Normal flexion is usually between 135 and 140 degrees. When a primary condition causes or aggravates another disability or condition, that secondary condition can be service-connected for VA compensation. VA also is expected to look at the veterans functional loss due to knee pain as well. Proving direct connection for knee pain relies on three main factors. Currently, the VA is required to take at least three measurements of the range of motion in a paticular joint to assess how much pain, weakness and fatigue are effected by repeated use. It may be beneficial to hire a legal representative who understands what your condition will qualify for. This percentage will be based on arthritis severity and whether it affects only a single knee or is bilateral. When you attend your C&P exam the doctor will ask you questions about your DBQ, so its important that you fill it out completely and honestly. S. The VA evaluates a secondary condition separately. Other knee conditions that may be eligible for benefits include: Shin splints VA rating: Yes, you can get a VA disability rating for shin splints. Njg0YmE1OGQ3ZmNiMDVjZTE5OTk0ODA2YTZiZGJjNGQ2YWUzMjI0MjExYWNi If your knee pain is related to a chronic condition that has been developing for a long time, it can be difficult to collect adequate documentation. Thanks. However, there are a multitude of situations where additional rules may apply. Y2MzMmUwODhjNzY3NDliMDdjYmJkYWQzZTFhOTU1NTQyYTUxNWJhNTRmZTQ3 A veterans VA disability benefits can increase if knee pain is in both knees. I guess now I just sit around and wait for the C&P to be scheduled. 2023 by JVDS. Meniscus issues are also a common factor in disability ratings for the knee. Between 2002 and 2012 I also had injections applied to my left knee when I had injections on the right knee. If there is an unrepaired or failed repair of complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribes both an assistive device and bracing for walking. The right knee (covered) was done first in January at the Pittsburgh VA. You can file for an increase if your condition worsens and you are not yet receiving maximum compensation. Gastrointestinal Conditions (GERD, IBS, and Acid Reflux): It is common for veterans taking pain medications to experience gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and heart burn. Severe headaches, even migraines, can be a common side effect of many physical and psychological disabilities for veterans. Generally, any limitation in ordinary function such as limited range of motion or painful movement is likely to be eligible for service connection and compensation. To properly assess your knee pain and the effects it has on your life, VA uses compensation and pension (C&P) exams and disability benefits questionnaires (DBQs). nexus letter for knee pain. It is also prevalent among Veterans who take opioids or pain medications for lower back pain. If you or someone you know has a condition that causes or leads to knee pain, the next step in the process is to prove that condition is service-connected to time in the military. The highest rating available for post-surgery symptoms after one year is 60 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. The AMA also allows you to appeal your claim in three separate ways without having to perform a lengthy appeals process. Its not uncommon for veterans to develop VA disability hip pain secondary to knee pain, because they must move or sit in uncomfortable ways to keep their knees from hurting. Ultimately, a physicians medical opinion that your knee condition is at least as likely as not a result of an in-service injury or condition is the best evidence to prove service connection. M2RkMjM0YzQ2ZjI0ZjQ5ZjRkOTJhNjA2YjExZjRiZGQwNTNlZTM4YjYzMDlj The amount of compensation is based on the combination of respective disability ratings. When one knee is hurt, the other knee is also at an increased risk of developing problems because it overcompensates to make up for the injured one. For disabilities that naturally worsen, such as arthritis getting more severe over time, you must prove that the deterioration was accelerated beyond a natural level as a result of military service. One of Berry Laws skilled attorneys can help you get a better outcome from the VA by supporting you in the appeals process. VA Secondary Conditions Related to Knee Pain October 7, 2021 Knee pain is a very common condition that affects many veterans. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Instances of marginal employment (odd jobs) do not count. Within one year of the VA decision, you must file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD), supplemental claim, or take the higher review lane. For example, if a veteran has a 20 percent rating in their left knee for instability and a 30 percent rating in their right knee for limitation of extension, VA will combine those ratings to get a 44 percent disability rating. Because orthopedic conditions affecting the knee and legs are rated and compensated differently depending on the diagnosis and degree of disability, its important that you work with your doctor or an orthopedic specialist to determine the correct diagnosis for your condition. Going back and forth with the VA can be tiring and frustrating, especially if you are experiencing constant pain or health issues. Buddy and lay statements should be submitted to the C&P doctor to strengthen your claim. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation. The VA rates knee pain and conditions under the musculoskeletal and muscle systems in the Schedule of Ratings, which are the rules the VA uses when rating disabilities. A secondary condition can influence the disability rating that a Veteran receives from the VA. This can be from the same doctor that diagnosed your condition or a separate VA-approved medical professional. It doesn't make sense. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. However, there are a multitude of situations where additional rules may apply. They also wear shoes that dont have the best support, carry bulky rucksacks, and do a lot of heavy lifting. The DBQ for knee and lower leg impairments includes the following as potential diagnoses for compensable conditions: -Knee fracture (including patellar fracture), -Shin splints (including tibia and or fibula stress fracture and/or exertional compartment syndrome). If you file a disability claim based on exposure to Agent Orange or other toxic substances, any diseases that you suffer from can be ruled to be secondary conditions. If you have struggled with paperwork, communicating with the VA, or receiving the proper VA ratings for your knee pain, Woods and Woods can help. TDIU is based on your employability you only qualify if you are unable to find and keep substantially gainful employment as a result of your service-connected knee condition. Do not tough it out and remain silent during your knee examination because you will pay for it on your rating.. Veterans who are taking pain medication for back conditions, knee conditions, or joint pain may develop GERD as a result. OWJhNzQyMTc1YjNkOGMzZDE2MjMyMzI1ZDQwMGQxZWJlYzM1NDVhYjM1YjEz That rating was reduced later to 10%. Veterans with knee pain may have a knee condition or injury that is eligible for VA disability benefits. You can submit a new claim for a secondary condition that will result in a new VA rating. YmM1YjVjZWVkMzhkYzU2ZTAxZWFmODA3N2YyMzg3ZTZlMzUxNjdmMGMwYWVi However, it can be difficult to prove a service connection for this disability because it is so common. NDlkYWZlNGZhYmZjOGMwNDZlZjA2OTg2Yjc5YjkwYzUwNWEzYTRhZDg1OWRl The amount of compensation is based on the combination of respective disability ratings. An August 2013 VA examiner opined that Mr. Alexander's bilateral knee condition was less likely than not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected condition because review of orthopedic literature revealed that it was more likely than not due to chronic degenerative changes associated with aging and morbid obesity. MjU0ZjdiYzI4NjY5MjZkN2RiMjMzZjY2ZTU2NTdlZDljZjdmZGEzZTQzNjAz If a Veteran is suffering from a physical or psychological disability, this condition can have a massive negative impact on their life. The presence of a medical nexus can make or break a VA disability claim for knee pain. ZjFhYjY3ZWQxZWE5MTYzZDc1YzdiZWJjZWRiZjdiYzQ1ODIwOWVlZGRiZjM5 Tuley Law/ Latest News/ Because disabilities, both physical and mental, have such a significant effect, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeks to provide disabled veterans with tax-free benefits. I have an IMO letter from my private doctor and was wondering how helpful it will be in making the connection between injuries. In Aug us t 1945 , a VA re gion al of fi ce (R O) awa rd ed h im s erv ic e con ne ctio n f or re sid ua ls of a left-knee injury, rated at 30% disabling. Whenever youre in a C&P exam, theyre measuring these limitations. 5258: dislocated semilunar cartilage OR. At some point, the doctor is expected to perform a range of motion VA C&P exam based on the VA knee rating chart. We arededicated to helping veterans win the compensation they are entitled to. I am glad I found it. After one year, however, the post-surgery symptom rating can be bilateral, which might increase the maximum compensation available. These benefits can make a massive difference, helping a disabled Veterans remain financially stable and allowing them to take care of their loved ones and themselves. During the C&P exam, you will have time to explain your knee injury and how your life has changed as a result of it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lawyers 6940 O St, Suite 400 Lincoln, NE 68510. OTJlMmY2NTdlNGMyYzc2ZGU5ZWE0Iiwic2lnbmF0dXJlIjoiNjlmZDE1MDQz document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? Buddy and lay statements should be submitted to the C&P doctor to strengthen your claim. You need a diagnosis of a medical condition in the left knee and a medical opinion that it (arthritis, or whatever) is as likely as not due to the old (s/c) right knee injury. Depending on the severity described in statements, these documents can be helpful in getting an increase to ratings above 50%. If your knee pain was caused by a singular incident, VA will want to see as much relevant information as possible about the occurrence. Even if you do not have access to treatment with an orthopedic specialist or a doctor that has experience treating knee and leg conditions, you still need to report your symptoms to your doctor so that there is medical evidence documenting the severity of the pain and loss of mobility that you experience. Urinary problems. However, there is no need to prove that the new knee issue occurred during service. Many of the VA ratings for knees involve a measurement of flexion (how much the knee can bend) and extension (how much the knee can straighten). musculoskeletal system in the Schedule of Ratings, slight, moderate, moderately severe, and severe disabilities, Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45 or more. NWYzNDVjMmEzNTRlNDMzOWU1ZDFiYjU0NWI4ZDJlMTRiMDQ5M2U2ZGZhMGEy -Knee posterior cruciate ligament tear. I have filed for a reexamination of the right knee and to have the left knee secondary SC. 3. Ratings for knee conditions abide by a diagnostic code and are usually based on range of motion and a C&P examination. A VA rating for knee pain or joint pain is determined based on multiple factors such as instability, reduced range of motion, movement without pain, and knee replacements. ZTczNjM1NDUxMGY5Y2RmNGJhMGJiMzRiZjVmNDFhMmM5ODI1Yjc5MDVlYTA1 The more information you can provide on a DBQ, the less time you need to spend discussing it at the C&P exam. If a veteran has a condition that causes him or her to be depressed, the depression can be pursued as a secondary service-connected condition. Its not uncommon for veterans to develop VA disability hip pain secondary to knee pain, because they must move or sit in uncomfortable ways to keep their knees from hurting. This is often viewed as a secondary condition because it may result from a disability that has a clearer connection to a veterans military service. By far the best evidence is medical evidence (1) diagnosing you with a knee or leg condition that began in service or was made worse during your military service and (2) specifying the severity of the condition. The physical demands of service, including marching, handling heavy equipment, and other strenuous activities, put veterans at greater risk of developing knee and leg impairments while serving or after discharge. Then, because the rating affects both sides of your body, VA will take 10 percent of the 44 (4.4) and add it on. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent orthopedic condition diagnosed among physically active adolescents and young adults worldwide. YmJkY2U4OTQyNzZmY2MzMjg0NmYzZjdmZGU5MGM2NWJjZDRkMjNiMTE1NjI1 Normal extension is between 0 and -10 degrees. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Plantar Fasciitis Secondary to Knee Pain #3. Many Veterans experience secondary conditions related to their knee pain, qualifying them for a higher VA rating and therefore more VA disability compensation. You must be able to provide evidence that the medical diagnosed condition had its origin during the time of your military service, or if the condition was preexisting, that it was aggravated . Information like that can help your rating if you share it with a C&P examiner. These may include: Depression Changes in sleep patterns Problems with relationships Withdrawal from social life Decreased activity Suicidal thoughts When it happened, how it impacted your pain, whether the condition got worse or better following the incident, and any medical attention you got should be included in these documents. Below are some of the most common secondary conditions recognized by the VA. MjhiMGNiNDAxYTViYmE2OTAyZWYzYWE5NGI0NjE4N2E2MTkzYzkyN2M4Nzdk In 2012 I had both knees replaced due to severe arthritic pain and joint erosion. (a) General. 98104-2205 YTkyYjY0OGYwMDQyNWQzNDY1YmQ1OWVjODYzNWYyMGEyMDg3MmM1OGZiNWZj Pests such as voles, chipmunks, gophers, squirrels, mice, and birds can wreak havoc on your garden if left unchecked. Is ROM taken from how far your knee will move or how far it moves with out pain? Answer: It depends. A veteran with recurrent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion (fluid on the knee) are eligible for a 20% rating. The VA may recognize side effects from psychiatric medications as a secondary condition that can qualify a veteran for a higher disability rating. YmNmY2U0MTBhM2YwNzY4Mzk5YTcyM2I5MGFjOTAwMDdkYzVjMzdhZTFhYjEw ZGUyYTdlNGM2YjMyNmJlZmU0NzJkNTY3YmU4ODliMzg0Y2I5ZDE4OGE1MmRj With extensive experience working with VA disability claims, Berry Law can help you with your disability appeals. ZDk3ZGI5NzkzMGY2N2U5Y2YzMTExNWE1MDc5NTFkMDhmYWIxZWY4OTA3ODJl VA Secondary Conditions to Knee Pain In addition, untreated knee pain can lead to a whole host of issues such as: Tears in the tendons that surround the knee Back pain Increased pain and discomfort in performing everyday activities Arthritis Additional orthopedic issues This diagnosis must come from a medical professional and cover the condition you are trying to win compensation for. Diagnostic Code 5257, Knee, other impairment of: Recurrent subluxation or lateral instability: Diagnostic Code 5258, Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated: locking, pain, and effusion into the joint: 20%, Diagnostic Code 5259, Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic: 10%. NTkwMTllMDRkZDRhYWM5NTQzNWEzY2UzMGEzYjIxYzQzNDBiZDMwMDYzYTQ3 Ratings will typically fall around 10 percent per leg. The DBQ gathers basic information about your condition, how it developed, and how it has impacted your ability to live and work. Arthritis is another cause of knee pain in veterans. Proving direct connection for knee pain relies on three main factors. Knee impairments that involve instability or dislocation (called subluxation) are rated under diagnostic code 5257 as follows: If a veteran requires knee resurfacing or knee replacement surgery (diagnostic code 5055), the VA pays at the 100% rate for 4 months following the surgery. If the veteran can demonstrate that the original disability caused lower back problems, the VA might award secondary benefits due to disability from the knee arthritis. VA Disability For Knee And Leg Conditions, Temporary 100 Percent Rating After Surgery, Service Connection For PTSD Stressors: Witnessing Death, Service Connection For Sleep Apnea Secondary To PTSD, How To Respond To A Supplemental Statement Of The Case (SSOC). Knee pain is one of the most prevalent conditions among veterans, with about 98,000 veterans becoming service-connected for the condition in 2020. Our monthly newsletter features about important and up-to-date veterans' law news, keeping you informed about the changes that matter. Lastly, VA will want to see a medical nexus letter for knee pain. Even when a veteran experiences full range of motion, severe pain that prevents them from functioning normally should be taken into account when determining a VA rating for knee pain. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most common disorders of the knee [1, 2, 3]. My question is "What is needed to prove the connection?" . For this reason, right knee secondary to left knee and left knee secondary to right knee are common secondary conditions that result in a bilateral VA rating. 20%. NjlmYWU1MWU1ZDg5NDEwODUxMDJjNWM3M2UxZDZlNDlmMjlkZDc3MGJjNjIx These include the measurements of flexion and extension from VA Diagnostic Code 5260 and 5261. Severe headaches can stem from psychological issues like PTSD or physical problems like back injuries, : Many veterans develop degenerative diseases as a result of exposure to toxic substances during their time in the military. This is because of the so-called amputation rule. An amputation of the leg below the knee is generally rated as 40 percent disabling, and above the knee as 60 percent disabling, so any knee or leg condition that falls short of amputation cannot be assigned a schedular rating higher than that. There are many knee and leg conditions eligible for service connection. However, some gardeners prefer heirloom tomatoes due to their historical significance, seed-saving capabilities, and diverse characteristics. Adjustment disorder often manifests as anxiety, depression, frustration, numbness, and apathy during the transition from the military into civilian life. Generated by Wordfence at Mon, 1 May 2023 17:57:28 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. This test, commonly referred to as range of motion testing, will demonstrate how much pain you are in and how much your condition may affect your day-to-day life and help the VA determine what rating to assign you. If the VA has ruled inaccurately regarding your disability claim, you can dispute their decision with a decision review or an appeal. Diagnostic Code 5055 covers individuals who receive a total knee replacement. Radiculopathy is classified as a pain syndrome and can be caused by several lower back conditions such as lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. Attorney Advertising|Disclaimer / Privacy Policy. VA Secondary Conditions to Knee Pain Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD 61.4K subscribers Subscribe 187 Share 17K views 2 months ago Knee pain is one of the most prevalent conditions among. ZGEzYzMyOTQ1YTM4MTg0NTdhY2RmYmY1NWM3MGE1ODFjNDdlNWE2ZGRiNDll They are measuring your functional loss. A diagnosed condition involving the patellofemoral complex (pain in the front of your knee) with recurrent instability after surgical repair that requires a prescription by a medical provider for a brace and either a cane or a walker. NmFhMzM5NGMwZWY0MzZkNmNkYjU3YjQ4ZmJmMWM3NGUzZWVjNmIyZjYzZWQw So my question is besides possibly getting a statement from a doctor saying that it would be possible for the treatment of my left knee to not be documented due to not being entered into my records due to the either not being transcribed from doctor notes or recordings by the clinic medical staff or possibly being lost while in the tranfer to other stations or even to the miliary record storage sites after my discharge in 1984. You can increase your VA rating for knee pain by combining multiple disabilities. You need a diagnosis of a medical condition in the left knee and a medical opinion that it (arthritis, or whatever) is as likely as not due to the old (s/c) right knee injury. Knee pain is typically connected with another diagnosis that can be discovered through testing. of motion rate by analogy to diagnostic codes 5256, 5261, or 5262. The DBQ for knee and lower leg impairments includes the following as potential diagnoses for compensable conditions: -Knee strain. When evaluating a knee condition for service connection during a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, the VAs examiners use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) to determine your degree of disability for the given body part. Owls, hawks, and snakes are all known to eat vol, This website uses cookies for functionality, analytics and advertising purposes as described in our, I am service connected 10% with chronic right knee pain for the past 12 years. You can file for an increase if your condition worsens and you are not yet receiving maximum compensation. ZTZjMDM5YTkwNTAzNWMwMGJkM2FmYzdkN2I2NjM4MzgyMDc4ZTE5MTY0NjE3 VA has regulations that state that any veteran who can show they have painful motion should be afforded a 10 percent rating, even if their condition does not meet the specific criteria for a limited range of motion. SFSD, If you can get your doctor to agree in writing that your bad knee was more likely than not the cause of your good knee going bad then you could have a case for Secondary Service Connection. MDUyOWQwOGUyYzEwMTdhMWIwNWYzN2Q3ZTQ1ZjBhNmUxMjA2NjUwMDdmMzUw This diagnosis must come from a medical professional and cover the condition you are trying to win compensation for. The fifth most commonly-claimed disability in 2018 was the limitation of flexion to the knee according to VAs Annual Benefits Report. Without an underlying condition, claims based on pain are some of the most difficult to prove. NDZkMWM5MjA0Y2VjOTEwMmM3ODA4NjlhYWY5YTE5N2Q3MDgwMDA2NDg1MDYz I guess I should post the out come.both knees are now service connected! These statements help communicate to the C&P examiner how your service-connected knee condition affects your daily activities. If a Veteran is suffering from a physical or psychological disability, this condition can have a massive negative impact on their life. Watch on. This is caused by insufficient potassium reaching the fruit due to environmental factors such as high air/soil temperatures and overcast skies or heavy fruit load on plants with lower organic matter content in their soils. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 5260 Limitation of flexion of the knee: The most common knee condition that veterans receive VA disability benefits for. VA has strict rating criteria for knee conditions that involve a range of motion. The most common option to obtain a VA rating for knee pain is by establishing a direct service connection. The specific criteria for TDIU include: If you have one or more highly rated knee disabilities that prevent you from working, you may be eligible for TDIU. It's known as the Deluca criteria. The ratings are 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% and are evaluated using the VAs definition of slight, moderate, moderately severe, and severe disabilities of the muscle. Knee pain is rated under different diagnostic criteria according to 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedular Ratings, Musculoskeletal System. If your military service caused you to experience knee pain, and eventually hip pain, you may be eligible for additional VA disability benefits. One of the factors the VA uses to measure the extent of a knee injury is functional loss, whichmeans normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and endurance is limited. Zjk1YWVhYzg4YzcyM2JlY2M5MGZkNzgyOTc2ODQyYTYzYTA1YjY4YTJhMjkw A bilateral VA disability rating for both knee replacements is treated the same way. NmQzMDQ2Y2Y5ZDFjOTk1OTcyZjMyMzBhNTVlNDM4ZjBmM2M3MjM2Njc5MzI1 If the diagnosis only partially explains your knee pain, VA will not accept it. -----END REPORT-----. This means that their knee problems are related to another service-connected disability.

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