Circumference of atrophied side: _____ cm. Abduction occurs when you have arm movement away from the middle of your body. Limited range of motion is a reduction in the normal range of motion of any joint. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. to show your symptoms have worsened over time. The Musculoskeletal System is vast and complex, consisting of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones. This is a relatively common condition that can be caused by the tasks required of military members, including physical training, transporting supplies, or lifting heavy objects on a regular basis. The VASRD offers ratings for the following musculoskeletal conditions of the Shoulder and Upper Arm: In reality, the majority ofShoulder and Upper Armconditions will be rated on limitation of motion since that is the most common symptom of these conditions that results in a measurable disability, but other rating options exist to rate theShoulder and Upper Armconditions that cause other forms of disability. If a veterans shoulder or arm condition results in an amputation, then it will be rated differently. If yes, document the Veterans description of instability/ recurrent subluxation in his/her own words. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Random flare-ups are common in musculoskeletal disabilities, making each day a different experience for Veterans with these conditions. Under each category is a list of diagnostic codes representing common disabilities of that body part. Gates DH, et al. The VASRD's 15 body systems had seen periodic updates, but this continuing effort reflects the first comprehensive review in 70+ years. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. If the entire shoulder joint has been replaced by a prosthetic device, the condition is rated at 100 percent for one month after being discharged from the hospital following the replacement. 5A. Or rate on impairment of the function of the contiguous joint. endstream endobj 366 0 obj <>/Size 353/Type/XRef>>stream What Veterans Need to Know About Osteoarthritis? There are six different ratings, from 0% to 50%, listed as follows: As the chart above shows, extending the knee straight out with extension less than 5 degrees of being completely straight, a Veteran will be given a 0% rating. The VA does allow veterans to file for shoulder pain if it was caused by their time in the service. If you've served in the military, the VA offers you a variety of aid programs and benefits. Stretching is usually most effective and least painful when tissue temperature is raised to about 43 C (see Heat ). It could be coming from your latissimus dorsi. What are the Initial ROM measurements for right knee and/or left knee? These symptoms can be extremely painful, and they can most definitely contribute to the VAs rating of your disability. VA also proposes to assign a 30 percent rating for a major . One of the most important aspects of qualifying for disability benefits from the VA is establishing a connection between your disability and your military service. We have updated our Privacy Policy. If a condition is not directly listed on the Shoulder and Upper Arm Condition Ratings page, it is rated under the code that best describes it or its dominant symptom (hint: the majority will be rated as limitation of motion). The 10% rating is met when f lexion is . For example, a veteran would need to show diagnosis and treatment records for a medical condition, such as a shoulder disability. Rotator cuffs, dislocations, and poorly healed bones all contribute to long-term disabilities in veterans. Range of Motion - Shoulder Range of motion Normal ROM and Goniometry Technique Flexion Normal ROM: 180 degrees Patient Position: Seated Axis: At or just below tip of acromion Fixed Arm :Aligned with midline of body Movable Arm: Along shaft of humerus Special Instructions: Patient must keep arm straight Extension Normal ROM: 45-60 degrees 3A. 367 0 obj <>stream The strain of military service can lead to wear and tear on the spine, not to mention the risk of traumatic injuries in training or combat. You MAY be entitled to a separate evaluation for any muscle injuries as a result of the shoulder impairment if they are not based on the same symptoms as the shoulder itself. What is the VA Knee Rating Chart? Not being able to use your shoulder can affect your ability to work and limit daily life. If your musculoskeletal condition inhibits your range of motion significantly, you are more likely to receive a higher disability rating from the VA. During the appeals process, you can present medical records, testimonials from fellow soldiers, and any other evidence that may play a role in changing the outcome of your claim. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? The information you obtain on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Is range of motion the only thing VA considers or do they actually look at what you can and cannot do for daily living purposes? Does the Veteran report having any functional loss or functional impairment of the joint or extremity being evaluated on this questionnaire, including but not limited to after repeated use over time? The primary adductors are: The Pectoralis major the Lattisimus dorsi. Thanks. Many veterans leave the service with shoulder problems. VA may request a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to examine the veterans shoulder or arm condition. Minor joints include the joints in fingers and toes, and the vertebrae in the spine. Arthritis, degenerative (hypertrophic or osteoarthritis). If you are rated 30% or more, you will receive full retirement benefits. <]>> These four stretches can help relieve. Yes, as long as the shoulder pain is service-connected, you can qualify for VA Disability. The Schedule also provides charts to help assist with understanding what these degrees mean. VA does not send copies of the report unless specifically requested, so in order to receive a copy, the veteran must request one. Function: Elevation and abduction of arm to the level of the shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of the arm. 0000005655 00000 n This is lateral rotation also referred to as external rotation and the normal range of motion for a healthy shoulder is 90 degrees. Whether your shoulder issues started immediately after leaving the military or decades later, you may be eligible for disability compensation. However, establishing service connection for shoulder and arm conditions can be difficult. The shoulder also contains ligaments, the fibrous tissues that connect one bone to another bone. If any limitation of motion is specifically attributable to pain, weakness, fatigability, incoordination, or other; please note the degree(s) in which limitation of motion is specifically attributable to the factors identified and describe. Since a musculoskeletal disability can significantly inhibit your movement, aspects of life that used to come easily may now be nearly impossible for you. 0 If there is pain noted on examination, it is important to understand whether that pain itself contributes to functional loss. Lifting the arm to shoulder level is lifting it to 90 degrees. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. 229 0 obj <>stream They can help you find a treatment plan or recommend you to an orthopedist. In the exam report, the examiner is requested to provide an estimate of decreased range of motion (in degrees) that reflect frequency, duration, and during flare- -ups even if not directly observed during a flare-up and/or after repeated use over time. 2020 MilitaryDisabilityMadeEasy.com - All rights reserved, The Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), Concurrent Retirement & Disability Pay (CRDP), Limitation of Motion of the Shoulder and Upper Arm, Injuries to the Clavicle and Scapula Bones. (B) The client's right thigh is being passively moved into flexion by the therapist. VA Knee Disability Rating: Is Knee Pain a VA Disability? endstream endobj startxref As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. The VA assigns a percentage rating for disabilities stemming from limited use of shoulder muscles according to severity. Pro Tip: Ankylosis is the immobilization of a joint due to disease, injury, or surgical procedure. endstream endobj 354 0 obj <>/Metadata 25 0 R/PieceInfo<>>>/Pages 24 0 R/PageLayout/OneColumn/StructTreeRoot 27 0 R/Type/Catalog/Lang(EN-US)/LastModified(D:20100525154543)/PageLabels 22 0 R>> endobj 355 0 obj <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/ExtGState<>>>/Type/Page>> endobj 356 0 obj <> endobj 357 0 obj <> endobj 358 0 obj <> endobj 359 0 obj <> endobj 360 0 obj <> endobj 361 0 obj <> endobj 362 0 obj <>stream Stiffness and loss of range of motion can pop up due to consistent use of a certain muscle group or body part. Information regarding joint function on repetitive use is broken up into two subsets. Degenerative disc disease PO Box 96503Dept. Function: Elevation and abduction of arm to level of shoulder; act with 1 and 2 of Group II in forward and backward swing of arm. SECTION III RANGE OF MOTION (ROM) AND FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION. If you are already a veteran, you can submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim. What Should I Expect at a VA C&P Exam for Knee Pain? The Schedule of Ratings lists disabilities under different categories based on the part of the body affected. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. A normal range of motion for shoulder extension to the highest point you can lift your arm behind your back starting with your palms next to your body is between 45 and 60 degrees. We should at the very least check for cervical spinal tenderness, by palpating the cervical spinous processes, and the range of motion of the neck in flexion, extension and rotation. Separate ratings occur when there is another distinct manifestation of a disability that is not currently rated. Okay Brian, let's get right to it: Is age a factor in VA claims? All of the criteria include severe, moderately severe, moderate, or slight and corresponds to a disability rating ranging from 0 to 40 percent. Amputations: Lower Extremity 2 Also entitled to special monthly compensation. Make an appointment for a no-obligation consultation with us now online or by phone at 888.878.9350. Veterans may be eligible to receive as much as 50% disability compensation. ROM is the predominant rating criteria, BUT under Deluca case, functional impairment (including pain, against resistance/with weight, loss of coordination, lack of endurance) MUST be considered. Because of this complexity, the VA simplified the rating system for musculoskeletal conditions to focus on the resulting disability from a condition or group of conditions existing in the same body part.