Joint Pain

Everything Veterans Need to Know About Joint Pain

Joint disabilities, which can significantly impact a veteran's daily life and overall well-being, are among the most common conditions affecting those who have served in the military. Understanding how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates and rates these conditions is crucial for veterans seeking the benefits and support they deserve. This comprehensive guide aims to provide veterans with a clear and in-depth understanding of joint disability ratings, including common conditions, the evaluation process, and strategies for maximizing their benefits. By arming themselves with this knowledge, veterans can more effectively navigate the disability claims process and ensure they receive the recognition and assistance they have earned through their service.

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Understanding Joint Disability Ratings


The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs a specific system to evaluate and rate disabilities, including those related to joint issues. This system is designed to assess the extent to which a veteran's ability to function is impaired by their condition. When it comes to joint disabilities, the VA considers factors such as the range of motion, functional loss, and the presence of pain during motion.


Joint disability ratings are crucial because they directly influence the compensation levels veterans receive. The process involves a thorough examination, often requiring medical evidence like X-rays or MRI scans, to determine the severity of the condition. Veterans should be aware that the VA also takes into account the impact of the joint condition on their overall health and ability to perform daily activities. For more information on disability claims, see here.

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Common Joint Conditions Affecting Veterans


Veterans are often susceptible to a variety of joint conditions due to the physical demands of military service. Conditions such as knee problems, hip disorders, and shoulder injuries are among the most common. These issues can arise from acute injuries sustained in service, the wear and tear of daily military activities, or as secondary conditions related to other service-connected disabilities.

Knee problems, for instance, can range from ligament injuries to degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. Hip disorders may include conditions such as hip dysplasia or bursitis, while shoulder injuries can encompass rotator cuff tears or shoulder impingement syndrome. Each of these conditions can significantly impact a veteran's quality of life, limiting mobility, causing pain, and affecting their ability to perform daily tasks. Learn more about specific problems below:


Flat Feet (Pes Planus) in Veterans

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition characterized by the collapse of the arch of the foot, resulting in the entire foot making contact with the ground. While some individuals with flat feet experience no symptoms, others may suffer from pain, discomfort, and mobility issues. For veterans, the condition is particularly significant due to the rigorous physical activity involved in military service, which can exacerbate the symptoms of flat feet.


What is the VA Rating for Flat Feet?

Flat feet ratings are typically attributed based on the severity of the condition and its impact on the veteran's daily life. The VA uses diagnostic code 5276 to rate flat feet, which considers factors such as the presence of symptoms, the effectiveness of orthopedic shoes or appliances, and the presence of characteristic deformities.

Here are some common VA disability ratings for flat feet:

  • 0% - Mild symptoms, relieved by built-up shoe or arch support
  • 10% - Moderate symptoms, with weight-bearing line over or medial to the great toe, inward bowing of the tendo achillis, and pain on manipulation and use of the feet
  • 30% - Severe symptoms, with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.), pain on manipulation and use accentuated, indication of swelling on use, and characteristic callosities
  • 50% - Pronounced symptoms, with marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances

To determine the appropriate rating, the VA reviews medical records, imaging results, and statements from the veteran and their healthcare providers. They may also require a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination to assess the severity of the condition.

Veterans with flat feet should provide comprehensive documentation of their symptoms, treatment history, and the impact of the condition on their daily activities. It's crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that the condition is accurately evaluated and rated. In some cases, veterans may be able to receive separate ratings for each foot if the condition affects both feet and the severity of the symptoms differs between them.


Shoulder Pain in Veterans

Shoulder pain is a common issue among veterans, often resulting from the demands of military service, such as carrying heavy gear or engaging in repetitive motions. Conditions like rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement syndrome, and osteoarthritis can cause significant discomfort and limit a veteran's range of motion.


What is the VA Rating for Shoulder Pain?

The rating assigned depends on the severity of the limitation and the arm affected (dominant or non-dominant). The VA considers factors such as the range of motion, pain during movement, and the presence of other symptoms like weakness or instability.

Here are some common VA Disability Ratings for Shoulder Pain:

  • 0% - Mild symptoms, with no significant limitation of motion or functional impairment
  • 10% - Painful or limited motion, but with the ability to raise the arm above shoulder level
  • 20% - Limited motion, with the arm limited to shoulder level
  • 30% - Limited motion, with the arm limited to midway between the side and shoulder level (dominant arm)
  • 30% - Limited motion, with the arm limited to 25 degrees from the side (non-dominant arm)
  • 40% - Limited motion, with the arm limited to 25 degrees from the side (dominant arm)
  • 50% - Unfavorable ankylosis, with abduction limited to 25 degrees from the side (dominant arm)
  • 40% - Unfavorable ankylosis, with abduction limited to 25 degrees from the side (non-dominant arm)

Shoulder pain ratings are typically attributed based on the range of motion and functional impairment of the affected shoulder. The VA uses diagnostic codes 5200-5203 to rate shoulder conditions:

  • 5200: Ankylosis of the scapulohumeral articulation (shoulder joint)
  • 5201: Limitation of arm motion
  • 5202: Other impairment of the humerus (e.g., malunion, recurrent dislocation)
  • 5203: Impairment of the clavicle or scapula

To determine the appropriate rating, the VA reviews medical records, imaging results, and statements from the veteran and their healthcare providers. They may also require a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination to assess the severity of the condition.

Veterans with shoulder pain should provide comprehensive documentation of their symptoms, treatment history, and the impact of the condition on their daily activities. It's essential to work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that the condition is accurately evaluated and rated. In some cases, veterans may be able to receive separate ratings for each shoulder if both are affected and the severity of the symptoms differs between them.


Hip Pain in Veterans

Hip disorders, such as hip dysplasia, bursitis, and osteoarthritis, can cause significant pain and mobility issues for veterans. These conditions may arise from acute injuries sustained during military service or develop over time due to the wear and tear of daily activities.


What is the VA Rating for Hip Pain?

The rating assigned depends on the severity of the limitation and the presence of other symptoms like pain, weakness, or instability. The VA considers factors such as the range of motion, pain during movement, and the presence of ankylosis or flail joint.

Here are some common VA Disability Ratings for Hip Pain:

  • 0% - Mild symptoms, with no significant limitation of motion or functional impairment
  • 10% - Painful or limited motion, with flexion limited to 45 degrees, or extension limited to 5 degrees
  • 20% - Limited motion, with flexion limited to 30 degrees, or abduction limited to 10 degrees
  • 30% - Limited motion, with flexion limited to 20 degrees, or abduction limited to motion lost beyond 10 degrees
  • 40% - Limited motion, with flexion limited to 10 degrees
  • 60% - Favorable ankylosis, with the hip in flexion at an angle between 20 and 40 degrees, and slight adduction or abduction
  • 70% - Intermediate ankylosis, with the hip in flexion at an angle between 20 and 40 degrees, and slight adduction or abduction
  • 90% - Unfavorable ankylosis, with extremely unfavorable ankylosis, the foot not reaching the ground, crutches necessitated

Hip pain ratings are typically attributed based on the range of motion and functional impairment of the affected hip. The VA uses diagnostic codes 5250-5255 to rate hip conditions:

  • 5250: Hip ankylosis
  • 5251: Limitation of extension of the thigh
  • 5252: Limitation of flexion of the thigh
  • 5253: Impairment of the thigh (limitation of abduction, adduction, or rotation
  • 5254: Hip flail joint
  • 5255: Impairment of the femur (e.g., fracture, malunion)

To determine the appropriate rating, the VA reviews medical records, imaging results, and statements from the veteran and their healthcare providers. They may also require a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination to assess the severity of the condition.

Veterans with hip pain should provide comprehensive documentation of their symptoms, treatment history, and the impact of the condition on their daily activities. It's crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that the condition is accurately evaluated and rated. In some cases, veterans may be able to receive separate ratings for each hip if both are affected and the severity of the symptoms differs between them.


Knee Pain in Veterans

Knee problems are among the most common joint issues affecting veterans, often resulting from the physical demands of military service. Conditions like ligament injuries, meniscus tears, and osteoarthritis can cause significant pain and limit a veteran's mobility.


What is the VA Rating for Knee Pain?

The rating assigned depends on the severity of the limitation and the presence of other symptoms like pain, weakness, or instability. The VA considers factors such as the range of motion, pain during movement, and the presence of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.

Here are some common VA Disability Ratings for Knee Pain:

  • 0% - Mild symptoms, with no significant limitation of motion or functional impairment
  • 10% - Painful or limited motion, with flexion limited to 45 degrees, or extension limited to 10 degrees
  • 20% - Limited motion, with flexion limited to 30 degrees, or extension limited to 15 degrees
  • 30% - Limited motion, with flexion limited to 15 degrees, or extension limited to 20 degrees
  • 40% - Limited motion, with flexion limited to 10 degrees, or extension limited to 30 degrees
  • 50% - Ankylosis of the knee in flexion between 20 and 45 degrees
  • 60% - Extremely unfavorable ankylosis of the knee in flexion at an angle of 45 degrees or more

Knee pain ratings are typically attributed based on the range of motion, instability, and functional impairment of the affected knee. The VA uses diagnostic codes 5256-5263 to rate knee conditions:

  • 5256: Ankylosis of the knee
  • 5257: Recurrent subluxation or lateral instability
  • 5258: Dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of "locking," pain, and effusion into the joint
  • 5259: Symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage
  • 5260: Limitation of flexion of the leg
  • 5261: Limitation of extension of the leg
  • 5262: Impairment of the tibia and fibula
  • 5263: Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated)

To determine the appropriate rating, the VA reviews medical records, imaging results, and statements from the veteran and their healthcare providers. They may also require a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination to assess the severity of the condition.

Veterans with knee pain should provide comprehensive documentation of their symptoms, treatment history, and the impact of the condition on their daily activities. It's essential to work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that the condition is accurately evaluated and rated. In some cases, veterans may be able to receive separate ratings for each knee if both are affected and the severity of the symptoms differs between them. Additionally, veterans may be eligible for separate ratings under different diagnostic codes if their knee condition involves multiple symptoms, such as limitation of motion and instability.

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Maximizing Your Joint Disability Rating


For veterans seeking to maximize their joint disability rating, it's vital to ensure that their condition is accurately evaluated and documented. Here are some tips to achieve this:

  • Maintain thorough medical records, including documentation of initial diagnoses, treatments received, and the condition's impact on your daily life.
  • Undergo regular medical evaluations to document the progression of your joint condition.
  • Be prepared to articulate how your joint condition affects your daily activities during your VA assessment.
  • Consider consulting with a VA-accredited representative who can provide guidance on navigating the disability claims process.

We encourage veterans to seek out additional support and guidance as they navigate their disability claims. Whether it's consulting with healthcare providers, connecting with fellow veterans, or reaching out to organizations like us here at Veterans Disability Aid, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

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You Fought For Your Country, Let Us Fight for You.

If you're a veteran struggling with joint pain, such as flat feet or other conditions, and your disability claim has been denied, don't lose hope. Appeals are common, and with the right support, you can successfully navigate the process to secure the benefits you deserve. At Veterans Disability Aid, our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you through every stage of the appeals journey. We understand the challenges you face and the importance of obtaining a fair disability rating that accurately reflects the impact of your joint issues on your daily life. You fought for your country, let us fight for you.

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