Arthritis is one of the more common conditions that affect those who have served in the military.
How you can show your service connection
A service connection is needed meaning that you have to show that your arthritis is related to your time in the service. If your arthritis symptoms are at a 10% or higher rating within the first year it is possible to obtain a presumptive service connection which removes the need to present a nexus letter linking arthritis to your service.
This type of a service connection is possible because the VA treats arthritis as a chronic disease.
If your symptoms appear later, it’s still possible to establish a service connection with a great nexus letter. It’s also possible to receive a secondary service connection which basically means that the VA acknowledges that your first condition caused your arthritis.
VA ratings
Degenerative Arthritis
10% if two or more joint groups have arthritis but aren’t incapacitating
20% if two or more joint groups have arthritis and are occasionally incapacitating
Rheumatoid Arthritis
20% with one or two incapacitating episodes a year
40% if there is a definite decline in health or 3 or more episodes per year
60% if there is an overall health decline but short of complete incapacitation or if there are 4 or more severe episodes a year
100% completely incapacitated and bedridden regardless of how many joints are affected
We hope that helps!