How does the VA determine range of motion?

Range of motion is arguably the most important factor VA considers when evaluating a veteran's back pain or condition. To ensure accuracy when measuring the veteran's range of motion, VA is required to use a specific instrument known as a goniometer (i.e., an instrument used for the precise measurement of angles).

What should you not say at C&P exam?

Don't Lie or Stretch the Truth. This is a big one. Don't ever lie or stretch the truth when it comes to your VA disability claim. At your C&P exam, you should think, look, act, and speak as you would on a normal day.

How does the VA rate adjustment disorder?

VA rates your disability on its severity and how significantly your daily life is affected by it. You receive more monthly compensation the higher your rating is. Adjustment disorder is rated as a psychological disorder, which can receive either a 10, 30, 50, 70 or 100% rating.

What is the average VA rating for lower back pain?

VA generally rates low back pain as follows: ”100% – unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. 50% – unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

What does the VA consider functional loss?

Functional Loss - Disability of the musculoskeletal system is primarily the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform the normal working movements of the body with normal exertion, strength, speed, coordination, and endurance.

Lumbar Spine | Range of Motion Assessment

How does VA measure knee flexion?

Generally, VA strictly rates this condition based on the range of motion that exists as the veteran moves their knee in that direction rather than any pain it causes. The most common rating VA assigns for limitation of flexion of the knee is 10 percent, although the highest rating a veteran can receive is 30 percent.

What are flexion limitations?

Limitation of Flexion: The diagnostic code for limitation of flexion is 5260. According to the rating criteria, if the knee can straighten, but can't bend all the way, it is rated under 5260. The different percentages available are 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. These ratings are assigned based on how much the knee can bend.

What is the VA rating for neck pain?

Can I get VA Disability for neck muscle pain? Yes, as long as the neck pain is service-connected, you can qualify for VA Disability. It will be rated the minimum 10% unless there is limited motion that qualifies for a higher rating.

How do you prove back pain is service connected?

What is VA rating for chronic pain?

The Veteran claims entitlement to an increased rating for chronic pain disorder associated with both psychological factors and general medical condition, rated 50 percent disabling effective from July 1992.

How do you prove adjustment disorder?

Adjustment disorder is marked by emotional and/or behavioral symptoms (e.g., sadness, frequent crying, anxiety, withdrawal, or isolation) that generally begin within three months of the stressful event and rarely last for longer than six months after the event has ended.

What is the average VA rating for anxiety?

30% This disability rating is perhaps the most common one. It is appropriate if the aforementioned symptoms are worse but still manageable.

What percent disability is anxiety?

The 70 percent disability rating criterion for depression and anxiety is the most inclusive insofar as it represents a wide array of symptoms, including a progression of symptoms noted in the lower disability ratings.

How do I know if my C&P went well?

The best, and often only, way to tell if a C&P exam went well for the veteran is to read the exam report. However, VA does not issue the veteran a copy of the report unless they specifically request it. To do this, veterans can send a letter requesting a copy of their exam report to their Regional Office.

What is a favorable C&P exam?

An accurate and complete mental health C&P examination should take a minimum of 30 minutes, with some initial exams lasting 2-3 hours. A non-mental health exam could take 15 minutes or so and still be adequate for rating purposes.

Why is there a second C&P exam?

What Happens During a VA Second C&P Exam? Veterans with certain medical conditions or injuries may need an additional medical exam to assess their eligibility for VA disability benefits. This doesn't require a new claim.

What is the VA 5 year rule?

The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.

What are the easiest things to claim for VA disability?

What is the VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease?

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease is currently rated as 40 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5242 (for rating degenerative arthritis of the spine) and the general rating formula for rating diseases and injuries of the spine.

What neck problems qualify for VA disability?

Cervical strain (Diagnostic Code 5237) – stretched or torn muscle or tendon in the neck. Degenerative arthritis of the spine (Diagnostic Code 5242) – degeneration of the cervical vertebrae resulting in pain. Cervical spine stenosis (Diagnostic Code 5238) – narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck.

How much VA disability do you get for shoulder pain?

As long as you can prove that the shoulder pain you're experiencing is service-connected, you'll likely receive at least a 10% disability rating. One principle the VA uses to determine the rating for shoulder injuries is the “Painful Motion” principle.

What neck problems qualify for disability?

Among those neck problems that qualify for disability per the SSA guidelines are degenerative disc disease (DDD), herniated discs, arthritis, whiplash, cervical spondylolisthesis, cervical retrolistheses, pinched nerves, cervical lordosis, and cancer.

Is limited range of motion a disability?

If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability that limits your range of motion, you are entitled to disability compensation.

What is the normal range of motion for a knee?

A fully bent knee will max out at about a full range of motion of 135° degrees of flexion. As a general rule, a knee flexion of about 125° will allow you to carry out most normal activities. For daily living, a minimum flexion of around 105°-110° is required.