickening and pain in the area. If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability that limits your range of motion, you are entitled to disability compensation. You may also get cancer or other tumors in your shoulder that are a result of your military service. What Causes Bursitis of the Shoulder in Veterans? You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, You have a medical diagnosis for your shoulder, and youre experiencing current symptoms, You experienced an event, injury, or illness while you were serving that caused or aggravated your shoulder pain (either directly or indirectly). Or rate on impairment of the function of the contiguous joint. They stretch and contract during movement. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lawyers 6940 O St, Suite 400 Lincoln, NE 68510. The amount that the severity of an injury can vary sometimes makes it difficult for the VA to accurately assess and rate a disabled Veteran with a musculoskeletal condition. 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. For example, a veteran can be entitled to multipledisability ratings for a knee conditionif they experience instability in addition to limitation of motion. Shoulders are incredibly complex, composed of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The information you obtain on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. If a veterans shoulder or arm condition results in an amputation, then it will be rated differently. Even if you did not lose your shoulder and/or arm, it's still possible you can't use . 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. For example, a veteran would need to show diagnosis and treatment records for a medical condition, such as a shoulder disability. VA disability is awarded because you were injured while serving, regardless of the glory of the job. document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) PTSD Lawyers | Berry Law Firm. Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and therefore not getting the compensation theyre due. 3. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 The likeliest response from VA will be to schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam eventually for service-connected VA compensation. Appeals to the Board of Veterans Appeals, Appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Increase Veterans Affairs Disability Rating, Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), VA Mental Health: Legal Help for Veterans, Veterans Affairs Compensation for Sleep Apnea, VA Rating for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Symptoms, 2023 Veterans Affairs Disability Rate Increase. The examiner will look for how your shoulder functions when you move your arm and how far you can move before you feel pain. Separate ratings occur when there is another distinct manifestation of a disability that is not currently rated. 20 / 20% - at shoulder level. How do I apply to receive my ratings? By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Before we get to a full-blown tear, lets talk about why its so frequent among veterans. Factor #2: Instability. And you must be able to provide a medical nexus linking your condition to the in-service event that caused it. Exercises such as Lateral Neck Flexion and Neck Rotations will help relieve neck pain and the other issues caused by poor posture and a shortening of the . document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? They use the rules of the VASRD to determine that rating. If your shoulder is damaged in such a way that its held together by soft tissues instead of bones, youll get a rating of either 50 percent or 40 percent. If you injure the bones in your shoulder badly enough, you may need to have ashoulder replacement. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 This is why workers compensation claims may be filed even though the surgery was actually a result of a problem that one experienced in the service. Random flare-ups are common in. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! 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. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. We advocate for the disabled. 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. Is range of motion the only thing VA considers or do they actually look at what you can and cannot do for daily living purposes? If you have another service-connected disability that led to your shoulder condition, you may qualify for disability compensation via secondary service connection. A full description of the events that led up to the shoulder pain and limitation of motion. After the exam, the examiner will use the findings to issue an opinion, which will either be favorable or unfavorable. The VASRD gives rating rules for conditions based on their symptoms, treatment options, and the resulting level of disability they cause. This could be something like a shoulder dislocation that occurred during a training exercise. Va disability rating for shoulder labral tear. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. 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 ). These injuries are coded 5202. Here is our video explaining VA math for combined VA disabilities. If you file a Fully Developed Claim for your shoulder condition, you can expect to wait about 110 days for the VA to decide on your VA disability rating for shoulder pain (as of August 2022). . The code also takes into account whether the dominant or non-dominant side is affected. Your clavicle can also dislocate from your scapula at your acromioclavicular joint. Applying for VA Benefits Years After Service: Is It Allowed? Whether your shoulder issues started immediately after leaving the military or decades later, you may be eligible for disability compensation. Learn what youve been missingso you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE! 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. But if you lost a whole arm, your impact will obviously be much more drastic. You may also injure your clavicle or scapula in the line of duties. Where there are additional disabilities rated 50% or 100%, or anatomical or loss of use of a third extremity see 38 CFR 3.350 (f) (3), (4) or (5). Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. 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. 1115) Expand Table Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. In this specific post well cover the Rotator Cuff and we will also discuss bursitis briefly as it can lead to rotator cuff injuries. elbow . Injuries to the shoulder and arm commonly occur while performing both combat and non-combat duties during service. Degenerative disc disease PO Box 96503Dept. Relevant disabilities should be documented in military service treatment records. Under each category is a list of. The first is medical evidence of a current disability. If youve lost your humeral head entirely, a condition known as flail shoulder, youll get a disability rating of 80 percent for a dominant arm or 70 percent for a non-dominant one. If your shoulder aches from time to time when it rains, youre likely to get 10 percent disability. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! 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. For example, a veteran cannot receive two disability ratings to compensate them for their back pain caused by a single condition.14:05. Our monthly newsletter features about important and up-to-date veterans' law news, keeping you informed about the changes that matter. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. All Rights Reserved. Any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of 3.105(e) of this chapter. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Joint pain can also be a factor that can increase the severity of a Veterans disability. In contrast, pyramiding is a practice prohibited by VA, and refers to when a veteran has two disability ratings for a single manifestation of their disability. Our lawyers are committed to helping veterans get disability compensation. They may inquire into the details of your arthroscopic surgery and the pain levels that youve experienced since. For instance, the Painful Motion principle states that if you have any pain when you move the joint, you are entitled to the minimum disability rating for that body part. Ratings for these codes can range from 10 to 20 percent, depending on your injury. Each measurement is rounded to the nearest five degrees. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. Your trapezius muscles extend from your neck down to your clavicle, and your serratus magnus muscles run along the upper part of your ribs into your armpit. 21-0960M-12. 4 years + 1 604 Capital Orthopedic jobs available on Indeed Orthopaedic care provided at office locations and . Unfavorable, abduction limited to 25 from side: Intermediate between favorable and unfavorable: Favorable, abduction to 60, can reach 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).