Veterans can only be compensated once for each manifestation of a disability. If youve served in the military, the VA offers you a variety of aid programs and benefits. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14526-musculoskeletal-pain, https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health-strategies/musculoskeletal-disorders/index.html. Specifically, if there is weakness and severe pain with motion, then it is rated 60 percent for the dominant arm and 50 percent for the non-dominant arm. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. You must visit a VA-approved physician to get this diagnosis and receive documentation of it. However, many different conditions could be causing your shoulder pain, including: These conditions can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reaching for items, combing your hair, or even putting on a shirt. Important - Will Not Pay Reimburse - Reginfo.gov You will probably only receive one rating for your condition per shoulder. The examiner will look for how your shoulder functions when you move your arm and how far you can move before you feel pain. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Amputation It may surprise you to learn that rotator cuff tears do not need to have occurred during an active shift. They can help to improve your range of motion, reduce pain and prevent further injury. This is the most common knee problem eligible for VA disability benefits, with ratings that typically range from 10% to 30%. If you have a disability rating of 10 percent, youll receive $165.92 a month, and with a rating of 20 percent, youll get $327.99. How to Service Connect Your Shoulder Pain, Direct Service Connection for a VA Rating for Shoulder Pain, Secondary Service Connection for a Shoulder Pain VA Rating, 3. How do I increase my rating percentages? You can submit new evidence, such as new documentation of thickness tears. However, establishing service connection for shoulder and arm conditions can be difficult. The doctor may then reattach the tendons and a physical therapist will work with the veteran to further strengthen the rotator cuff tendons. All Rights Reserved. Our lawyers are committed to helping veterans get disability compensation. The Schedule also provides charts to help assist with understanding what these degrees mean. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions The percent ratings that relate to rotator cuff injuries look as follows: The VA may also use 38 CFR 4.73 (Schedule of Ratings Muscle Injuries) when rating rotator cuff injuries. The Torso and Neck Muscles Military Disability Made Easy All rights reserved. Two things that veterans know are a given in active duty military life. The examiner will also perform a physical examination of your shoulder. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that make it possible for the arm and shoulder to move. The Department of Veterans Affairs says of this condition that, when established via X-rays, the VA disability rating will be made "on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved. In some cases, you may still have your arm and shoulder, but you may not be able to move them. The VA is looking for the impact that your disability has on your life on your ability to work, maintain relationships with family and friends, and carry out simple tasks. There are also a range of other diseases, injuries, and conditions that can impact your shoulder function. Specifically, if the entire arm is amputated from the shoulder joint down, including the scapula, clavicle, and/or ribs, it is rated 100 percent regardless of whether it is the dominant or non-dominant arm (Diagnostic Code 5120). The experienced VA disability attorneys on our team understand how VA claims work and are dedicated to helping Veterans get the compensation they are entitled to. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 Expand Table Amputations: Lower Extremity I cant thank you enough! Bursitis is defined as inflammation and swelling of a fluid-filled sac called the bursae; typically this leads to thickening and pain in the area. All of these conditions can lead to chronic shoulder pain and disability. The joint should allow the arm to move in multiple directions without any pain. Using a measurable metric like range of motion (ROM) makes it easier for the VA to accurately assess a Veterans level of disability. Your military records are important. Before we dive into all of the VA disability rating codes for shoulder injuries, lets go over some basic anatomy of the shoulder, beginning with your bones. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.WE CAN HELP. #34938Washington, D.C. 20090-6503, Phone: (888) 878-9350 In addition to testing for initial range of motion, your VA physician should also check your repetitive motion to see if there is a higher degree of functional loss afterward.