Securing the right osteoarthritis VA rating is crucial for obtaining compensation and benefits.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. For veterans, osteoarthritis can significantly impact daily life, especially if the condition is linked to military service. In this guide, we’ll explore how the VA rates osteoarthritis, how to qualify for disability, and how the VA evaluates joint pain and arthritis in various parts of the body.
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What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to joint pain, swelling, and decreased movement. For many veterans, osteoarthritis may develop as a result of the physical demands of military service, including repetitive stress on the joints, injuries, or trauma.
When applying for VA benefits, veterans must understand how the osteoarthritis VA rating works and what is required to secure a disability rating based on joint pain and reduced function.
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Osteoarthritis VA Disability Rating
The VA uses a schedule of disability ratings to evaluate osteoarthritis, assigning percentages based on the severity of the condition and how much it limits a veteran’s ability to function. The osteoarthritis VA rating ranges from 0% to 100%, depending on the impact the condition has on daily activities and work capacity.
Generally, osteoarthritis is rated under degenerative arthritis, which is evaluated based on limited range of motion in the affected joints. The VA will measure how much the joint’s movement is restricted and assign a rating accordingly.
VA Disability Rating Scale for Osteoarthritis
The VA rates osteoarthritis (and arthritis in general) based on its impact on the range of motion and how much it limits a veteran’s daily activities. The rating scale for osteoarthritis depends on the specific joints involved and the severity of the condition. The ratings typically fall under Diagnostic Code 5003 (Degenerative Arthritis) or other codes related to the specific joints affected. Here’s a general breakdown of the VA’s osteoarthritis rating scale:
1. 10% Rating
- Assigned if x-ray evidence shows arthritis in two or more major joints or two or more minor joint groups without incapacitating episodes.
- Limited motion or mild pain in a joint that slightly affects function or mobility.
2. 20% Rating
- Given if there is x-ray evidence of arthritis in two or more major joints or two or more minor joint groups with occasional incapacitating episodes (e.g., flare-ups).
- Moderate limitation of motion in the affected joint(s), causing pain or restricted mobility, affecting daily activities like walking or lifting.
3. 30% Rating
- Assigned for severe limitation of motion in specific joints, such as severe arthritis in the hands, knees, or other joints that significantly restricts movement.
- Severe pain and stiffness, leading to more pronounced difficulty in performing daily tasks.
4. 40% to 50% Rating
- Generally reserved for more severe limitations where the veteran is unable to move the joint beyond a certain degree or if there is ankylosis (fusion) of the joint.
- In the case of spinal arthritis, if motion in the spine is severely restricted or results in other complications, a 40% to 50% rating may be given.
Spine-Specific Ratings (Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine)
For degenerative arthritis of the spine, ratings are often based on the range of motion:
- 10% to 20%: Limited flexion of the spine between 30 to 60 degrees or combined range of motion between 120 to 235 degrees.
- 30%: Flexion of the spine between 15 to 30 degrees.
- 40% to 50%: Flexion limited to less than 15 degrees or ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
Knees (Arthritis in Knees)
- 10%: Slight limitation of flexion (bending of the knee) to 45 degrees or more.
- 20%: Moderate limitation of flexion between 30 to 45 degrees.
- 30%: Severe limitation where flexion is limited to 15 to 30 degrees.
Hands and Feet (Arthritis in Hands or Feet)
- 10%: For mild pain, stiffness, or limitation in movement of hands or feet joints.
- 20% to 30%: Moderate to severe arthritis causing more significant functional loss, such as difficulty gripping, walking, or standing for extended periods.
The VA evaluates the condition based on how much pain and loss of function the veteran experiences and rates osteoarthritis accordingly.
VA Rating for Arthritis in Hands
For veterans suffering from arthritis in their hands, the VA will assess the degree to which joint pain and stiffness limit mobility. The va rating for arthritis in hands is typically based on how restricted the range of motion is, and whether or not the veteran has difficulty performing tasks such as gripping, lifting, or fine motor skills.
Veterans with severe cases of arthritis in the hands may qualify for a VA disability rating for arthritis in hands of up to 30% or higher, depending on the functional loss.
VA Disability Rating for Arthritis in Feet
If osteoarthritis affects your feet, the VA will evaluate how it impacts your ability to walk, stand, or bear weight. The VA disability rating for arthritis in feet depends on how much pain and limitation of movement you experience. Veterans who have difficulty walking due to osteoarthritis in their feet may receive a higher rating, especially if they require assistive devices like canes or braces.
Joint Pain VA Rating: How the VA Evaluates Joint Pain
The VA assigns a joint pain VA rating based on how limited your range of motion is in the affected joint while assessing for the osteoarthritis VA rating. Whether it’s in your hands, knees, back, or other joints, the VA will measure how much you can move the joint without pain and how the condition affects your ability to function. The more limited your range of motion, the higher your disability rating will be.
VA Rating for Arthritis in Knee
Knee arthritis is a common issue among veterans due to the physical demands of service. The VA rating for arthritis in knee conditions is determined by measuring the range of motion in the knee joint and the degree of pain or instability. Veterans with severe knee arthritis may have difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs, which can result in a higher VA disability rating.
In some cases, veterans with knee arthritis may qualify for a VA disability for arthritis in knees if they require surgery, such as knee replacement, or if their arthritis is particularly severe.
Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine VA Rating
Degenerative arthritis of the spine is another condition that the VA frequently evaluates. The degenerative arthritis of the spine VA rating is assigned based on the limitation of movement in the spine, including how much pain and stiffness affect your ability to bend, twist, or move. Veterans with limited spinal mobility due to degenerative arthritis may qualify for a higher VA rating, especially if the condition impacts their ability to work or perform daily activities.
The below image shows how the examiner will see how far you can bend without pain. The less you can bend the higher rating you would get.
VA Disability Rating for Arthritis in Back
Arthritis in the back can lead to significant pain and restricted mobility, affecting daily life and work. The VA disability rating for arthritis in back is determined by measuring how much movement is lost in the spine and how much pain is experienced during movement. Veterans with severe back arthritis that limits bending, lifting, or standing may qualify for higher ratings.
How to Strengthen Your VA Disability Claim for Osteoarthritis
If you’re seeking a higher osteoarthritis VA rating, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your claim is as strong as possible. Make sure you understand how to submit a VA claim.
1. Document Your Symptoms Thoroughly
Keep detailed records of how your osteoarthritis affects your daily life, including instances of pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Include notes on how your condition worsens with physical activity or over time.
2. Provide Medical Evidence
Submit medical records that document your diagnosis, including X-rays, MRIs, and physician notes. Be sure that your doctor clearly describes how your osteoarthritis limits your joint function.
3. Complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
A DBQ can be filled out by your doctor to outline the severity of your osteoarthritis in a way that aligns with VA disability rating criteria. This form allows the VA to easily understand the impact of your condition on your daily life and mobility. Though this is not required it can be helpful — though many doctors may not fill one out. No worries here though as the VA will give you a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam where a doctor will fill out the DBQ.
4. Describe Impact on Functionality
Clearly describe how osteoarthritis affects your ability to work, perform daily tasks, or engage in physical activities. The more detailed your description, the better the VA can assess the severity of your condition.
5. Consider a nexus letter
A nexus letter though is not required can help with connecting the claim to your military career if there is not documentation that you had the disability in the military.
Joint Pain VA Disability: Additional Conditions to Consider
In many cases, osteoarthritis can lead to additional joint pain in other areas of the body, such as the shoulders, hips, or wrists. Veterans may qualify for an Osteoarthritis VA Rating if their osteoarthritis causes significant pain in other joints. This could include conditions like bursitis, tendonitis, or additional degenerative joint issues.
