I am retired army (20 years) and have a 40% VA disability granted in 1999. How can I get an increase?

That depends on what your rated for and what the ratings go up to?

J

10 % each knee (osteoarthritis)/10% left shoulder (osteoarthritis)/10 % left foot (heel spur)/ 10% left foot (ankle strain)/0 % dorsal spine spur/0 % lumbosacral strain.

If you feel that you have medical evidence that warrants a higher rating-by all means write to the VA and tell them you request an increase in your SC rating.

The Schedule of Ratings is here at hadit and at the VA web site-it will show the way they determine the percentages for disability.

Would a higher rating put you into any CRDP or CRSC criteria?

Armyvet
Listen to Berta...she has been down that trail before! Yes, we would recommend you ask for an increase..the sooner you ask, the earlier your effective date, the more money you get.
Write to the your regional office and/or visit your local Veterans Service Officer (DAV, VFW, etc) and ask him/her for help if you dont know how to do it.
If you are dissatisfied with the service of your Veterans Service Officer, then "fire" them and get another.
If they "deny" your increase, then file a Notice of Disagreement if you feel the that you are entitled to this increased rating.

In 1999 they gave me 10% for my left shoulder (osteoarthritis). Now years later it is really starting to bother me causing neck pain and headaches. Does anyone know if they can increase just this one condition?

You should have your C spine checked out before you check out the shoulder.

J

Hello armyvet49. From your post you were awarded 40% 10 years ago and nothing else since. Since medical conditions change over time the chances are they have not gotten any better but worse. Ask for the increase with help from a VSO. This is what happen to me. I got my frist claim awarded in Feb. 08 and ask for an increase in July of 08. and got it appfovd in NOV. 08. I went from 40% to 80%. That gets me into total disability range which is being put together now and will probably be in the mail to the VA within a month. Remember the VA won't give you anything, you have to ask for it and if they turn it down go the VSO and file a nottice of Disagreement. They have to tell you why they turned it down. My personal opinion is you will win this one. Good luck

"In 1999 they gave me 10% for my left shoulder (osteoarthritis). Now years later it is really starting to bother me causing neck pain and headaches. Does anyone know if they can increase just this one condition"

Claim anything at all that could be secondary disability due to this condition.It sure could have an affect to your spine as J Basser said.

Are you able to work?

PS- does this condition cause you to favor or overuse the other shoulder/arm?
If so tell the VA that too.

Armyvet49-
Also since it has been 10 years....have you consistently seen a physician for your increased pain and issues affecting your disabilities? If the answer is yes, this will help your claim tremendously and get a copy of all of those records ASAP. If the answer is no......this could potentially be a big loophole that the VA could use to deny. Just a thought.

No I haven't, I work in law enforcement and just try and tuff it out with hotwater bottles, ibuprofen, etc. It is now to the point that I need pain medication and muscles relaxers. I am going to see a private orthopedic this week.

OK...just be prepared as the VA is big on proof i.e. medical records.

Arthritis effects us more as we get older.

Oh I know...it takes a little more to get moving each day...all I'm saying is a 10-year lapse in treatment may raise eyebrows...just be prepared to answer that if it comes up...it may not. I just like to play devil's advocate with some of this stuff. Carefully word your letter to the VA to acct for those 10 years.