My Platoon had a car run into it. I was 2nd from the rear . I few got medical discharge , I got banged up pretty bad, bruised up. Hit hard enough almost knocked unconscious . Afterward I notice my back and lower extremities would spasm and have pain. One time they thought I was passing a kidney stone but they found no trace of any kind of stones. From time to time my back would go out and put me on the ground . When I got out . I would get hit with extreme back back pain to the point I would go down to the ground. I started filing way back in 1987,... denied . Its all in my records the many times I went to on sick call due to back pain. The car accident mysteriously disappeared from my records. Fast forward , 32 years later I finally got service connected but it took getting a Lawyer who knew their stuff, they found the accident info. Its been a nightmare and no they didnt go back to 1987, they went back to 2015 for compensation. This weighed very heavily on me mentally. IT TOOK 32 years!!! Fighting .
I think this is a learning moment for younger veterans. Get a Service Representative as the DAV, VFW, American Legion, Purple Heart, etc. to help you in your claim. Do Not Procrastinate. Establishing the date of your claim is important. Also the Service Org. can help you find Legal Repres. if it goes to the BVA if you are unable to pay. Just like, CCK Lawyers. Even after your rating or no rating, you can appeal with further evidence. This will require an exam from an independent Physician. I have not figured how to find one that knows Veteran's claim issues in my city. Procrastination is setting in. Don't let your life be in limbo. Be proactive.
The Range of Motion test isn't a fair description. I could barely move at all but got the lowest rating possible with proof in my file consistent with it. The examiners aren't doing their due diligence especially with spinal issues.
Request you c file and see what the examiner marked for your range of motion. Then check to see what you should be rated at. If the examiner lied about your movement request a new c&p exam.
10 years ago I was diagnosed with Paget's disease affecting my right knee and leg by the VA medical staff, and filed for disability/compensation stemming from my 4 year service with the Air Force Air Police K9 (1962-1966) I was put through 6 years of claiming and appealing only to be awarded a 20%. They awarded me a compensation in the same amount of what I was already getting from a entitlement that I was already getting. So.....NO additional compensation award in the form of $. 6 years of waiting to be awarded for NOT...!!!! I'm lucky if I can make the walk to my post box every morning to collect my mail. I wish I had my 4 years of service in the Air Force back to have put it to better use. The VA absolutely will wear you down with claims and appeals. So disgusted with them. !!!
I was discharged from the US Army with a 0% rating. Was diagnosed with arthritis, after years of having issues with back problems. The pain was so bad in the last year of service that I was on a profile and consequently sent to a medical board. I was in the Navy as an aviation ordnance lifting and working with heavy equipment. In the Army, I was airborne qualified, air assault qualified and completed Special forces assessment. Then, my back really started messing up and was not able to do much after that. After the discharge from the military, I was really depressed and still with my back pain. After many years of therapy, I can do things but the pain is always there. I guess you learn how to deal with it. Wonder if after 13 years from discharged I would qualify from some type of disability?
Hello @Ivan Gonzalez, we are sorry to hear about the pain you are in. There is no time limit for veterans to file claims after service. If you believe that your condition was caused by service, we encourage you to file a claim with VA. If you need assistance filing your claim, we suggest working with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), such as our colleagues at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) who provide free claims help. They can be reached at (859) 441-7300. We wish you the best of luck!!
vso for claims on you issues, go to doc for paper trail, both va and civilian, and if you can MRI of back, see a back specialist not a gen or internist, Spine expert.
I have several service connected disabilities (e.g., lower back degenerative arthritis,) developed over a 25+ year career, but knee and hip (labral tear) and now 3 years later I have serious degenerative arthritis in hips and knees.
I'm 26 years old - after coping with chronic pain for now 10 months a CT scan show my both TMJ joints "deterioration. Irregular thinning. Joint disease." the radiologist wrote. Before I had a CT I keep going to the doctors with a significant swollen jaw, extreme high blood pressure, jaw locks upon motion. After a while I started having whole body pain flares in my legs/back. My wrists. I seen a Rheumatologist. Itell him I am depressed anxious. He diagnosed me with Degenerative Arthritis upon examining my jaw joint. He can feel it grinding when open close my mouth. He reviews images of my CT scan. I fear being fired at work because I can't keep up. I'm scared
I caught tuberculosis in the army at 1973 I followed the VA claim and it was denied. I found a paper from a VA. health summary it said historical summary they give me a ppd test back in 1973 and it came back positive and I took medication for six months is that good evidence and what do I have to do now.
I am a Vietnam veteran, in the jungle in 1969 during agent orange, on hamburger hill infantry 101st airborne division arthritis neuropathy nerve damage, PTSD rated at IU 100 percent on pay, oi am trying to get 100 percent period, out of all veteran I do expect the best, I serve my country
Blood test shows severe but the va only looks at physical appearance. Denied. I just want to add an important item! The x ray does NOT confirm diagnosis of arthritis. After being misdiagnosed several times I googled my symptoms and once I learned it was arthritis I asked for a blood test in the early stages. I had to fight with nurses who did not take my word seriously after they received X-ray and found "no evidence of arthritis". Again, the rules should change on X-ray results since they are not ALWAYS accurate.
get MRI, if possible, but arthritis is nothing to the va, its "range of motion" that gets ya, they don't care how much pain your in, can you move? thats the bottom line for them.
@@jackeclawsonn2690 they simply won't ask you questions about your inability to move if you tell them you can get in a car go to a park they will use it against you they will not take into account the fact that you're sitting down the whole time every time you go out somewhere
I was denied disability for my back because they said I passed a physical to go back in the army, and anything that happened to me the first time I was in ,I couldn't claim
I have Bilateral plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia, with Bilateral Hallux valgus it is VA rated.I have recently been diagnosed with Mild OA/patellar spurring in my left knee. Can I file a secondary compensation for causation?
Hi CCK. I served in the USAF for four years as a firefighter, 1983-1987. Last year I was diagnosed with Stage 4 arthritis in both shoulders with pain and immobility. II have filed a claim with the VA. Do I have a case?
The VA needs to update its criteria for arthritis. Under skin conditions if taking Humira then 60% compensation. If taking Humira for psoriatic arthritis then there’s no such compensation. Definitely does not make sense.
I have one joint in fused in each of my two ankles. I currently. receive 10% for each ankle. Since these joints no longer work can I collect SMC? If so, how do you go about it? Thank you.
@Anthony Hively Yes, if a veteran's arthritis prevents them from functional use of their hands, the disability may qualify as loss of use for VA purposes
What if you have degenerative arthritis and arthritis in my right shoulder. And multiple arthritis in different joints in my feet. Like 5 in my left foot. 2 or 3 in my right foot? Im 92% in total.
Reactive arthritis, formerly known as Reiter's syndrome. I was diagnosed in 2004, got out in 05 and I am finally filing. Aches and pains are getting worse.
I was released with toenail fungus and was told that there was no cure. Years later I found out that it was Rheumatod arthritis. I have osteoarthritis in both knees later in years and had both knees replaced. I have been in so much pain for so long.I have suffered with arthritis for years and just now found out that I have had it since I was discharged in April of 1978
Have recently received a 60% rating for arthritis in my knees. At the time my left knee had been replaced and my right knee has since been replaced. My ankles have now become worse and I have limited motion in them. I am receiving treatment at a orthotic clinic for this. Is this worth pursuing to increase my rating ? Is there a possibility that the recent knee replacement could jeopardise my 60% rating?
How can I get my medical record from my previous doctor when the hospital automatically destroys all medical records that have been doormant for 10 years. If I can't get those medical evidence how can i proceed to file my claim?
I have been diagnosed with arthritis in my knees, I have had 7 surgeries on both knees, the VA has gave me braces for both knees. It is to the point of not being able to do my profession (Heavy Equipment Operator) My knees go out when getting on equipment. I cannot stand very long or walk any distance.
I was in the same spot,I got medical evidence and 10% but it led to a bad hip which was replaced and 30% given for a secondary disability. Just got the knee replaced and got 30% but you have to have orthopedic x-rays or mri etc..to prove it. C and p exam will follow for disability. In total I have much more wrong but these groups are very informative and helpful. I've learned a lot and hopefully I'm going to try to get P&T not tdiu . TDIU is good but c&p is better.
All my medical issues was stated on my VA Hospital medical records by all my VA Hospital Doctors I am taking medication for my back injury I am taking medication for my depression I am taking medication for my BP situation I am taking medication for my ED situation Pls help me out I need help from u guys Thx for your time
I have ankle, back and hip problems.. I have fusion in ankle and hip. How do you guys help with this. I already had Shoulder surgery too. Have LODs for shoulder and ankle, working on an LOD for back and hip. Help?
I had a cartilage tear during my service. At that time, 1976, the standard procedure was to remove it. In 1981, the orthopedic world stopped doing this because they realized arthritis is advanced by allowing the knee to be bone on bone... fast forward to today, I’m trying to get an increase due to pain and suffering with arthritis. I’m on my second application, and I have a VA Dr. who reviewed my knee replacement in 2017, performed with private insurance. He said he was a ISAF Dr of orthopedics in the 70’s and 80’s. He was acutely familiar with this change on procedure. He told me, he noted the arthritis pain I was feeling.. so can you help me with the correct claim procedure? Thx
@MartinCombs, Our office gets involved in the appeals stage of a claim meaning that we help once VA denies a claim. If you are seeking to file a claim for a rating, we recommend working with a Veteran Service Organization (VSO), such as our colleagues at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). They can be reached at (859) 441-7300.
@@CCK_Law Very Good Advice. CCK helped me in my appeal and I won my claim. Plus I can Re Appeal for a year after with new Evidence! I need a Private Dr. though which is gonna be tough. Some Dr's outsource to the VA. While some do not understand the Veteran's bureaucratic maze. I wish we as Veterans had more info on this subject.
If a person is suffering with everything that you are talking about not to mention bone on bone in both knees and I have a diagnosis of that but it did not happen in the service it begin to deteriorate years after the service time can you file a claim on that
I had injured my knee in boot camp. I now have osteoarthritis in my knee and bone to bone and need knee replacement. I also had fallen and injured my back. I went to C & P exam and the VA denied my claim before C & P gave his report. They also dropped me from 60% to 30% after missing an appointment shortly after surgery. I was on pain medication couldn’t drive 1 for abdominal surgery and 2 meds. VA is really a big disappointment. I have GERD and IBC colon not bowel. I was originally given functional bowel disease then they changed it to that. I have a very difficult time working....pain can really get bad in my back and knee.
I am a US Army Combat Veteran I suffered a back injury while on a detail when I was stationed at US Army Fort Gordon Ga It happened on Dec 1991 Ever since then my life went down the tubes health wise I haven't filed yet for my VA pension Disability claim Currently I am under SSD pension ever since Dec 2016 Can I hire u guys to represent me and will I get retroactive payments from Dec 1991 I have medical documents stated that I suffered from 6 herinated disc plus I am suffering from major depression plus anxiety attack Disorders plus I have PTSD Plus Arthritis on my left foot
I was injured while in infantry training and sprained my ankle on a five mile run and the Army said I was released from the military because of a prior injury before my service injury and now cannot get compensation. I was released in 1976 but now am having problems with my ankle and feet
My husband is service connected 60% for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and has 40% for unemployability. He is currently hospitalized (almost 3 months) in a VA facility due to complete loss of mobility. I am told that he is"total care". He wants to come home so the VA is providing a hospital bed and a lift to get him from the bed and into a wheelchair. I did a claim for Aid and Attendance believing that I will need help with his care but was denied. He received his rating approximately 35 years ago and is now 80 years old. I am totally confused what to do next-he deserves better after 3 tours in Vietnam and years of pain!
I have arthritis in my hips but don't take meds for it. Was told that getting an rx would be in my favor even if I don't take it. Is there any validity to that statement? I use natural medicine for treatment, so working on getting records from acupuncture and functional doctors
X-rays of both my wrists shows arthritis. My rheumatologist ordered labs. My ANA test was POSITIVE, anti nuclear antibody ABNORMAL, and homogeneous ABNORMAL. No family history of RA. I have been wondering if my direct exposure to toxins (inhalation, skin, and ocular contact) have anything to do with what the labs show. To name a few: Benzene, xylene, hexavalent chromium, hexamethylene diisocyanate, butyl acetate, methyl ethyl keytone, etc.). The exposure occurred in 1982 when I was spray painting vehicles with a polyurethane paint (CARC). I did not use a respirator or any other form of PPE. Anyone?
I'm at 100%, my knees and ankles are all at 10% and are getting worse,, on total disability do I apply again for loss of motion or will they take care of me
I was service connected for HVC virus I carried the virus for 40 yrs before being treated . Medical information shows that arthralgia and osteoarthritis can be caused by chronic HCV virus. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and degenerative bone disease before being treated for HVC virus. Filed for arthritis secondary to HVC. CAN I.GET HOGHER RATING.
Hello. I had an knee surgery 1 year after my discharge. My first question is am I able to claim for that. Second question is it's been over 10 years since I had that surgery and the hospital said thay they had destroyed all medical records after 10 years. How can I show medical proof if records have been already destroyed?
It crazy for c&p I recently file for right shoulder pain 10percent is giving but for increased denied. the pain only strike me during the winter but my test exam was given during the summer time. i stated to the doctor I can raise my arms up but it hurt in both shoulder after a few minute he didn't even reply to what I was telling him. after he told me to lift my arms up. Of course if there no pain your joint are not going to hurt as much due to the range of motion.
i have had a 10% va disability for my knee since i left the Marine Corps in 99 i now have to have a knee scope and repair done to that knee should i try to get a higher rating now that i need surgery ? and how would i go about doing so ,also i am now on ssi because i can no longer work for RA and degenerative disk in my back also chronic pain ,how would i try and get that all over to the VA and get better compensation every month than what i already get ,its hard to live on $800 a month and i have been told that if i go to the VA and have my ssi done by them it would increase to way more a month than what ssi gives me,i had to really fight for my ssi and i do not know how to go forward to maybe try and get more money from the military instead of ssi !
How should palindromic rheumatism of the feet be rated, if it affects the entire feet and toes? Palindromic rheumatism has continuous flare-ups and is not detectable with x-rays
Cck are the best lawyers in the world am optimistic they will succeed in helping many veterans like myself they also know most veterans are not aware to whom they can turned to after the VA denied their claim. Unfortunately I'm that guy if i hadn't did my researched on them I would have lost my benefit or would have been denied again so currently they are working on my case to get me what I deserve!
Is there a specific way to claim arthritis caused by service as a paratrooper? I thought this was a presumed condition due to paratrooper qualification
Thanks Tom for bringing this up. I've recently been diagnosed with arthritis in my lower back at the age of 35 and I was also a Paratrooper. I'm dealing with this now and feel lost and hopeless, I didn't go to sick call at all during active duty F#$+ !!!
Hello @Tom Eller, we recommend that veterans work with a VA-accredited agent, such as a Veterans Service Organization, for assistance filing VA disability claims. Our colleagues at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offer free claims help. They can be reached at (859) 441-7300. Thank you!
@@gorillamacgyver7411 - I am also a former paratrooper. I am going through the same aches and pain and most of it is in the PLF areas. I would suggest doing a search on youtube for Brian Reese and listen and gather all the information you can about filing claims. I am going through the process now with getting a current diagnosis, nexus letter, DBQ, C-File, etc. AIRBORNE!
I was a medic Paratrooper. My skin was punctured while drawing blood 2 or 3 timesDocumented). Was hospitalized for hep b. Found out 40 years later the doc said drug use. As everyone was assumed to be addicts. I had full scholarship athletic with NCAA champions.they then had me fill empty jump manifist slots every week or more had 25 jumps in half year. Have had knee replacement and huge Baker cyst other knee I am a mess DAV has not been helpful please help me
Oh one other thing. Since they give nothing for pains but Tylenol my blood pressure remains high. I was told not too long ago it has done damage to my heart. It is hardening. My health is really taking a beating from lack of caring on their part. If it wasn’t for us veterans they wouldn’t have a job. They really make it too hard for us. I can’t work full time. I don’t sleep and the pain is just unbearable
@JoseReyes, VA denials are all too common. If you are interested in a free consultation to determine if we are able to help you, please reach out to our office at(2440 567-1185.
In 1974 I was in training we had to run and jump creeks logs and other obstacles. My right leg hit the far side of the creek and my left leg went down into the embankment and as I fell my arms were jammed and my knee was crushed . I have arthritis so bad in both elbows . I have had 9 surgeries on both elbows and recently the doctors told me the only thing left is prostetic elbows . . they rated me for my elbows but since I did not list it as a problem when I was discharged I can't get them to give me a rating I have filed for it 2 times and been refused I have never used a law firm
I am secondarily service connected for arthritis at O% for my R knee, which has been replaced, over the years though this aggressive form osteo has worked its way through many of my major and minor joints to the point that I need my other knee and one of my hips replaced they are talking fusing some of my finger DIP joints. I didn't claim until now because I was told I was no longer rated for the arthritis. So, can all the other joints can now be secondarily rated as well? I have also developed pretty bad GERD due to the meds I have taken for it over the years and can no longer take any Nsaids or other pain meds. Can I get secondary service conection for that as well?
I have a rating for a lumbar strain. I have filed for Degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease, stenosis, and sciatica for my back, due to lumbar strain. The VA says I can only have one rating for my back, meaning they would change my diagnostic code. Is this true?
While we are unable to comment on the specifics of your case, VA does not allow rating the same symptom twice, even if caused by separate conditions. This is called pyramiding. You can read more here: cck-law.com/blog/pyramiding-how-to-avoid-stacking-your-va-ratings/
possible, contact local vso for this question, however you back connects to all the other issues of lower body, that means, secondary condition time, hips, knees, ankles, feet. stuff like that
Ive got service connected ischemic heart disease due to a.o. exposure but had hip replacement on right side need left and both knees diagnosed severe osteoarthritis what can i get
You need to get the nexus, how does this connect to service. AO did not do it, so you have to show the service caused or aggravated it and then file a VA 526 form.
I want to file a claim for arthritis but I have no idea of which one to claim for. I broke my right scapula shoulder in 2003, and I have been diagnosed as to having arthritis. The pain is in both my shoulders now and it is also affecting my walk and flexibility in my legs, causing me to fall at times and now with my left knee I cannot completely bend it normally but it is throughout my entire upper body and affecting my lower body as well. What type of arthritis do I claim for.
I have Been Diagnosed with a Disability,VA examination 2/12/20 Degenerative arthritis thoracolumbar spine Back, and also right knee Degenerative arthritis with meniscal tear remains Denied?
I have a 40% rating for lower back condition diagnosed with degenerative disc disease so I pretty much have arthritis in every joint in my body and was just recently diagnosed with facet disease and the cervical spine can I get disability for the arthritis and connect the facet disease with the arthritis caused from the lower back condition
I broke my neck c6&c7 fusion witch later on caused c4 to fracture and c4&c5 are also fused horrible pain at times and loss of movement in arms arthritis is really bad they say I get 70% but cannot work need help
I filed a claim for a degenerative condition in my knee along with a nexus letter from a V.A specialist. It was denied...should i appeal or just change my claim. the original claim was for a medial meniscus tear, I was thinking of changing my claim to degenerative arthritis
Go to a civilian doctor. I was denied by va mainly because they didn't do a thorough job. Civilian did proper testing and was approved but declined for dumb reasons. Before visiting doctor ask if they have capabilities to do disability paperwork. Not all can.
Yea I was granted a rating for the same thing they denied you for. I was complaining of knee pain for yrs because of my bad feet. I had X-rays, and MRI, Physical therapy, Braces, and Knee injections. Keep pushing it will come.
I worked flight line the entire time in the air force my knees, ankles, shoulders, back, hips are all shot i feel it relates back to my flight line work days can you help me, I've had to have 4 replacements and 19 surgeries as a result plus I've been trying since 2016 to get my military records and i have not been able to get them. I have been told I'm full of arthritis
Would a 3-phase bone scan in 1996 showing i have djd arthritis in every major joint in my body and now it is in most of my small joints, take the place of an x-ray? I was still on active duty , stationed at ft bliss tx. The radioactive dye they injected in me made me itch like crazy. I retired February 1, 2001. Was denied for hips snd shoulders, got disability for lower back and knees!
As with many vets diagnosed with PTSD i abused alcohol ive been diagnosed with avascular necrosis which is caused by alcohol abuse could i make a secondary claim for my hip replacement for PTSD for which one of the symptoms for PTSD is drug and alcohol abuse
I was in the service for 4 years back in the early eighties. I was a paratrooper and did 26 jumps I also was a communications specialist assigned to an artillery battery I also experienced an situation where I lost my balance on a railing while in the military and fell 10 feet. I was unconscious and they took me to the hospital for recovery. I am now in my early sixties now and I am experiencing hearing lost and knee pain. I never went to the doctor while in the military except for that hospital visit when I was unconscious from falling off that railing Do you think I have a claim for va benefits.
@Nicole Bradley something else that works for Arthritis it is called Tumeric it is an India root and used in foods. It has to be mixed with a little black pepper. What it does is attack the inflammation associated with Arthritis
Hello Laurie! Unfortunately, if these two conditions manifest in the same way, you can only be rated for once for those symptoms. VA calls this pyramiding: cck-law.com/blog/pyramiding-how-to-avoid-stacking-your-va-ratings/
I am interested in some information. I am appealing a denial from the VA. I have been diagnosed with Advanced Osteoarthritis in BOTH knees. CAN I receive a higher rating for both Osteoarthritis and restriction or limitation of straightness or bending of the leg at the knee.
In service diagnosis of "Chondromalicia (sp) bilateral Patella Knees" C&P examiner diagnosed as "arthritis" with somewhat normal range of motion but pain (at least that is what I am thinking she did, I will find out for certain when decision comes back in a few weeks. How does VA rate when there was a documented condition and now arthritis has made worse or is the "secondary?"
@Jeremiah Howe, A secondary service-connected disability is a disability that resulted from a condition that is already service-connected. VA will rate it separately from the already service-connected disability. cck-law.com/blog/what-is-a-secondary-service-connected-disability/
If pain etc is not reported within one year ur chance of success go down unless you had a major injury there or some form of special circumstance trust if its service connected it hurts and it just shows up nd ur hit you could be walking 10 miles yesterday living ur life and bam usually unless u had an extensive injury for the location of issues ur screwed and depending on how long since u left service could determine ur situation go talk to the va
I am service-connected 30% respiratory, I have been taking prednisone since late 2006. I recently had shoulder surgery and they told me I have arthritis on both shoulders now. Can I make a claim on a secondary service connection?
@Pete6 Holguin0 If you believe that your service-connected condition resulted in the development of another disability, we encourage you to file a claim!
I had a total knee replacement in 2013 due to injury in 1985 while on active duty. I received a rating of 60% in 2022. My right knee has been hurting for about 20 yrs and have been getting injections in that knee for about 15 yrs. My doctor said the damage is due to the way I changed the way I walked due to the pain in the service connected knee. I went for my C&P exam last month which went well and today I had to get an X-ray of said knee for the VES. Do any of you think I’ll get this service connected? My knee is arthritic and it painful all the time. Thank you all.
I had shoulder surgery in 90-91 and have pins in shoulder. I am 10% for 10 years or so but I have been dealing with problems with shoulder since. What should I do now
@John Underwood, sorry to hear you are experiencing problems with your shoulder now. You may seek to file for an increased rating in which we recommend working with a veterans service organization (VSO), such as our colleagues at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). They can be reached at (859) 441-7300.
If you have a service connected anything YOU GONNA KNOW PRETTY QUICKLY be going for walks etc and bam next day ur hit get used to muscle rub ice packs and hot baths and feeling like your an old person its slow for awhile u think eh ill heal cause u had an injury in service and you think eh its just healing nd later on and off then ur hit by the big one and u go from one day to ur screwed u would know if u had service connected anything relatively quick after leaving service i promise you you would know you wouldnt be old when it comes atleast from my experience it happens fast and if its arthritis idk y but trust me donating plasma hurts more real bad when u do atleast i think mines arthritis idk yet IT SUCKS
Hello Doug, we encourage you to file a claim with VA if you believe your arthritis is a result of military service. If you need assistance doing so, our colleagues at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offer free claims assistance. They can be reached at (859) 441-7300. Thanks!
Can an arthritis become a total and permanent item as far as the VA is concerned. The reason I am asking is because you get a lower percentage when it comes to arthritis.
