Has Your Knee Pain Claim Been Met With A Denial From Veteran Affairs?
As a veteran, dealing with a claim denial after a service-related injury that resulted in chronic knee pain is frustrating. You sacrificed for your country, and you expected medical benefits and assistance as a result. Unfortunately, as many as a third of VA claims each year get denied.
VA disability for knee pain and injuries may be denied for a variety of reasons. You may receive a claim denial because you filled out your paperwork incorrectly. The VA might not see adequate evidence of a service connection, especially if your knee pain developed over time rather than from an obvious single injury. If your VA disability claim was denied, contact a VA disability lawyer today.
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How Does The VA Rate Knee Pain And Injuries?
The VA rates knee pain and injuries by the percentage disability caused by the specific injury and the type of pain you experience. Your disability rating may depend on several critical factors:
- The specific diagnostic code assigned to your knee injury or condition (for example, total knee replacement has a 5055 diagnostic code)
- The amount of pain you suffer with movement
- The movements that are limited as a result of your injuries, including straightening or bending
- How much your knee injury or pain prevents you from engaging in daily activities
Severe knee pain or injuries that prevent engagement in common activities typically receive a higher disability rating. Establishing how much your injuries limit you can be difficult without proper medical documentation. Working with a VA disability lawyer can provide guidance on how the VA rates knee pain and injury disabilities.
Common Causes Of Service-Related Knee Pain And Injuries
Knee pain and injuries can occur due to various conditions. Many veterans can point to specific incidents that led to injuries or exacerbated existing pain. Others may not know when the initial injury occurred. You may have knee pain or weakness from a specific injury that worsened over time, or a service-related physical condition.
Common conditions include osteomyelitis, tuberculosis in the knee, rheumatoid or degenerative arthritis, gout, or bursitis.
How Is Service Connection Established For Knee Pain And Injuries?
Service connections for knee pain and injuries can be established in three ways: direct service connection, secondary service connection, or aggravation.
Establishing A Direct Service Connection For Knee Pain And Injuries
Direct service connection starts with a current diagnosis. You will need to:
- Show documentation of a specific incident that led to your knee pain or injury, including an accident that caused chronic pain that worsened over time
- Establish a medical nexus showing a connection between military service and your knee injury. For example, if service contributed to a repetitive stress injury, a medical nexus from your doctor can establish the connection.
Showing A Secondary Service Connection
Secondary service connection occurs when knee pain results from another service-connected condition. For example, a back injury could lead to altered lifting habits that strain the knees. A doctor’s nexus opinion can explain how the primary injury caused the secondary knee condition.
Building The Case For Service Connection By Aggravation
If your initial injury occurred outside of service but worsened during military service, you may establish service connection by aggravation. Documentation of the prior injury and medical records showing how service increased your disability are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, knee pain and injuries can qualify for VA disability. These conditions can contribute to your total disability claim.
The VA establishes a disability rating for knee injuries sustained during service. That rating entitles you to compensation to manage your disability and losses.
Work with an attorney and medical team to establish service connection. You will need a clear diagnosis, medical evaluation, and evidence linking your knee injury to military service. Past and current medical records, along with a medical nexus opinion, are critical to proving your claim.
Contact A Veteran Disability Lawyer Today For Help With A Knee Pain Claim Denial
A Veteran Disability Lawyer can assist throughout the appeals process if your claim for service-connected knee pain was denied. Once involved, a lawyer can quickly determine what is needed to prove entitlement and help you file the proper appeal.
If your VA disability claim for knee pain has been denied, contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw to secure the benefits you deserve.
