If you have applied for disability benefits after serving in the military, your VA disability rating is the most important factor in the amount of VA disability compensation you might receive. The Michigan veterans benefits lawyers at the Disability Law Group want you to have all the information you need to maximize your VA disability benefits following your service. Here’s a look at the 10 most common disabilities among veterans according to the VA and the impairment rating for each disability.
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Tinnitus
Tinnitus is among the most common service-connected disabilities. It manifests as a persistent ringing, buzzing, or other noise in the ears, not caused by external sounds. Veterans often report it following exposure to loud noises during service. The baseline impairment rating for tinnitus is 10 percent, though certain medical conditions involving tinnitus can warrant a total disability rating.
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Limitation of Flexion, Knee
Limitation of flexion in the knee refers to difficulty or inability to fully bend the knee joint. This often results from injuries or strain during military service, making walking, climbing, and other everyday activities challenging for veterans. The common disability rating for this injury ranges from 10 percent to 30 percent, though minor limitations are non-compensable.
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Hearing Loss
Another frequently claimed disability is hearing loss, which covers a broad range of illnesses and injuries. The common element is that the service member no longer has access to their full range of hearing. The impairment rating for hearing loss varies widely depending on the specific injury or illness and how much hearing the service member still has.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Veterans may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing or witnessing severe trauma or a life-threatening event, such as exposure to combat. Symptoms include:
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- Flashbacks
- Severe anxiety
- Uncontrollable thoughts about the event
- Avoidance behaviors
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Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
A lumbosacral or cervical strain involves pain and stiffness in the lower back or neck, often due to overuse or injury during service. Spinal cord injuries have different impairment ratings depending on their severity, running from 10 percent to 100 percent.
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Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve
Paralysis of the sciatic nerve results in loss of movement or sensation in the leg, typically caused by injury or pressure on the nerve. This injury has an impairment rating of 10 to 80 percent, depending on the injury’s severity.
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Scars, General
One of the most common VA disability claims is for scars related to injuries sustained during military service. The disability rating for scars falls under the VA’s “General Rating Formula for The Skin,” with a potential impairment rating of up to 60 percent.
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Limitation of Motion of the Ankle
Limitation of motion in the ankle refers to a reduced ability to move the ankle joint normally, often due to injury or wear from service-related activities. The impairment rating for this injury depends on how much the disability impacts the veteran’s daily life, but 20 percent is the typical maximum.
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Limitation of Motion of the Arm
Limitation of motion in the arm describes difficulty or inability to fully move the arm due to stiffness, injury, or pain. The impairment rating for this disability depends on how much the disability impacts the veteran’s everyday life. While 20 or 30 percent ratings are common, they can go as high as 80 percent.
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Migraine
Migraines are intense, often debilitating headaches frequently accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Severe migraines can have an impairment rating of 50 percent, with less severe conditions resulting in a lower rating.
Contact Our Michigan Veterans Disability Lawyers Today
Compelling medical evidence and knowing how to present your VA disability claim are crucial to maximizing your VA benefits. The Disability Law Group can help. Call us today for a free consultation.
