Va Rating For Arthritis In KneeDiseases of the synovial joints, such as OA or rheumatoid arthritis, are due to destruction of articular cartilage and bony changes such as osteophyte formation. The presence of pain would qualify for a minimum 10% per knee. Lower ratings may be given for occasional incapacitating episodes. 71a, DC 5002, Arthritis rheumatoid. To this extent, an increased rating is warranted. Under the VA disability rating system, you can claim bone pain as the primary service connection and tendonitis as the secondary. Ratings for knee conditions abide by a diagnostic code and are usually based on range of motion and a C&P examination. You may be rated zero percent in one knee and ten percent in the other knee. For knee pain, a 30% schedular rating indicates that the following symptoms are present: frequency, severity, duration, and impairment or loss of function. A Veteran with arthritis might receive either a 10 or a 20 percent rating, depending on the specifics of their condition. Yes, says a new VA study. The VA rates arthritis under diagnostic. The higher the rating, the greater the pain or mobility issues in the knee. As a result, regional offices around the. Have your doctor specifically use this language when he/she explains your limitations due to knee arthritis. Meniscus issues are also a common factor in disability ratings for the knee. On 30 November 2020, the VA published a final rule effective 7 February 2021, to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities (“VASRD” or “rating schedule”) by revising the portion of the rating schedule that addresses the musculoskeletal system. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. The VA Rating Schedule for Meniscus and Similar Knee Issues Meniscus injuries are evaluated under DC 5258 and DC 5259. Yes, says a new VA study. Rheumatoid arthritis levels of rating are under Diagnostic Code 5002; degenerative arthritis levels are under Diagnostic Code 5003. 71a, Schedular Ratings, Musculoskeletal System. In this Section This section contains the following topics: Topic Topic Name See Page 1 General Information on Musculoskeletal Conditions 4-A-2 2 Nomenclature of Digits 4-A-9 3 Congenital Conditions 4-A-11 4 Rheumatoid Arthritis 4-A-12 5 Degenerative Arthritis 4-A-17 6 Limitation of Motion in Arthritis Cases 4-A-19 7 Osteomyelitis 4-A-22 8 Exhibit 1: Examples of Rating Decisions for. Many veterans are so disabled by their knee arthritis that they are unable to work. A joint affected by arthritis established by x-ray may be evaluated as 10-percent disabling under. Instead, the code that can offer the higher rating is used. If you have bilateral arthritis of the knee, they will rate you per knee based on the progression of the disease. One commenter requested that VA include more medical diagnoses synonymous with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and arthritis because, in the commenter's view, claims processors are inconsistent with acknowledging other similar conditions/diagnoses that are not specifically labeled as IVDS, arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD). The most common rating VA assigns for limitation of flexion of the knee is 10 percent, although the highest rating a veteran can receive is 30 percent. Overview. Dahl assessed primary osteoarthritis of the left knee, injury of the left knee, subsequent encounter, and indicated that a steroid injection was administered in Ms. Where there are additional disabilities rated 50% or 100%, or anatomical or loss of use of a third extremity see 38 CFR 3. Va Disability Ratings For Knee Joint Pain And Arthritis Knee pain is rated by the VA under various diagnostic codes depending on the condition causing the pain. 71a, Schedular Ratings, Musculoskeletal System. Subpart B - Subpart B - Disability Rating. Knee Conditions Recognized by VA Knee pain is rated under different diagnostic criteria according to 38 CFR § 4. The criteria are: 50% -flexion limited to 45. VA makes no change based on this comment. If the residuals are “intermediate”,. Notice, above, in DC 5055 that there is NO 10% rating level for a partial or total knee replacement. SC (PTE INC) 5003 Degenerative arthritis, right knee, x-ray evidence only 0%. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow,. The meniscus is cartilage that acts as a shock absorber. He reasoned that the Veteran has bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees, which was mild and consistent with his age. VA assigns a 0, 10, 20, or 30 percent disability rating for this knee condition based on the amount of instability present in the knee. The VA will rate knee pain and conditions under many different diagnostic codes, depending on the specific problem, or problems, caused by a knee condition. For common joint conditions that are not rated under the arthritis criteria such as a knee strain or chondromalacia patella, a 10 percent evaluation can be assigned for the joint based on pain on motion under 38 CFR 4. The criteria for a rating of 30 percent and no higher for left knee tricompartmental osteoarthritis with lost motion have been met throughout the period on appeal. Instead, the code that can offer the higher rating is used. Jul 15, 2022. This combines to a 40 percent rating (see 38 C. To complicate things, some Veterans may not report an injury at the time that it occurred. As the Mayo Clinic notes, “osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Ankylosis of the Knee - Diagnostic Code 5256. A score of 100% means that a veteran is unable to work or care for themselves. For example, there are ratings available for instability of the knee, limitation of extension, knee replacements, etc. Understand that zero percent is still a rating and that rating can be increased in the future. According to our data, 8/10 ( 80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA… This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. VA Disability Ratings for Knee Joint Pain and Arthritis. If arthritis of your knee if proven by x-ray that should be 10 percent 2trill4925 1,833 58 Jul 20, 2014 #3 The first thing you need to find out is if this was deemed a worsening of the original condition or an intercurrent injury. Major joints include the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle while minor joints include toes, fingers, spine, and sacroiliac. For one (1) year after your partial or total knee replacement, you should be rated at 100%. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. A doctor’s physical exam and electromyogram (EMG) that confirms a radicular condition serve as bases for ratings. If VA discovers that the veteran has a normal range of motion but experiences pain, VA will then refer to Diagnostic Code 5003 for arthritis. The VA uses a general rating formula called the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating. VA Disability for knee pain can range from 10 to 30% in the interim, depending on the severity of the injury, with a 20% interim break. Any rating under this code cannot be combined with ratings for degenerative arthritis or limited motion in the same joints. If the VA rates you at 10% following a partial or total knee replacement, they are wrong, and you should consider challenging that rating with a Notice of Disagreement. Dahl assessed primary osteoarthritis of the left knee, injury of the left knee, subsequent encounter, and indicated that a steroid injection was administered in Ms. The VA Rating Schedule for Meniscus and Similar Knee Issues Meniscus injuries are evaluated under DC 5258 and DC 5259. He reasoned that the Veteran has bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees, which was mild and consistent with his age. On 30 November 2020, the VA published a final rule effective 7 February 2021, to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities (“VASRD” or “rating schedule”) by revising the portion of the rating schedule that addresses the musculoskeletal system. VA requires that limitation of motion be confirmed by observations such as swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. Dec 30, 2022. For common joint conditions that are not evaluated under the arthritis criteria such as a knee strain or chondromalacia patella, a 10-percent evaluation can be assigned for the joint based on pain on motion under 38 CFR 4. Va Disability Ratings For Knee Pain. In order to receive disability benefits from the VA for knee pain, you will need to receive at least a 10 percent disability rating after filing your claim. How does Lo plan to respond to patients' questions about crepitus in light of the findings?. Osteoarthritis can manifest from mildly disabling to almost complete impairment, and will be rated by the VA accordingly once service connection is proven. For common joint conditions that are not rated under the arthritis criteria such as a knee strain or chondromalacia patella, a 10 percent evaluation can be assigned for the joint based on pain on motion under 38 CFR 4. Knee Conditions Recognized by VA Knee pain is rated. However, arthritis can describe about 100 diseases and conditions impacting the joints and surrounding tissue. §§ 1155, 5103A, 5107 (West 2014); 38 C. Unfortunately, it is common for the VA to. A doctor’s physical exam and electromyogram (EMG) that confirms a radicular condition serve as bases for ratings. Generally speaking, VA rates this condition based on the range of motion that exists as the veteran moves their knee in that direction. For common joint conditions that are not evaluated under the arthritis criteria such as a knee strain or chondromalacia patella, a 10-percent evaluation can be assigned for the joint based on pain on motion under. The VA may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) examination to evaluate your arthritis and assign the appropriate rating. If the VA rates you at 10% following a partial or total knee replacement, they are wrong, and you should consider challenging that rating with a Notice of Disagreement. A rating for limited range of motion cannot be given in addition to either degenerative or rheumatoid arthritis. You may be rated zero percent in one knee and ten percent in the other knee. The VA rates Arthritis with Limitation of Range of Motion under the DC 5200 series, with VA ratings from 0 percent to 100 percent. For information on rating rheumatoid arthritis, see. Diseases of the synovial joints, such as OA or rheumatoid arthritis, are due to destruction of articular cartilage and bony changes such as osteophyte formation. If VA discovers that the veteran has a normal range of motion but experiences pain, VA will then refer to Diagnostic Code 5003 for arthritis. The VA rating for knee amputations is either 40% if there is still some knee function or 60% if the knee is removed or unusable. Check out our Knee and Lower Leg Conditions Ratings page for the exact codes and ratings. One of the most common health concerns among veterans is knee pain. 10% VA Rating for Arthritis: With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups 10%. 59 Do not apply instructions from Note (1) under 38 CFR 4. VA requires that. After that, the VA can rate in one of 2 ways: if the residuals are chronic, the rating will be 60%. On 30 November 2020, the VA published a final rule effective 7 February 2021, to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities (“VASRD” or “rating schedule”) by revising the portion of the rating schedule that addresses the musculoskeletal system. Diagnostic Code 5259 If the cartilage is removed, and there is pain or other symptoms in the knee, the condition is rated as 10 percent disabling. The lower levels basically depend on how many flare-ups you have in a year, while the higher levels assume. Diagnostic Code 5257 should be used to assign an additional 10% rating for instability of the knee. In sum, the veteran's right knee disorder may be assigned dual disability ratings consisting of a 10 percent rating for arthritis with limitation of motion, plus 10 percent for instability. These 40% and 60% ratings are related only to the point of amputation. However, it should be noted that some veterans have been given higher ratings based on the severity of their condition. After the knee injury was healed, you developed both chronic bone pain and tendonitis. The main joints of concern with OA are synovial joints, such as the hip and the knee, which are characterized by large amounts of motion. For common joint conditions that are not evaluated under the arthritis criteria such as a knee strain or chondromalacia patella, a 10-percent evaluation can be assigned for the joint based on pain on motion under 38 CFR 4. Arthritis is another cause of knee pain in veterans. The VA rates arthritis under diagnostic code 5002 (unless it is caused by gout or traumatic injury) at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 100% depending on severity. Rheumatoid arthritis can be evaluated up to 100 percent if it results in complete incapacitation, such as causing the veteran to be bedridden. Total Knee Replacements: If your knee disability becomes so severe that a total knee. To get a 30 percent rating, the knee must be so unstable that it gives out or dislocates on a regular basis. The research team notes that the great majority of cases of symptomatic arthritis—more than 75 percent—developed among those who did have some initial X-ray evidence of knee disease, even if they were not yet complaining of frequent pain or stiffness. Multiple ratings, however, cannot be given. VA rates rheumatoid arthritis under Diagnostic Code 5002. The VA rates Arthritis with Limitation of Range of Motion under the DC 5200 series, with VA ratings from 0 percent to 100 percent. VA assigns a 0, 10, 20, or 30 percent disability rating for this knee condition based on the amount of instability present in the knee. Understand that zero percent is still a rating and that rating can be increased in the future. There are 3 primary ways a veteran can get a VA disability rating for Knee Pain: #1: Direct Service Connection for Knee Pain with a rating of 10%, 20%, or 30%. VA Ratings for Arthritis Degenerative arthritis can receive the following disability compensation ratings from the VA*: 10%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis but are never incapacitating 20%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis and are occasionally incapacitating. He wrote a Diagnosis Update dated May 16, 2022, requesting the addition of left knee meniscus tear and left knee osteoarthritis as compensable conditions in Ms. 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. VA Ratings for Arthritis Degenerative arthritis can receive the following disability compensation ratings from the VA*: 10%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis but are never incapacitating 20%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis and are occasionally incapacitating. An arthritis VA rating can range from 10% to 100%. If you have bilateral arthritis of the knee, they will rate you per knee based on the progression of the disease. 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. See full list on vaclaimsinsider. All ratings are rounded to the nearest 10th, and standard tendonitis is given a 10% minimum rating. Rheumatoid arthritis can be evaluated up to 100 percent if it results in complete incapacitation, such as causing the veteran to be bedridden. Ratings for knee conditions abide by a diagnostic code and are usually based on range of motion and a C&P examination. Conjeski’s post-operative diagnoses were left knee medial meniscus tear and left knee osteoarthritis. The major joint rule states that when a veteran has arthritis of the knees, VA will perform the normal range of motion tests and determine a rating based on Diagnostic Codes. Knee pain is rated by the VA under various diagnostic codes depending on the condition causing the pain. While there is not a standalone DC for infectious arthritis, infectious arthritis may be evaluated under DCs 5004 through 5009, depending on the infection associated with the arthritic findings. ” Semilunar Cartilage is, basically, another word for “meniscus. How should the knee be rated for this Veteran (assuming degenerative arthritis, observable on x-ray): ANSWER: Diagnostic Code 5003-5260 (or 5010-5260) should be used to assign a 10% rating for the functional loss of use. Under the VA rating schedule, there is a standard 20% disability rating if there is x-ray evidence of involvement of two or more major joints, or minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. Overall, VA ratings for knee pain depend on various factors, such as: The type of knee injury. The noisy condition—when a joint makes audible grating, creaking, cracking, or popping sounds—has a fancy Latin medical name: crepitus. Experts aren't certain what causes crepitus, but it has been linked to bone spurs and other signs of osteoarthritis that show up on X-rays or MRI scans. On 30 November 2020, the VA published a final rule effective 7 February 2021, to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities (“VASRD” or. VA Knee Disability Rating: Is Knee Pain a VA Disability? Yes, Knee Pain is a VA. Ratings for knee conditions abide by a diagnostic code and are usually based on range of motion and a C&P examination. Generally speaking, VA rates this condition based on the range of motion that exists as the veteran moves their knee in that direction. The VA disability rating for knee tendonitis would reflect this. This means an in-service event, injury, or disease related to your military service caused you to develop Knee Pain. The major joint rule states that when a veteran has arthritis of the knees, VA will perform the normal range of motion tests and determine a rating based on Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261. One commenter asked if there was a DC for infectious arthritis. Any rating under this code cannot be combined with ratings for degenerative arthritis or limited motion in the same joints. The VA diagnostic code for rheumatoid arthritis is 5002. Skinner’s left knee. 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 major joint rule states that when a veteran has arthritis of the knees, VA will perform the normal range of motion tests and determine a rating based on Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261. The primary function of these joints is to. The VA uses a general rating formula called the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities to determine the specific percent rating. 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. Yes, says a new VA study. A VA disability rating for knee injuries and pain indicates a disability from one of these conditions. How will the VA rate my knee or lower leg conditions? The VA uses the rules of the VASRD to rate knee and lower leg conditions based on pain, limited motion, damage to the bones, diseases like arthritis, etc. Under the VA rating schedule, there is a standard 20% disability rating if there is x-ray evidence of involvement of two or more major joints, or minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. Percentages range from 10% to 100%. Once your knee condition is service connected, VA will assign a disability rating ranging between 0 and 100 percent. In VAOPGCPREC 9-98, VA's General Counsel reiterated that, if a veteran has a disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5257 for instability of the knee, and there is also x-ray evidence of arthritis, a separate rating for arthritis could also be based on painful motion under 38 C. Ratings for knee conditions abide by a diagnostic code and are usually based on range of motion and a C&P examination. For the purpose of rating disability from arthritis, the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle are considered major joints; multiple involvements of the interphalangeal, metacarpal and carpal joints of the upper extremities, the interphalangeal, metatarsal and tarsal joints of the lower extremities, the cervical vertebrae, the dorsal. VA assigns a 0, 10, 20, or 30 percent disability rating for this knee condition based on the amount of instability present in the knee. The RO has assigned separate disability ratings for the veteran's left knee disorder, 30 percent for instability and 10 percent for arthritis with limitation of motion. The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but. VA Disability Rating 40% Condition Arthritis rheumatoid (atrophic) as an active process with “less than criteria for 100% but with weight loss and anemia” with one or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis. 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. The criteria for a rating of 30 percent and no higher for left knee tricompartmental osteoarthritis with lost motion have been met throughout the period on appeal. 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. The scale the VA uses to rate rheumatoid arthritis has four tiers at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 100%. Experts aren't certain what causes. The VA rates Arthritis with Limitation of Range of Motion under the DC 5200 series, with VA ratings from 0 percent to 100 percent. VA assigns a 0, 10, 20, or 30 percent disability rating for this knee condition based on the amount of instability present in the knee. com/_ylt=AwrNY_yKP1dknZgwLwhXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1683468298/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fvaclaimsinsider. Yes, the VA ratings for arthritis are under two main categories: degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For knee pain, a 30% schedular rating indicates that the following symptoms are present: frequency, severity, duration, and impairment or loss of function. Total Knee Replacements: If your knee disability becomes so severe that a total knee. Dahl assessed primary osteoarthritis of the left knee, injury of the left knee, subsequent encounter, and indicated that a steroid injection was administered in Ms. The major joint rule states that when a veteran has arthritis of the knees, VA will perform the normal range of motion tests and determine a rating based on Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261. Multiple ratings, however, cannot be given. A Veteran with arthritis might receive either a 10 or a 20 percent rating, depending on the specifics of their condition. Ankylosis of the Knee – Diagnostic Code 5256. A score of 100% means that a veteran is unable to work or care for themselves. More serious and disabling knee injuries are assigned higher ratings. Degenerative Arthritis is quite common in veterans and is rated under Diagnostic Code 5003 with ratings between 10% and 20% depending upon X-ray. A 0 percent rating indicates that the VA did not find your condition to be severely disabling enough to warrant monthly compensation. Regrettably, the rating for knee disability are outdated and have not been updated for many years. Where there are additional disabilities rated 50% or 100%, or anatomical or loss of use of a third extremity see 38 CFR 3. One commenter asked if there was a DC for infectious arthritis. Painful motion in a joint is assigned a rating of 10 percent. Painful motion in a joint is. VA Disability for knee pain can range from 10 to 30% in the interim, depending on the severity of the injury, with a 20% interim break. Rheumatoid arthritis levels of rating are under Diagnostic Code 5002; degenerative arthritis levels are under Diagnostic Code 5003. Many veterans are so disabled by their knee arthritis that they are unable to work. Regrettably, the rating for knee disability are outdated and have not been updated for many years. Paraplegia with loss of use of both lower extremities and loss of anal and bladder sphincter control qualifies for subpar. Unfortunately, it is common for the VA to overlook information or make mistakes on arthritis claims. For the purpose of rating disability from arthritis, the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle are considered major joints; multiple involvements of the interphalangeal, metacarpal and carpal joints of the upper extremities, the interphalangeal, metatarsal and tarsal joints of the lower extremities, the cervical vertebrae, the dorsal. A Veteran with arthritis might receive either a 10 or a 20 percent rating, depending on the specifics of their condition. Military service often puts the body’s joints under repeated stress for long periods of time. Degenerative Arthritis is quite common in veterans and is rated under Diagnostic Code 5003 with ratings between 10% and 20% depending upon X-ray evidence as well as the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms. VA Disability for knee pain can range from 10 to 30% in the interim, depending on the severity of the injury, with a 20% interim break. To receive a 20% rating, two or more major joints or two or more groups of minor joints must have occasional incapacitating episodes. In late 2017, VA began a multi-year effort to revise and update the VASRD, or VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. As a result, regional offices around the country provide rating of only 10% to 20%. 73 - The Musculoskeletal System. The cyst and the arthritis would all be rated together under code 5003, degenerative arthritis, on how they affect the motion of the knees. The VA rates Arthritis with Limitation of Range of Motion under the DC 5200 series, with VA ratings from 0 percent to 100 percent. According to our data, 8/10 ( 80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA… This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. Rheumatoid arthritis levels of rating are under Diagnostic Code 5002; degenerative arthritis levels are under Diagnostic Code 5003. 25) for the overall left knee disability. Any arthritis no longer active or less severe than noted above is rated under code 5003 as degenerative arthritis. #5: Secondary Service Connection for Arthritis rated secondary to other musculoskeletal disorders with a rating of 10 percent or 20 percent. Skinner returned and reported no relief from the injection. Painful motion in a joint is assigned a rating of 10 percent. VA rates rheumatoid arthritis under Diagnostic Code 5002. Under the VA rating schedule, there is a standard 20% disability rating if there is x-ray evidence of involvement of two or more major joints, or minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. The most common rating VA assigns for limitation of flexion of the knee is 10 percent, although the highest rating a veteran can receive is 30 percent. If the residuals are “intermediate”, the VA should assign a minimum rating of 30% and look to DC 5256, 5261, or 5262 to see if you are entitled to a. Lower ratings may be given for occasional incapacitating episodes. Any arthritis no longer active or less severe than noted above is rated under code 5003 as degenerative arthritis. A doctor’s physical exam and electromyogram (EMG) that confirms a radicular condition serve as bases for ratings. A 0 percent rating indicates that the VA did not find your condition to be severely disabling enough to warrant monthly compensation. For one (1) year after your partial or total knee replacement, you should be rated at 100%. The research team notes that the great majority of cases of symptomatic arthritis—more than 75 percent—developed among those who did have some initial X-ray evidence of knee disease, even if they were not yet complaining of frequent pain or stiffness. com/diseasesofthemusculoskeletalsystem. Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. 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. Many veterans are so disabled by their knee arthritis that they are unable to work. The examiner noted there was no x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis dating back to 1980 and the x-ray evidence from the April 2011 VA examination indicates the onset of the condition. On the VA rating schedule, you will see the term “semilunar cartilage. After the knee injury was healed, you developed both chronic bone pain and tendonitis. One commenter requested that VA include more medical diagnoses synonymous with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and arthritis because, in the commenter's view, claims processors are inconsistent with acknowledging other similar conditions/diagnoses that are not specifically labeled as IVDS, arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD). Knee Conditions Recognized by VA Knee pain is rated under different diagnostic criteria according to 38 CFR § 4. How should the knee be rated for this Veteran (assuming degenerative arthritis, observable on x-ray): ANSWER: Diagnostic Code 5003-5260 (or 5010-5260) should be used to assign a 10% rating for the functional loss of use. After that, the VA can rate in one of 2 ways: if the residuals are chronic, the rating will be 60%. The VA rates knee pain as either 0% or 60%. References: for more information on pyramiding of evaluations, see 38 CFR 4. Additionally, injuries to knees, ankles, shoulders, and other joints are common, but not always reported every time such an injury occurs. According to diagnostic code 5024, tendonitis can be evaluated "as degenerative arthritis, based on the limitation of motion of affected parts. On 30 November 2020, the VA published a final rule effective 7 February 2021, to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities (“VASRD” or “rating schedule”) by revising the portion of the rating schedule that addresses the musculoskeletal system. #5: Secondary Service Connection for Arthritis rated secondary to other musculoskeletal disorders with a rating of 10 percent or 20 percent. Paraplegia with loss of use of both lower extremities and loss of anal and bladder sphincter control qualifies for subpar. On the VA rating schedule, you will see the term “semilunar cartilage. The cyst and the arthritis would all be rated together under code 5003, degenerative arthritis, on how they affect the motion of the knees. Have your doctor specifically use this language when he/she. It only provides that VA policy is to recognize actually painful motion as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint. If you’re dealing with knee pain, you’ll likely be rated from 10% to 30% for your knee disability (although you could be rated up to 100%), depending on the. If arthritis of your knee if proven by x-ray that should be 10 percent 2trill4925 1,833 58 Jul 20, 2014 #3 The first thing you need to find out is if this was deemed a worsening of the original condition or an intercurrent injury. If you have bilateral arthritis of the knee, they will rate you per knee based on the progression of the disease. VA Ratings for Arthritis Degenerative arthritis can receive the following disability compensation ratings from the VA*: 10%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis but are never incapacitating 20%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis and are occasionally incapacitating. VA Disability Rating 20% Condition Arthritis, degenerative (hypertrophic or osteoarthritis). If the cartilage frequently dislocates, causing pain, swelling, and locking in the knee, it receives a 20 percent rating. In order to receive disability benefits from the VA for knee pain, you will need to receive at least a 10 percent disability rating after filing your claim. The VA rates degenerative arthritis under Diagnostic Code 5003 and assigns either a 10% or 20% rating. To get a 30 percent rating, the. SC (VE INC) 5003-5201 Degenerative arthritis, right shoulder (dominant) 20% from 12-14-03 5260 Degenerative arthritis, right knee 10% from 12-14-03 COMB 30% from 12-14. For one (1) year after your partial or total knee replacement, you should be rated at 100%. " Under diagnostic code 5261, limitation of extension of the knee, VA assigns a rating based on how far the veteran can extend their knee outward. VA Disability Ratings for Knee Joint Pain and Arthritis Knee pain is rated by the VA under various diagnostic codes depending on the condition causing the pain. VA rates rheumatoid arthritis under Diagnostic Code 5002. In order to receive disability benefits from the VA for knee pain, you will need to receive at least a 10 percent disability rating after filing your claim.