Arthritis Pain May Qualify for VA Disability Benefits

[@mildredlibed6706]

Being a hospital corpsman for the Green side Marines, carrying all the medical bags and a rifle. Running and Training under inclement weather, different terrains, hot, rain, dust, snow, and other inclement weather. It will take a toll on their bodies, these young Marines and Sailors as they aged. It will have an impact on their health.

[@deejay6824]

I worked in cold storage for approximately 11yrs. When I was stationed overseas. The local nationals that were working in the cold storage facilities often complained of arthritis. Usually when my arthritis pain comes on it usually bilateral: affects both hands, both feet, both legs or both thighs. Sometimes one will start hurting then the other or a combination of the others. I have read a study from Sweden where it noted that people who worked or is still working in a cold environment or prone to rheumatoid arthritis. I worked I temperatures at zero degrees and twenty below zero for about 11yrs straight.

[@kensaxon7]

I had an MVA in 1996 and developed neck issues, nerve pain down my legs and multiple back pain issues. I received therapy from military from 9/1996 to 1/1997, released from service and had therapy until 3/1997. Never stopped having back pain down my legs, had spondylitis at my L-5/S-1. I was told my 6 plus months of therapy and lower back pain and leg nerve pains are not service connected. but are from my post service weight gain.

[@RonMac08]

I injured my knees in jump school and am rated at 10% on each knee. Now I have severe pain in one knee and the other gives out on stairs. I had X-rays that showed degenerative arthritis in my knees. My ROM hasn't changed much but I can't stand for more than 5 minutes. I used to walk several miles a day for exercise and now I can only do a mile with the last quarter-mile in pain and I have a limp. I can see the result of my limp on the wear pattern on my walking shoes. I haven't sought an increase because I hear it's almost all ROM and mine hasn't changed much except during bad flareups.

[@staylort.315]

Thank you for information about disability for veterans is really needed & is very good information I needed to hear. Thanks 👍😊

[@tommarinevet]

Great subject for veterans to consider for their claims

[@davanansalick6126]

Thanks so much for this information…my companion would always tell me that I suffer from depression/anxiety but I always downplayed it…never saw the connection between my mood and chronic pain from my injuries/surgeries…and this is twenty years later btw; I’ll petition VA for depression claim and see how it goes - thanks again 🙏🏽

[@BoDiddly]

Wow! I think I need to have a conversation with you all! My C&P examiners never asked me the questions you say they are required to ask, for any of my problems, including my diagnosed (X-Rays/CT scans) Degenerative Disk Disease, Osteoarthritis (several places in my back, neck, hands, wrists, ankles, and feet), Plantar Fascitus, Bone Spurs, or any other joint pain/problems I have had. None have every taken out any devices to measure anything, but I saw in my C-File that they said they tested for flexion. I am a Marine Corps Desert Storm Vet. and have been denied Service-connection because they now blame my pain on age, even though I have complained about my pain (particularly my back pain) since I got out! Also, aren't joint pains supposed to be Presumptive for Desert Storm Veterans?

[@zackiinu7194]

Dag, Bo. You got some problems. I wish you the best. I have diagnoses for arthritis in my lumbar and both wrists, so I partly know how you feel. Keep filing and appealing. I haven’t filed yet, but the advice I get from many vets is to not get discouraged and to keep fighting the VA. You served, so you deserve!

[@07Convertable]

I keep hearing examples of veterans getting hurt "playing football" and then have a "vehicle accident" that later manifests' into arthritis. Do these types of situations spill over to reservists for times other than annual training, school, special work and drills? I was in the Army National Guard at the time when working with US Customs. When attempting to inspect a Conex loaded with lead ingots, the Conex door broke loose and flew open. I was hit in the head and thrown about 10 feet where I bounced off of another Conex and landed in a puddle of water. I was knocked out by this blow. The only thing that I remember is that a few members of my detail were standing over me and asking if I was OK. I was sent to Ft. Meade to see the doc and he place me on 24-hour watch. What happens with someone like me who ended up getting cervical fusion 25 years later and neck problems since the incident in 1988? Thank you, ladies. ~John

[@SparTan-nr6lj]

How about for many years we ran in combat boots and later in the 80's the Army decided it was bad to run in boots and we then change over to using running shoes. Now my toes joints are now very damage I have to undergo several surgeries.

[@KING_JOSH_111]

How do you get rheumatoid arthritis service connected?

[@l.d.8310]

great information thank you for sharing with us Vets!!! love your info along with C. Craigs information

[@nancyjohnson2875]

What about osteoporosis and bulging disc

[@farpyfilps3743]

Are arthritis claims static? I have service connected arthritis in my back at 20% and degenerative arthritis in my left knee at 10% and just a knee strain at 10%.

[@proudasiangirl576]

This is EXACTLY me! I feel like they were discussing my situation personally since it fits to a T. I have severe hip osteoarthritis. My question is, say if you get approved for a rating but later on get total hip replacement surgery. Will the VA reduce or completely remove the rating from you later on?

[@anotherroute100]

I have arthritis and would like to get help claiming

[@recap3972]

If you have degenerative disc disease for back with arthritic conditions at 40%.......can you then get a seperate rating for arthritis in the back?

[@ricmar3119]

if already rated for arthritis in the back, shoulder, hip, etc. do you need a nexus letter to file a claim for arthritis secondary to these conditions?

[@elinino5275]

you developed arthritis in those areas when you were in service?

[@ricmar3119]

@@elinino5275 Yes

[@elinino5275]

@@ricmar3119 ok, then should be a easy claim.

[@ricmar3119]

@@elinino5275 Thanks

[@zackiinu7194]

My military records reflect that upon entering the military in 1980, I reported that at the age of 14-years-old I had fractured both of my wrists. I made no complaints regarding my wrists during service nor upon discharging in 1983. During my service, however, I worked as a track vehicle mechanic, which required a lot of heavy lifting and other activity that put a strain on my body, to include my wrists. Now at the age of 63, I have medical diagnoses from my private physicians, together with supporting X-rays and an MRI, that show I have arthritis in both my wrists and lower back. Does this sound like something that has potential as a claim? Anyone?

[@maferr6404]

Can you be separatly rated for a hip fracture and arthrits in the same hip?

[@wallys7016]

For the spine doesn’t it have to be in two joints?

[@michaelmorgan5546]

I had lower back surgery back in 1990 and separated from the Navy a year past my enlistment because of it. My most recent MRI and exam says I have Arthritis is in my back. Would this be something to file for as a Secondary claim to my back?

[@kentonlundgren3200]

Is it unusual for the va to service connect a total hip replacement but only award 10%? No convalescent time either. I filed the claim less than a year after surgery was done

[@MaryJefferson-f7g]

What benifit can i claim for arthritis for hips & groin

[@edsauer4702]

I have arthritis in my back, neck and ankle.... denied, denied, denied. Impacted back in service, ankle injury in service, neck could have been an indirect injury with the back.

[@drobb723_BillsMafia]

What about inflammatory arthritis?

[@ebony1473]

How can you get your compensation increased if you know your arthritic condition has gotten worse? Does the VA have to examine you or can you go to outside source and submit documentation to VA?

[@HillAndPonton]

Hi Ms. Ebony, you're on the right track. If you submit a claim for it, the VA will likely send you to a C&P exam so they can see the arthritis firsthand. Additionally, having evidence from an outside source would be very helpful. Your first step is likely just putting in that claim and getting the ball rolling so you can preserve an early effective date. The more you wait, the more money you're leaving on the table.

[@johnbost2666]

At my Army induction in 1967, i gave the doctor a letter from my doctor stating I had flat feet and should not serve, The army doctor said I was ok. Training ruined my feet and when I filed a claim it was rejected because they had my letter which said I had flat feet prior to serving. I appaled and later received a 10% disability rating. My feet are worst, hurts a lot and I'm more mad about what the army did to me.. What can I do to increase this rating to 40-50%. jb

[@viperviper5]

Well I was in the service back in 1985 for 4 years and I was a paratrooper. Did many jumps over those years. I noticed about 6 years ago I was experiencing pain in my left knee. I still have good range of motion with this knee but it is swollen and I can’t put a lot of weight on it. It is also painful and how I deal with the pain is taking turmeric and black cherries everyday which helps with the pain. I wonder if I have a case.

[@livingmoneypolitics]

Did you ever go to sick hall for knee pain. I was in the service the same time (1985) and was recently service contacted for pes planus flat feet. I went to sick hall twice and it was noted in my records. If you were a Paratrooper you were also subjected to noise exposure. If you have ringing in your ears, you may be service contacted for tinnitus. Its not to late to file. These condition we ignored for years want go away.

[@viperviper5]

@@livingmoneypolitics Well thanks for your response. I never went to sick hall because my knee never bothered me back then. As a paratrooper and communications. Specialist I had to lift and carry a lot of heavy communications equipment. I have at the moment good range in my knee however it is very painful when I bend down or walk up the steps. In my time in the service I did 33 jumps with those hard leather jump boots. I also had to do PT every morning running 4 miles a day. My thinking is with all of this activity has taken a toll on my knees as I have become older. My doctors have told me I have a little arthritis in my bad knee and I was wondering if my activities in the service could have contributed to this. Is it worth my time pursuing this with the VA. I am thinking about having a law office look into this for me. Like I said I never went to sick call for this but my military documents show I was a paratrooper. I believe because of this has contributed to my bad swollen knee. Thanks again.

[@melvinosborne6056]

what if you have had to replace total knee total hip and total shoulder? and was at camp lejeune.

[@RubenPerez-oe8fl]

I have neck, lower back. Hip, and knees but the VA keeps denying me. From tinnitus, perforated ear drum and hearing. So I have given up and the bad thing the VA almost killed me on over dose on my medication

[@derekcasanares4785]

Another wonderful post keep it coming

[@HillAndPonton]

We will!

[@wallys7016]

Can you be rated for intervertebral disc syndrome and arthritis? Two different codes right? I got an MRI that shows arthritis in two different joints.

[@dboots1421]

Thank you

[@danhadsell2795]

Where can you find what your VA disabilitys are and what your ratings are

[@andrewgaffney4881]

Is it common for the VA to roll an existing service connected disability into a recently awarded disability. I was at 30% for asthma, and recently awarded 50% for sleep apnea, but the VA rolled asthma into SA, for a total of 50%. I use a CPAP machine, so I assumed I would get 50% for sleep apnea, and I still have asthma. Thank you.

[@pabloenriquechavesmonsalve4786]

What about Heel bone spurs?

[@oldwarriorlife]

HOW DO VETERANS SERVICE CONNECT PHYSICAL TRAINING (RUNNING, WEIGHT TRAINING, CROSS FIT) FOR YEARS? THERE WERE NO SICK CALL VISITS WHILE ON ACTIVE DUTY, BUT 10 YEARS AFTER SEPARATION I'M EXPERIENCING KNEE, ELBOW, SHOULDER PROBLEMS.

[@MaryJefferson-f7g]

What benifits can you claim for arthritis of the hips & groin

[@MaryJefferson-f7g]

Blood test shows if got arthritis

[@Tricebbt632]

I have arthritis in my lower back no heavy lifting

[@RayHoven]

So I have gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Is that two separate ratings? Or is it all lumped into arthritis?

[@kennys10]

⚠I have a service connected disability for my right knee. I have developed pain with difficulty when standing from a seated position in my left knee. Could the problem with my left knee be linked with the disability in my right knee?

[@davanansalick6126]

U have the same issue I have…I had ACL reconstructive surgery with meniscus removal/repair 20 years ago…now my left knee and hip hurts all the time…I recently had a fall where my right knee gave out and it tweaked my left hip somehow and left knee also gave out and I ended up sprawled out on garage floor…that being said, I’m now pursuing secondary claims for left knee and hip…I went to VA primary care and they prescribed me knee brace for both my knees now…also have appt set up for X-rays on left hip…also…I’ve been dealing with depression for years but didn’t know what it was…I self treated with drugs and alcohol for some time and got into trouble with the law a few times and ended up in NA/AA/anger management etc…I told my primary care provider about it all and she set me up with a psychiatrist who my first visit with her diagnosed me with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) - a 70% rating by itself…taking into consideration that I’m already service connected for right knee at 40% since 2008…thinking I have a road map to 100% aka hundo club eventually…jus gotta stick with the appointments and get the required diagnosis and IMOs (independent medical opinions) w/ nexuses…wish u all the best in your pursuits 🙏🏽🫡

[@davanansalick6126]

And sorry for not answering your question after that long blurb (jus wanted to give u some other items to consider if the shoe fits), but YES…according to kinetic chain theory that’s an affirmative 👍 to your question One major joint gets messed up and we begin to over compensate on our other joints leading to overuse issues (arthritis etc)

[@michaelclymer1341]

I have 10% in each knee degenerative arthritis but they only did thd extention on my legs and nothing how do i getcthdm to do the others withoutvtelling thdm hos to do thier jobs

[@reekomy8321]

I am currently service-connected with my left knee (now having knee pain in both knees and hips) at 0 percent. My c-file shows me having dermatitis while in the Navy. I believe that was a misdiagnosis by the Navy Physician because the rash came back under both of my arms, behind my ears, around my eyes, on my scalp, stomach, knees, and elbows. A private doctor diagnosed me with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (feet and ankles). I would eventually continue to have monthly flare-ups after my military service. Do I have a case to move forward for arthritis?

[@hubertashley1712]

Apply the PACT ACT

[@eugene1653el]

I have arthritis in my left knee I served in the Marines and was prescribed a handicap placard permanent for the knee but would like to file a va claim I'm only 46 but I have no evidence in my medical records of knee pain do I have a case?

[@ernest139]

I have Been Diagnosed with a Disability,Degenerative arthritis thoracolumbar spine,Became manifest to a Degree of 10 percent or more following service painful and limited motion.

[@josephbrown4300]

My exit exam questionaire I stated injury to right knee. I have arthritis in both knees now , can it be service connected ?

[@danielledavis9876]

I had a claim for arthritis a 30%. I put in a claim for patella syndrome which I was diagnosed in the military, they change my arthritis rating to patella syndrome and down graded it. How they can do the, change the whole thing to justify the decrease

[@johnpelszynski6646]

I have everything i have every ailment there is. All combat veterans have so many, many health issues.

[@schexr3]

How much does Hill & Ponton charge to help veterans win claims?

[@toddwyndham7009]

Ok sooo I had moderate to severe arthritis in both knees and had to have both knees replaced in my late 40s I’m now 55 and am now limited In how long I can stand and walk and the flexibility and have chronic pain as well I can’t ever get down on my knees again you just can’t do it after getting knees replaced so do think I can still maybe get a rating for arthritis if I can make a service connection?

[@HillAndPonton]

Wow, Todd, sorry to hear about everything you've had to go through with your knees. Sounds like you may have a claim. There are 3 important things every successful and valid claim requires: 1) a current disability 2) an an in-service incident or injury event 3) a medical nexus (connection) between your current disability and that in-service incident. If you have those, then by all means, you should be considering getting that arthritis compensated.

[@rokit4675]

What about Ankylosing Spondylitis?

[@twged5611]

I plan on filling for the first time since my retirement in 1994, any recommendations? I was in Germany for the Cha noble and mad Cow incident , also desert Storm/Desert shield.

[@elinino5275]

go see the DAV. they have a list of conditions associated with desert storm vets.

[@MJ-gi9iw]

I have a 50 percent rating for my feet and now have constant pain when walking and can’t bend toes due to arthritis, can I file a claim for arthritis?

[@jasonlaroque4998]

Ok I have to have both of my big toe joints replaced, is there a claim I can put I for that? Right now I'm going through tri-care for this . Should I start using the VA for more of my health care instead of tri-care?

[@HillAndPonton]

Sounds like you may be able to put in a claim for your toe joint if you can prove how it's service connected.

[@ashleycbla]

What are some causes of arthritis?

[@rudydog420]

I really don't get why rumitoid RA has to do with being in the service. I have RA. My blood work ccp levels show it but how would being in the service be why I have RA.

[@RayHoven]

Burn pits my buddy.

[@albertoasuncion5675]

How about your right thumb I can’t move my right thumb all the way my primary doctor told me this is an athtritis? Do I need file a claim on this one.

[@michaesc1]

How do I get in touch with you? I'm a VA Vet who has had three back surgery and the third surgery could me to have drop foot. They have denied me but said I can appeal. I'm now having problems with my neck.

[@williammeeker7626]

I had to have my hip replaced because of Arthritis can I file a clam

[@CombatCraig]

🤠🤠

[@1voiceinthecrowd]

So if one had a mva but not on base, nor on duty at the time.... the joint injury could be service connected?

[@1voiceinthecrowd]

Oh and no crime was being committed

[@scrapguy6816]

Very informative video.

[@carlettcummings1385]

What if you had a knee replacement

[@danflores8445]

Great information and advice. Thank you !!!

[@HillAndPonton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@htdvkywcs6292]

You didn't answer the question if the VA has tests for arthritis.

[@koogle612]

VA does have tests. I have Rheumatoid. Found out yesterday. They do a blood test for it. The other type I dont know how they test for that.

[@HillAndPonton]

Let us know in the comments what topics you'd like for us to cover! Also here's a link to our arthritis article on our web site: www.hillandponton.com/va-ratings-for-arthritis-explained/

[@jondstewart]

I had bad osteoarthritis in both knees, barely able to walk, but they wouldn’t increase my 10% for each knee. I had a knee replacement 2 months ago and still waiting for temporary 100%

[@williamechevarria4616]

CC 💯💯🙏

[@joeyholthusen6495]

Rachel is a attractive woman, with a nice smile

[@Thebwaller07]

I’m rated 20% for back strain. I was in Naval Special Warfare. SBT-20. I now have DDD. I’ve had fusion at L4 L5. I have bone spurs in my neck and I’m about to have neck fusion C5 C6 and C6 C7. My Claim started 2003 it was denied. I was rated in 2023.

[@dondoering4431]

I was airborne with over a 100 jumps. The VA says my arthritis is due to age.