VA Disability Ratings for Physical Conditions

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Are you a veteran struggling with physical conditions from your military service? You’re not alone. Countless veterans face daily challenges from injuries and illnesses tied to their time in uniform. But here’s the truth – navigating the VA’s complex rating system for physical disabilities can feel like an uphill battle.

At ProVet Legal, we’ve helped thousands of veterans secure the disability benefits they deserve for their physical conditions. We know firsthand how confusing and frustrating the process can be. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to VA disability ratings for physical conditions.

Why Understanding VA Disability Ratings Matters

The VA uses a rating system to determine how much compensation you’ll receive for your service-connected disabilities. For physical conditions, these ratings can range from 0% to 100%. The higher your rating, the more monthly compensation you’ll receive.

But here’s the catch – the VA’s rating criteria for physical conditions are complex and often misunderstood. One small mistake in your claim could cost you thousands in benefits. That’s why it’s crucial to understand how the VA rates different physical conditions and what evidence you need to support your claim.

Common Physical Conditions Eligible for VA Disability Benefits

The VA recognizes a wide range of physical conditions as potentially service-connected. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common:

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Arthritis: Affects millions of veterans, causing joint pain and stiffness.
Arm and Shoulder Injuries: Can limit range of motion and ability to perform daily tasks.
Back and Neck Conditions: Often result in chronic pain and mobility issues.
Knee Pain and Injuries: Can severely impact mobility and quality of life.
Pes Planus and Plantar Fasciitis: Foot conditions that can cause chronic pain and difficulty walking.

Neurological Conditions

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Can result in a wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms.
Radiculopathy: Nerve pain that often stems from back or neck injuries.
Migraine Headaches: Can be debilitating and impact ability to work.

Cardiovascular Conditions

Heart Disease: Includes conditions like coronary artery disease and heart valve problems.
Hypertension: High blood pressure that can lead to serious health complications.
Varicose Veins: Can cause pain, swelling, and other circulation issues.

Respiratory Conditions

Respiratory Conditions: Includes asthma, COPD, and other breathing problems.
Sleep Apnea: Can severely impact sleep quality and overall health.

Other Common Physical Conditions

Cancer: Various types may be service-connected, including Prostate Cancer.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Causes extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is often linked to Agent Orange exposure.
Erectile Dysfunction: Can be a primary condition or secondary to other service-connected disabilities.
Gastrointestinal Conditions: Includes issues like IBS and GERD.
Scars: May be rated based on size, location, and impact on function.
Thyroid Disorders: Can cause a wide range of symptoms affecting overall health.
Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears, often caused by noise exposure during service.

It’s important to note that Military Sexual Trauma (MST) can result in both physical and mental health conditions that may be eligible for disability benefits.

How the VA Rates Physical Conditions

The VA uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities to assign percentage ratings to different conditions. For physical conditions, ratings are often based on factors like:

Range of motion
Pain levels
Frequency and severity of symptoms
Impact on daily activities and ability to work
Use of medication or assistive devices

Each condition has specific criteria that must be met for different rating levels. It’s crucial to provide thorough medical evidence that addresses these criteria when filing your claim.

Challenges in Getting Fair Ratings for Physical Conditions

Many veterans face obstacles when seeking fair ratings for their physical conditions:

Inadequate C&P exams that don’t fully capture the severity of your condition
Failure to consider pain and functional loss in rating decisions
Difficulty proving service connection for conditions that develop over time
Lack of understanding about how to rate multiple related conditions

At ProVet Legal, we’ve helped countless veterans overcome these challenges and secure the ratings they deserve.

How ProVet Legal Can Help

Navigating the VA disability system for physical conditions can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Our experienced VA disability attorneys can:

Review your case and identify all potentially service-connected physical conditions
Gather the medical evidence needed to support your claim
Ensure your C&P exams accurately reflect the severity of your condition
File appeals if you’ve received an unfair rating decision
Fight for the maximum benefits you deserve

Don’t face the VA alone. Let us put our experience to work for you.

VA Claim Denial or Low Rating? Know Your Rights

Remember, you’ve served our country – now it’s time to make sure you get the support you deserve for your physical disabilities. Whether you’re filing an initial claim or appealing a decision, knowledge is power.

Take the time to learn about the specific rating criteria for your conditions. Gather strong medical evidence that addresses these criteria. And don’t hesitate to seek help from experienced professionals who understand the VA system inside and out.

Ready to take the next step in securing fair compensation for your physical disabilities? Contact ProVet Legal today for a free case review. We’re here to fight for the benefits you deserve.

Learn more about VA disability ratings for mental health conditions

COMMON VA DISABILITY CLAIMS

Tinnitus
Hearing Loss
Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
Scars, General
Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
Migraines (Headaches)
Limitation of Motion of the Arm

Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Sleep Apnea
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Major Depressive Disorder
Asthma
Diabetes Type 2
Cancer
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
Radiculopathy

Adjustment Disorder
Somatic Symptom Disorder (Chronic Pain Syndrome)
Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Erectile Dysfunction
Plantar Fasciitis
Arthritis
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Fibromyalgia
Eczema
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Sinusitis
Meniere's Syndrome
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)
Chronic Conjunctivitis
Limited Motion of the Jaw (Temporomandibular Disorder)
Hiatal Hernia

Hemorrhoids
Varicose Veins
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
Hypothyroidism
Anemia
Peripheral Neuropathy
Prostate Gland Injuries
Ischemic Heart Disease
Vertigo
Urinary Incontinence

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Rebecca and her team were outstanding. I never thought I would find someone that really knew the VA system. She kept me posted through the entire process. I never would have got my rating if it wasn’t for her. Great Ann knowledgeable people. Thank you ProVet.

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Frank T.

I was at 90% with the VA giving me the run around. I reached out to ProVet Legal and Rebecca was able to get me over the hump. I’m now rated at 100% P$T with 3 years of back pay. I highly recommend Rebecca.

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Rebecca, was very responsive to messages and was able to help me process my claims quickly and effectively. I finally got the 100% disability I deserved. Thank You Pro Vet Legal for everything!!

Patrick C.

The ProVet Legal team and Rebecca did an absolute amazing job for my family’s case. She went above and beyond what I’d expect for an attorney. She kept us involved every step of the way and gave us monthly follow-ups about where in the process our case was. Definitely give them a call and talk to their team of professionals!

Many veterans earned disability benefits, we make sure they get them.

I founded ProVet Legal, P.A. to provide top-notch service to veterans and their families seeking disability and survivor benefits from the VA. My mission with ProVet Legal is deeply personal. I am the granddaughter of three veterans, including my maternal grandmother, who served in the Waves before women were able to join the Navy. I met my husband in Afghanistan when I served with the U.S. Department of State to support our military’s efforts with Operation Enduring Freedom.

I understand the physical and mental stresses of training and deployment, as well as the unparalleled sense of purpose and camaraderie that can only be forged in a combat zone. When my husband retired, I got accredited with the VA’s Office of General Counsel to represent Veterans with Service-Connected Disability claims. I began by helping my husband and some of his buddies navigate the VA claims process. I quickly realized that the benefits system is complex and can be confusing, even for an attorney.

Veterans navigating it on their own can get lost in all the paperwork and often walk away from benefits they deserve out of frustration or fear that the VA might take away what they have already won. Since 2019, I have been representing veterans and their families full-time, successfully helping hundreds of veterans win their VA claims. I take pride in helping veterans tell their stories in a way that the VA will understand and appreciate. I look forward to the opportunities to continue to serve those who have risked everything to serve our country.

Rebecca C. Y. Deming
Founder and Principal Attorney

VA Disability Ratings for Physical Conditions

Why Understanding VA Disability Ratings Matters