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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that significantly impacts many veterans. 

Unlike degenerative arthritis that often occurs after an injury, RA involves the immune system mistakenly attacking the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. 

This condition is frequently seen in veterans and can be connected to their service if the symptoms began during service or if the veteran suffered in-service toxic exposures known to cause autoimmune disorders..

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

RA is characterized by the immune system’s attack on joint linings, causing painful swelling that can result in severe joint damage over time. 

Commonly affected areas include the hands, wrists, feet, elbows, knees, and ankles. 

RA often impacts these joints bilaterally, meaning if one joint is affected, the corresponding joint on the other side of the body is likely affected too.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Veterans may initially dismiss the early symptoms, but RA can worsen significantly, necessitating a VA disability claim.

This can be due to:

  • Persistent pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness in joints for six weeks or more.
  • Morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes.
  • General fatigue and episodes of exacerbated symptoms.
  • Loss of appetite, weight loss, and low-grade fever.
  • If left unchecked, RA can lead to cartilage damage, bone loss, joint deformity, and loss of mobility. It may also affect respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

VA Ratings for Rheumatoid Arthritis

The VA rates RA under Diagnostic Code 5002, with possible ratings up to 100 percent based on severity and impact on the veteran’s life.

Ratings are as follows:

  • 100% Rating: Awarded if RA results in the veteran being bedridden or completely incapacitated, requiring evidence from medical imaging.
  • 60% Rating: For veterans with four or more incapacitating episodes per year, or significant symptoms like weight loss, anemia, or overall health decline.
  • 40% Rating: Assigned for three incapacitating episodes per year or clear impairment in health.
  • 20% Rating: For veterans experiencing two incapacitating episodes per year.
  • 10% Rating: Granted for each joint affected by pain during motion, provided there is confirmed limited motion accompanied by swelling, pain, and muscle spasms.

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Secondary Conditions Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can lead to several secondary conditions due to its systemic impact and chronic inflammation.

Understanding these potential complications is important for veterans as they may qualify for additional VA benefits if these conditions are service-connected secondary to their RA.

Common Secondary Conditions Due to RA

  • Sjögren’s Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth, often accompanying RA.
  • Osteoporosis: Increased risk due to chronic inflammation and possible side effects from medications used to treat RA.
  • Anemia: Frequently occurs in RA patients due to chronic inflammation affecting the body’s ability to produce red blood cells.
  • Cardiovascular Diseases: RA increases the risk of cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerosis and heart disease, due to systemic inflammation.
  • Lung Diseases: RA can lead to conditions such as interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Due to swelling in the arm, RA can compress nerves in the wrist, leading to this condition.
  • Depression: Managing chronic pain and mobility issues often contributes to depression in RA patients.

Evaluating Secondary Conditions

Veterans with RA should regularly consult with their healthcare providers to monitor for these and other potential secondary conditions. 

If a secondary condition is diagnosed, it’s crucial to document its connection to RA clearly. 

This documentation will be essential when applying for additional VA benefits, as it establishes that the secondary condition is proximately due to or aggravated by the veteran’s service-connected RA.

Key Considerations for Veterans with RA

  • Severity and Frequency: The VA evaluates RA based on the frequency of incapacitating episodes and the overall decline in health.
  • Additional Conditions: RA may lead to secondary conditions which can also be evaluated for additional disability compensation.
  • Documentation and Diagnosis: Proper medical documentation and diagnosis are crucial for accurately rating RA. Veterans are encouraged to maintain detailed health records and obtain comprehensive evaluations from healthcare providers.

For veterans suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, understanding how the VA rates this condition is crucial for maximizing the benefits to which they are entitled. 

If you believe your RA is connected to your military service, consider filing a claim with the VA. 

Should you need assistance or have questions about the claims process, legal advice from a qualified professional can be invaluable.

Cassandra Crosby, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.

Written by

Amanda DeJesus, Veterans’ Advocate

Amanda DeJesus is a Claims Advocate for Hill and Ponton. She joined the Hill and Ponton family in September of 2014 as an Intake Specialist. She listened to each veteran respectfully and gave them the attention they deserved as she assisted them with the initial steps in our VA claim assistance process. It was then that she discovered her true passion, helping veterans, began. Amanda earned her Associates degree in Criminal Justice and hopes to use that knowledge, combined with her work experience, to make a difference.