Service Connected Osteoarthritis And Degenerative Joint Disease

[Old 5311]

The VA just determined the following conditions are related to my military service, so connection has been granted:

Degenerative joint disease cervical spine, assigned 10%.

Degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine, assigned 10%.

Osteoarthritis, Left Shoulder, assigned 10%.

Osteoarthritis, Right Shoulder, assigned 10%.

Osteoarthritis, Left Hip, assigned 10%.

Osteoarthritis, Right Hip, assigned 10%.

Osteoarthritis, Left Wrist, assigned 10%.

Osteoarthritis, Right Wrist, assigned 10%.

Osteoarthritis, Left knee, assigned 10%.

Osteoarthritis, Right knee, assigned 10%.

TOTAL 10%

Can this possibly be correct? I am crippled, and have continuous pain, even lying down. I cannot stand, walk or take stairs. The VA knows all this.

My hunch is they are waiting on attrition!

Someone please explain this decision to me or advise.

Thank You.

[luvHIM]

JQ, if you have a "record of severe debillitating arthritis", to what do they attribute that?

Have they said?

Yeah, I'd be interested to know the answer to this question also.

[Jayg]

JQ, if you have a "record of severe debillitating arthritis", to what do they attribute that?

Have they said?

No. No comment as to cause at all.

I see my Dr. next week and am going to try and get him to put it in his progress notes.

[shag]

Chuck75 and Berta,

Thanks for the replies. You are exactly right all those add up to 10%. I did get a Statement Of Claim, but do not know about a bilateral factor. I could get 20% if a group of joints were affected. You are right I got low-balled. I have deformity and have lost 2" of height. Also wearing VA issue braces on the legs. Two VA doctors knew my condition was SC and made the notes. They gave the civilian doctors statements credibility. My employer has given me Special Accomodation so I'm thankful for that.

Regards "Old 5311"

Hey Old 5311,

You might want to ask some of these guys about VA math. Don't quote me because I am not an expert, but I think using VA math you might be rated 70% schedular. Also, as they said earlier, you might get TDIU, or even SMC at some rate since you said you have major mobility issues. Berta and Pete probably know the most about that. OH,,,there's always Tincanman, Cantamont, Rick or well, you get the point. Good luck.

[yoggie2]

You need MS spread sheet but you do the math list disabilties High % to lowest %

VA_Calculator.xls

[lllfly]

71.75%sc=70%sc

Lookslike some one type in 10%. made a one to a seven.

[lllfly]

71.75%sc=70%sc

Looks like some one type in 10%. made a seven to a one mistake.