Can you have arthritis in the military?

Arthritis is an occupational hazard in the military. Studies show that 1 in 4 servicemen and women has some form of arthritis; it’s the second leading cause of medical discharge from the Army. Worse, many soldiers are young when they receive injuries that lead to osteoarthritis.

Is arthritis considered a VA disability?

Arthritis, degenerative (hypertrophic or osteoarthritis). The Department of Veterans Affairs says of this condition that, when established via X-rays, the VA disability rating will be made “on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved.

Can you get medically discharged from the military?

A Medical Discharge may be given to service members who become sick or injured to the point where military duty is no longer possible based on a medical evaluation of the medical condition. This process can be lengthy and may or may not be appealed depending on a variety of factors.

Does arthritis qualify for disability?

If I have arthritis, can I apply for disability benefits? If you have a disability – either physical or mental, you may qualify for financial help and benefits. Many people with arthritis struggle with mobility at times, and some struggle with their activities of daily living.

Can arthritis get you kicked out military?

Gaining weight puts more pressure on your joints, which causes more pain and decreases activity even more, affecting cardiovascular health as well.” For the most part, that cycle occurs in life after the military. But for active-duty members, arthritis is one of the major reasons personnel are discharged from service.

How much does the VA give for arthritis?

Veterans experiencing totally incapacitating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, no matter how many joints are affected, will be rated at 100 percent. Those suffering severely incapacitating episodes four or more times per year or are experiencing weight loss, anemia, and a decline in health will be rated at 60 percent.

Is arthritis permanent?

They can be mild, moderate or severe. They may stay about the same for years but can progress or get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to do daily activities and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes.

What type of arthritis is the most painful?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be one of the most painful types of arthritis; it affects joints as well as other surrounding tissues, including organs. This inflammatory, autoimmune disease attacks healthy cells by mistake, causing painful swelling in the joints, like hands, wrists and knees.

Is knee arthritis a VA disability?

The VA disability rating for knee arthritis can go up to 100\% for rheumatoid arthritis if the condition causes you to be completely incapacitated. Degenerative arthritis — also known as osteoarthritis — is given a disability rating of 10\%-20\%.

Can arthritis get you kicked out of the military?

But for active-duty members, arthritis is one of the major reasons personnel are discharged from service. About a year after first seeing a military physician, Adams-Locke was no better. Because of her knee pain, she couldn’t do mandatory training exercises. A military panel reassigned her to a less physically demanding position.

How common is arthritis in military veterans?

After the completion of their military service, veterans over 40 were two times more likely to develop arthritis. Twenty-nine percent of those surveyed were discharged from service due to arthritis. Military personnel injured by blasts and roadside bombs were often diagnosed with arthritis within two years of injury.

Do I qualify for VA disability for arthritis?

If you’re a veteran who suffers from arthritis, you may be eligible for disability from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While it may be possible to make a service connection for your condition, you may want an accredited veteran’s attorney to help with your claim .

How does the VA determine if you have arthritis?

Once the evidence is received, the VA will proceed in the following ways: The VA will review your service medical records to determine if you were seen or treated for arthritis during your active duty. The VA will schedule a VA exam to evaluate the severity of your symptoms and your condition.