You will be eligible for VA disability benefits if you have rhabdomyolysis while serving in the military. Rhabdomyolysis is a fatal illness brought on by extreme exercise, trauma, or other causes.
This blog will assist you in understanding the ins and outs of obtaining a VA disability rating for rhabdomyolysis.
What is Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is a disorder in which muscle tissue breaks down and releases toxic compounds into circulation. Extreme exertion or severe injury are common causes of this syndrome. Although lives are at risk, veterans who have been through intense training or fighting are at greater risk.
Signs and Symptoms
Exertional rhabdomyolysis should be considered in any service member experiencing the following symptoms:
- Pain or swelling in muscles
- Decreased range of motion
- Dark-colored urine
It is a typical trio used in diagnosis and treatment. These symptoms are particularly concerning after intensive physical exertion in hot, humid conditions. Nausea, vomiting, and fever are other, less specific, symptoms.
Secondary Conditions Related to Rhabdomyolysis
Several severe, even life-threatening complications may develop from rhabdomyolysis. The sufferer may suffer from acute or chronic renal failure due to the stated events. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary for the patient's survival.
Kidney failure disrupts the body's normal fluid and chemical balance. The brain, heart, and lungs are just some impacted systems. Electrolytes, albumin, and uric acid levels may all be abnormal over time.
Muscle tissue can die from fluid compression and a subsequent lack of oxygen. A surgeon must rapidly make fasciotomy incisions to relieve the tension in the skin.
There is a potential for a late complication known as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In DIC, abnormally high levels of clotting proteins in the blood lead to excessive clotting.
The circulation and oxygen supply are blocked. After a certain point, the body's clotting factors are depleted, and bleeding cannot be stopped.
VA Disability Rating Criteria for Rhabdomyolysis
The typical disability rating for rhabdomyolysis is 20% due to muscular weakness. It may compound with other disabilities.
If you have kidney problems, the VA will rate you according to the following guidelines:
- 100% rating: The veteran needs dialysis regularly within the first year after receiving a new kidney.
- 80% rating: Swollen, underweight, feeble, and anorexic patients with abnormal renal function tests.
- 60% rating: Renal impairment ranges from moderate to severe, with swelling and persistent albumin in the urine. Diastolic blood pressure of more than 120 is considered high.
- 30% rating: High blood pressure is a systolic reading above 160 and a diastolic reading over 100. In addition, the urine may include granular and hyaline casts, red blood cells, or albumin. The urine may have fluid buildup or have a kidney removed.
- 0% rating: Albumin and castings in the urine are symptoms of chronic kidney inflammation—or high blood pressure with a reading of less than 160 or lower on the second reading.
How to Apply for VA Benefits?
To apply for VA benefits, gather papers to prove your disability is service-related. Commonly required information is listed below:
- DD214 or military separation documents
- VA or private medical papers detailing your health and service connection
- A Buddy Statement from a 21-year-old who saw your service-connected injuries
- Friends, family, and community letters explaining how your disability affects everyday life
- Letters and medical documents showing disability worsening
Appealing a Decision
Appeal the VA's disability rating decision if you disagree. Remember that the VA takes 3-4 months to approve or refuse your claim. COVID-19 has increased the VA's claim backlog; therefore, delays may arise. Your claim may be denied for numerous reasons:
- The VA medical exam doctor’s report
- Your medical, military, or personnel records
- Diagnostic medical test reports
- Your or others' claim statements
- Medical or service history statements from you or others
Veterans may also consult their doctor for an opinion. This medical opinion may help if your VA C&P exam is unfavorable. It may also assist you in disputing the examiner's conclusions.
