If you’re a Veteran and have been denied your full benefits or are seeking to increase your VA disability rating for Degenerative Arthritis, we’re here to help you fight back and win.
Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Degenerative Arthritis
Degenerative arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is one of the most common conditions among Veterans. In fact, over 2 million Veterans are currently receiving disability benefits for arthritis-related conditions, making it one of the top service-connected disabilities. This condition can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and a significant reduction in mobility, making it challenging for Veterans to perform everyday tasks or continue working. Getting an adequate VA rating for degenerative arthritis is critical to help you receive the benefits you deserve.
How We Help You Win Your Degenerative Arthritis VA Claim
Facing the discomfort of degenerative arthritis is difficult enough without having to go through months and often years of governmental red tape to get your benefits.
The VA system is designed to wear you down until you give up and go away, leaving you frustrated, angry, and worried about how you’re going to pay the bills.
At Tucker Disability Law, we specialize in helping Veterans understand and navigate the complexities of VA claims. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive accurate VA disability ratings for degenerative arthritis so you can start receiving the benefits you need.
We also know that you can’t wait years to get those benefits.
That’s why we specialize in winning cases at the Regional Office level, getting you the compensation you need in a fraction of the time it takes those other disability law firms.
No Upfront Costs
We believe in earning your trust through results. That’s why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you get paid.
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Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Degenerative Arthritis
How Veterans can get Degenerative Arthritis
There are several ways Veterans might develop degenerative arthritis. Some of the most common causes include:
- Aging: As you age, the wear and tear on your joints can lead to the breakdown of cartilage.
- Injuries: Joint injuries from military service, such as fractures or dislocations, can increase the risk of developing degenerative arthritis.
- Repetitive Stress: Jobs in the military that involve repetitive motions or heavy lifting can put extra strain on your joints, leading to this condition.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight can place additional pressure on your joints, especially the knees and hips, contributing to the development of arthritis.
How the VA Rates Degenerative Arthritis
The VA rates degenerative arthritis based on the severity of your symptoms and the impact on your daily life. The rating is determined by the limitation of motion in the affected joints, which is measured during a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam.
Here’s how it generally works:
- 10% Rating: If the motion in your joint is slightly limited, but you can still function relatively well, you may receive a 10% disability rating.
- 20% Rating: If the limitation of motion is more severe, causing significant pain and difficulty in performing daily activities, you could be rated at 20%.
- Higher Ratings: In some cases, where the condition is particularly disabling and affects multiple joints, higher ratings may be assigned. This could include conditions where the joints are so stiff that they can’t be moved at all.
Degenerative Arthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
It’s important to understand the difference between degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) and rheumatoid arthritis, as the VA rates them differently.
- Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis): This is a wear-and-tear condition that occurs over time as your joints age or after an injury. It typically affects one or more joints, such as the knees, hips, or spine.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects multiple joints and can lead to more severe disability if not treated properly.
While both conditions cause joint pain and stiffness, the underlying causes are different, and so are the treatment options. The VA rates rheumatoid arthritis based on the frequency and severity of flare-ups and whether it leads to incapacitating episodes.
Secondary Conditions Related to Degenerative Arthritis
If you have degenerative arthritis, you might also develop secondary conditions that can impact your VA rating. These can include:
- Chronic Pain: Ongoing pain in the affected joints may qualify you for an increased disability rating.
- Depression or Anxiety: The chronic pain and mobility limitations from arthritis can lead to mental health issues, which the VA may also rate.
- Joint Instability: If arthritis leads to joint instability, you may qualify for an additional rating for that condition.
Additionally, if your degenerative arthritis prevents you from working, you might be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which allows you to receive benefits at the 100% disability rate even if your degenerative arthritis rating is less than 100%.
Qualifying for TDIU:
- One disability rated at least 60%, or
- Multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more, with one disability rated at least 40%.
Understanding the VA’s Painful Motion Rule
One of the key aspects of how the VA rates degenerative arthritis is through something called the Painful Motion Rule. This rule means that if you experience pain when moving a joint, the VA must consider it when determining your disability rating. Even if your range of motion isn’t severely limited, the presence of pain during movement can still qualify you for a higher disability rating.
Here’s how it works:
- When the VA evaluates your arthritis, they’ll measure how far you can move the affected joints.
- If you experience pain during this movement, even if you can move the joint fairly well, the VA considers this painful motion when deciding your disability rating.
- This rule ensures that the real impact of your arthritis—how it affects your daily life—is reflected in your VA disability rating.
For example, if your knee bends almost completely but causes significant pain while doing so, the VA will factor in that pain, potentially increasing your disability rating.
How Much Money Can You Get Monthly from VA Disability Benefits?
The amount you receive depends on your VA disability rating for degenerative arthritis.
The rating is a percentage measured by the severity of your service-connected condition. In other words, the more severe your condition, the higher your rating. If you have multiple conditions, the VA uses a special formula to combine them into one overall rating.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
These figures can increase if you have dependents or if your condition worsens over time. For more information, go to our VA Disability Compensation Page.
A higher rating not only means more financial support each month, it can also qualify you for additional benefits, such as increased access to VA healthcare services, vocational training and housing assistance.
Take the First Step Toward Getting the Benefits You Deserve
Dealing with the pain from degenerative arthritis is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Tucker Disability Law, we are dedicated to helping Veterans secure the benefits they’ve earned.
Whether you need help navigating the VA’s rating system, appealing your denial, or applying for TDIU, we’re here for you.
Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Degenerative Arthritis
