VA disability claims can be complicated. Here is an overview of the most common ones.
The #1 most claimed disability is PTSD. All PTSD claims have in-service stressors, such as combat or non-combat trauma. The #2 most claimed disability is Hearing Loss. Getting rated service-connected for this condition is very difficult.
Ankle And Arm Limitations
The number one condition veterans receive disability for is limited ankle movement. This is often caused by musculoskeletal conditions that develop from physical training and combat duty. The VA typically rates these conditions at 0 or 10 percent, with a 20 percent rating indicating moderate symptomology.
Arm limitations also rank high on the list of common disability claims. This can be a result of injuries or arthritis. Injuries and arthritis that affect the wrists and hands also are common for veterans. These disabilities can make it difficult to perform daily tasks like buttoning a shirt or washing your hair.
Another common claim is tinnitus, which is hearing noises in your ears even when no external sound is present. The VA typically only offers a 10% rating for tinnitus, but it can be combined with other rateable disabilities to reach the 20% mark. The VA considers tinnitus a bilateral disability because it can affect both ears.
Back And Neck Limitations
Neck pain is a common problem for veterans. It may be the result of a neck injury or even something like cervical spondylosis, which is a medical condition that causes your neck to get older faster than it should.When you claim back or neck problems, it is important to show that they are recurring and long-lasting. It is also important to prove that they significantly limit your daily activities. This includes lay statements, buddy statements, and medical treatment records.
The biggest VA disability claims often involve veterans who have sustained severe injuries or illnesses during their service, resulting in significant compensation awards to address their medical needs and disabilities.
VA examiners often ask you to participate in a compensation and pension exam (C&P). They will assess the severity of your neck and back pain and its relationship with the service. Along with a physical examination, they will likely measure the range of motion in your neck with a goniometer. They will also perform orthopedic tests to ensure you are not exaggerating your symptoms.
Sciatica
A condition affecting the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. When severe, it can lead to paralysis of the leg or foot.
VA rates sciatica under their neurological conditions schedule, with three different categories based on severity:
- Paralysis of the sciatic nerve
- Neuritis of the sciatic nerve
- Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve
Veterans with a rating of complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve or the leg below the knee are likely to receive the highest disability ratings under this schedule.
To help vets with sciatica receive the maximum rating possible, clear and thorough treatment records can show their commitment to managing their symptoms. Detailed expert medical opinions can also highlight the condition’s impact on their ability to engage in substantial gainful activity. In addition to these key components, a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam can be extremely helpful in supporting a veteran’s claim.
Mental Health Conditions
PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and somatic symptom disorder are the most common mental health conditions veterans file for disability. These are also known as “high-value” claims because they have a high chance of getting rated at 30% or higher.
However, other symptoms, such as chronic pain syndrome or somatic symptom disorder, may qualify for a higher rating. In addition to your medical records, you can support your claims by bringing in statements from friends and family members who describe how your symptoms impact their daily lives.
For example, vertigo — spinning or moving — can be rated as much as 100% for some veterans. Other symptoms that can be placed include tinnitus, hearing loss, TBI, and sleep apnea. Suppose you have more than one condition that the VA rates; the agency will determine which symptom is more dominant and assign a rating accordingly. This is called pyramiding and is against the rules.
