Joint Pain

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.