One out of every three veterans will develop some form of arthritis in their lifetimes. But surprisingly, it’s far more likely to affect veterans than civilians. In fact, it is the second leading cause of discharge from military service. If you served in the military and have it, we’ll explain how to collect VA disability for arthritis below.
Types of Arthritis, Symptoms, and Who’s Most at Risk
52.5 million – or 1 in every 5 – American adults have arthritis. People sometimes think arthritis is just one disease and that it affects only older people. But “arthritis” describes various musculoskeletal system conditions that can affect both major and minor joints. It can also harm the tissues surrounding the affected joint, along with other nearby connective tissue. Various types of arthritis can occur at any age, and these the number one cause of disability in the United States.
The following people are most at risk to develop arthritis:
- Overweight people
- Anyone whose job requires repetitive movements (like bending the knees)
- Veterans
- Women
Osteoarthritis (Also Called Degenerative Arthritis)
The most common form of arthritis, and a frequent reason for medical discharge from active duty. The VBA Annual Report for 2023 shows degenerative arthritis of the spine affects nearly 1 in 20 vets (681,795 people). And at the top of this list, we noted 48% have limitation of motion in a specific joint or appendage — almost certainly due to arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Affecting at Least 2 Major Joints)
Rheumatoid arthritis usually gets a higher VA disability rating than degenerative arthritis because it’s an autoimmune disorder. That means your body’s immune system attacks your joints, which can cause permanent damage and loss of mobility over time. Your arthritis VA rating directly determines how much money you get paid in benefits each month. Successful RA claims can receive a 60%-100% VA disability rating for arthritis.
Symptoms That May Limit Your Ability to Work
Common arthritic symptoms can include:
- Swelling
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Grinding or popping noises
- Severe fatigue
- Limitation of motion in the joints involved (i.e., knees, hips, elbows, spine, arms, or some combination of minor and major joints)
- Occasional incapacitating episodes that affect you at least twice every year
Less commonly reported symptoms include muscle spasms, anemia, and weight loss.
Is Arthritis a VA Disability?
The quick answer to this question is that yes, arthritis is a VA presumptive disability. That means that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs assigns it a presumptive service connection because so many vets develop it.
Arthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease, causes a range of issues from mild to severe. Mild cases might cause discomfort and swelling. More severe cases can include pain, swelling, bone spurs, and incapacitating episodes with limited motion. When arthritis is severe, it can can limit your range of motion in major and minor joints at the same time.
In fact, arthritis has become such a problem for veterans that the VA just opened a new research center to try to center and develop novel osteoarthritis treatments. That form of treatment is shown to more likely get arthritis VA ratings in the 40%-100% range.
Which Vets Are Most Likely to Get VA Disability for Arthritis Benefits?
Veterans most likely to qualify for arthritis VA disability benefits include those who served in:
- Vietnam
- Army
- Marine Corps
- National Guard
How to Prove Arthritis Is Service Connected in Your VA Claim
Do veterans have to prove that a military service connection applies in order to qualify for VA benefits for arthritis? Or must they have had arthritis during their service period, meaning before they separated via honorable discharge?
Veterans can get monthly VA disability for arthritis if all the following apply:
- Well-established diagnosis that occurs within one year of discharge from military service
- The disabling condition appears in Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (don’t worry, OA and RA and other types of arthritis appear there)
- Discharged from service with a status that must be other than dishonorable
- Assigned at least a 10% VA disability rating
To claim VA disability benefits, you will need to submit paperwork showing your:
- Date of discharge
- Official diagnosis date
- Discharge status
- Current doctor’s contact info
You’ll also need to provide information that ensures the VA rates arthritis as at least 10% disabling in your case.
Example: Submit a doctor’s report showing your knee has severely limited range of motion and you take medication for arthritis.
What If My Symptoms Started While on Active Military Duty?
The chances are good that your symptoms started while on active duty military service, even if you didn’t notice. A 2016 study revealed that degenerative arthritis has been a leading cause of military discharge for more than a decade.
If you have a known separation date, it can be smart to file your VA disability claim now for service-connected arthritis. In fact, doing so can help speed up the process so you can receive your VA disability compensation sooner.
To file your VA claim prior to discharge, all of the following must apply to you:
- No more than six months remaining in your military service
- Able to attend a C&P exam within 45 days after you submit your VA disability claim paperwork
- Can provide copies of your service treatment records and a Separation Health Assessment Form
How Much Does Arthritis Usually Pay in VA Disability Benefits?
The amount of VA compensation for arthritis will depend on what percentage the VA rates your condition. Usually, the VA rates degenerative arthritis at 10%-20%. This means that if you’re single with no dependents, you’ll receive either $171.23 or $338.49 per month, respectively.
If your arthritis is more serious, you could receive higher benefits based on your reported symptoms. For example, VA disability ratings for rheumatoid arthritis are often 60% or higher. If that’s the case, VA benefits would pay you at least $16,276 annually.
You will also receive more VA disability compensation if you are married and/or have children living at home. And in most years, federal law requires an increase to monthly VA payments that reflect a Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) to keep up with current inflation.
What’s the Typical Arthritis VA Rating?
The VA rates most arthritis claims at either 10% or 20%. Symptoms must be present and there must be some kind of hardship involved, meaning it’s not the condition itself that warrants disability compensation. It’s the pain and limitation of motion that makes working hard to impossible which will qualify you for VA benefits.
Just because most VA disability claims for arthritis are at the lower end of the spectrum does not mean you’ll only get a 10%-20% rating. Rheumatoid arthritis can warrant VA disability ratings ranging from 40%-100%, depending on its severity and the affected joint.
How does the VA rate arthritis? A 20% disability rating typically means that you experience at least two incapacitating episodes per year. This must be true regardless of how many places throughout your body have active joint involvement. Three or more episodes can result in a 40% rating; four or more episodes can result in a 60% rating. A 60% rating is also possible if anemia, weight loss, or a decline in health occurs. If someone is totally incapacitated and cannot move a major joint at all, then their rating would likely be 100%.
How to Get Free Expert Help Securing VA Disability for Arthritis
If you believe the VA owes you more money for joint pain and cannot work, let us help you. We can connect you with a local VA-accredited attorney to file your claim or appeal a previous denial. This service is completely free, and your consultation starts with just one phone call.
These attorneys always work on contingency. So if you don’t win more benefit income with an attorney’s help, then you pay $0. But if you do win, you’ll only pay one small fee after your award comes through.
We’ve helped more than 10,000 veterans connect with professional legal help through this website. You don’t have to fight the VA all on your own! Click the button below to start your free online benefits quiz and see if you may qualify:
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Lisa Allen is a writer and editor who lives in suburban Kansas City. She holds MFAs in Creative Nonfiction and Poetry, both from the Solstice Low-Residency Program in Creative Writing at Pine Manor College. Prior to becoming a writer, Lisa worked as a paralegal, where she specialized in real estate in and around Chicago.
