How veterans can maximize VA disability benefit ratings for upper body orthopedic conditions

Injuries to upper body parts and other service-related conditions can affect a veteran's health and mobility, both short and long-term. Between intense training requirements and service time spent in harsh environments, many veterans experience complications as a result of repeated physical strain. This can show up during service, or appear much later on.

If you're a veteran dealing with an injury from a service event during combat or orthopedic upper body complications from another service-connected condition, this blog is for you – we'll be covering the basics of how to maximize your VA disability benefits rating.

Note: We recently covered the same topic for lower body orthopedic conditions. Read that blog here.

Here's what you need to know about maximizing your rating for upper body orthopedic conditions:

The most common orthopedic upper body conditions in veterans

Here are a few common upper body orthopedic symptoms and conditions that veterans typically file VA disability benefit claims for:

• Limited range of motion in the shoulders or arms

• Rotator cuff tears

• Degenerative disc disease

• Elbow conditions like tendinitis or joint instability

• Hand injuries that affect grip and dexterity 

• Fractures in upper limbs due to injuries

• Nerve-related conditions such as radiculopathy

• Wrist conditions due to strain, arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome

• Arthritis and osteoarthritis in upper limbs, wrists, hands

Related: 5 arm and shoulder-friendly exercises you can do at home

How the VA rates upper body orthopedic conditions

You can find ratings for both upper and lower body orthopedic conditions in the VA's 38 CFR section 4.71. Upper body orthopedic conditions are assessed based on a few different criteria:

• Range of motion

• How much pain is present

• Functional loss of abilities

• Instability and weakness

• Symptom flare-ups

• Past medical records

You can get more than one rating for the same body part

This is a really important piece that a lot of veterans easily miss. For both lower and upper body orthopedic conditions, veterans can get more than one rating for the same body part.

So what does this look like? Let's review an example:

Let's say you had a service event that caused an injury to your elbow, reducing mobility, and also causing radiculopathy throughout your arm. You can actually claim both reduced mobility and radiculopathy as separate ratings even though they came from the same body part.

This same concept applies all over the body, both upper and lower. Since a lot of veterans don't know this, they end up missing out on extra funds that could have been awarded as VA disability benefits. There are several different types of ratings within orthopedic conditions – meaning it's worth investigating how many you can potentially stack up.

Other examples of situations where multiple ratings may apply

While it's always worth investigating your individual case, there are a few specific types of situations that commonly lead to multiple ratings. If you have any of the following, you might be entitled to multiple VA disability benefit ratings:

• Back conditions: Back conditions do receive a primary rating, but it's also possible to receive a rating for each nerve that is impacted, if there is nerve damage such as radiculopathy (pinched nerves).

• Overuse: The body's kinetic chain (the way body parts work together and depend on each other) can affect other body parts as a result of lower body orthopedic conditions. Veterans can receive ratings for this too.

• Arthritis: If you have a lower body orthopedic condition or injury and have also developed arthritis, potentially as a result, you may be entitled to more ratings.

Come prepared with documentation and knowledge of what's possible

A lot of veterans feel discouraged by hearing others receive 0% or very low ratings for upper body orthopedic conditions, and we get it. It's an overwhelming process and sometimes you wonder if all of the work is worth it.

It's definitely still worth filing a VA disability benefits claim for your upper body orthopedic condition – just make sure that your medical history is thoroughly documented and that you're aware of the different rating possibilities that you may qualify for. This can help you take advantage of all the VA has to offer.

Need help with a Nexus Letter or DBQ?

As veterans ourselves, we founded MRPY Professional Services with the goal of supporting veterans on their VA disability benefits journey, ending in a successful claim.

If you're interested in working with us, begin by signing up for a Medical Evidence Assessment. If you're still browsing, you can view the rest of our services here.