Orthopedic ratings for lower body conditions: How veterans can maximize VA disability benefits ratings

Lower body orthopedic conditions are some of the most commonly filed claims when it comes to VA disability benefits. Harsh training, intense environments, and the everyday physical strains of being in the military can add up over time, leading to lower body injuries and conditions that can impact a veteran's mobility.

Whether you're dealing with knee issues or lower back pain, understanding how the VA rates these conditions is critical for filing a fully-developed claim that gets you the VA disability benefits you deserve.

In order to get the highest and most accurate rating possible, familiarize yourself with this information on maximizing your claim for orthopedic lower body conditions:

Common orthopedic lower body conditions veterans face

These are some of the most common lower body orthopedic conditions that veterans file VA disability benefit claims for:

• Knee conditions and injuries, such as arthritis, meniscus tears, instability

• Foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet 

• Degenerative joint diseases and osteoarthritis 

• Hip injuries resulting in chronic pain

• Pain in extremities due to altered gait

Related: 6 knee-friendly exercises you can do at home

How the VA rates lower body orthopedic conditions

The VA rates orthopedic conditions under the 38 CFR section 4.71, which covers the musculoskeletal system. They assess veterans based on their range of motion, pain levels, functional loss of abilities, instability, weakness, flare-ups, and of course all past medical records.

One important thing to note about lower body orthopedic conditions is that veterans can get more than one rating for the same body part.

For example: if your knee condition causes an inability to straighten the knee, and also arthritis – you can get more than one rating. The same concept applies to other areas of the body as well. A lot of veterans don't know this, meaning they're leaving money on the table when it comes to claims. With several different types of ratings within orthopedic conditions, it's important to investigate all potential avenues while preparing your claim.

Here are some other examples of situations where multiple ratings may apply:

• Lower back conditions: You'll get a primary rating for back conditions, but it's also possible to receive a rating for each nerve that is impacted. Many veterans also experience radiculopathy (pinched nerves), which can receive a rating as well.

• Overuse: The body's kinetic chain (a fancy term for musculoskeletal interconnectedness) can cause other areas of the body to be impacted 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.

Lower rated orthopedic conditions are still useful to file

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the claim filing process and discouraged by hearing others receiving 0% or very low ratings. However, when you know your medical history and the ins and outs of the VA – there's a lot more possible than you might originally think.

That's why veterans need to take the time to learn about all that is available to them so they can maximize their orthopedic ratings for lower body conditions (and all other service-connected conditions).

Helping veterans win VA disability claims since 2019

MRPY Professional Services was founded by veterans, for veterans. We take your story and add expertly crafted medical documentation to prove your condition to the VA. Through Nexus Letters, DBQs, and other additional services to boost your claim, we can make your process both simple and effective.

Ready to get started? Start by signing up for a Medical Evidence Assessment. This is how every veteran begins the process. You can also view other services here.