How does the VA Measure Range of Motion?

In this video Leah explains the importance of range of motion (ROM) measurement or goniometry in evaluating orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions for VA disability ratings. She clarifies that the severity of a condition doesn't directly determine the disability rating; instead, it's based on functional limitations as assessed by ROM. Leah demonstrates how to measure elbow flexion using a goniometer, explaining the process of measuring both active and passive ROM. She emphasizes that the degree of motion measured corresponds to specific disability ratings according to the 38 Code of Federal Regulation 4.71a.

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At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.

The purpose of this channel is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.

Understanding the unique challenges veterans face our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.

Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This video is not medical or legal advice and should not be substituted for advisement from your VSO, accredited agent, or Attorney.

#vadisability #va #veteransbenefits

[TheOtherChef]

Hi Leah, just got 20% for my non-dominant right shoulder. Followed your process. This helps, thank you! <3

[savannahanderson]

I am a nurse practitioner and have just landed a job for VA exams. Great info! Thank you!

[mattmchugh]

Braces are out! Looking good 😊 thanks for all you do!

[combatdouglas]

All y'all reading this can practice Goniometer science with a Geometry Protracter ($2) or a construction angle duplicator ($7).

[jd]

I went to a third party, and a private VA approved doctor. The Dr. did range of motion, but did not state the goniometer was used. I am pretty certain one does not have to be used to get a percentage. Is that true? I’m seeing conflicting things. I understand what the VA examiners are required to use. But private Doctors are not held to this standard. Any clarification would be great. Thank you. Good video!

[gvonhellsing]

Question, I was recently at a C&P exam for my lower back and R hip, the examiner did use the tool but did NOT place it on me, she stood back across her desk and held it in the air to what she thought my back position was in, I am currently still waiting for results of this exam, but I am wondering if what she did was legit, it seems to me she was still just eyeballing the angle, this may or may not go in my favor, to be determined yet.

[uhpilot]

Isn't range determined by how far you can bend before it hurts?

[frankenstein]

I have a question in regards to the rating schedule of the Ankle range of motion. The criteria states that a 40% is warranted if there is a greater than 40⁰ plantar flexion and a greater than 10⁰ dorsiflexion. Isn't that backwards? Wouldn't it be a less range of motion for the higher rating, rather than a better range of motion?Why would they rate higher for a better range of motion? makes no sense.

[louissoto]

GREAT VIDEO. YOU HAVE HELPED ME ALOT. TY

[Rshen]

Hey, I'm doing another c&p soon question. for ankle disability is Limitation of motion based off active or passive rom?

[TarheelTony]

25 years since service. Completed first claim. Did knee exam. Did not get any extension done, only 1 flexion test. Debated complaining before results. Did not. Just found out 10% left knee strain. How should I go about, now that I'm compensated. To argue the fact of not tested correctly, if 10% is pain thru motion. Or to say I deserve more since correct testing not done.

[richkrol]

If Prestige fills out a DBQ for back, neck, knee, or ankle, how do they address Range of Motion (ROM)? Leave it blank or other? If other, what was done?

[TomLopez]

Hello Leah, I was under the impression that range of motion had to be during a 'flare up' in which the veteran was experience pain past a certain range. So for example, when my OA is flaring up I cannot extend-retract my knee as far as I can when it is noting flaring. How does one capture this during an examination?

[shoppersdream]

Nice, thanks! Can you please answer why the C&P examiner checked my elbow range when both bones in my forearm were broken? Aren't they supposed to measure the range of motion for the forearm that was what was injured? I called 1000 number and I am being told that I will have to go for the C&P exam again since VA wants the rework to be done.

[ChriStyle]

If my ROM says forward flexion endpoint is 90 degrees. And my personal ROM is 80 degrees. What does that mean? Not sure how the math works. Does it mean that I have 10 degrees of forward flexion? Also, I really enjoy your videos. They’ve been very helpful.

[robertofigueroa]

Awesome information..do you have video on ROM for shoulder? Ty

[davidhart]

I have a frozen shoulder. It has been 20+ years since it first started. VA sent me to therapy a couple years ago that helped a little bit. Can’t raise it above my shoulder hardly and can’t reach behind my back at all. The therapist said I had hit a plateau that there was nothing more therapy could do. Is Frozen Shoulder something that a claim could be made on?

[SauceDon]

So during a back or neck exam are the examiners also able to move you?

[philliptamez]

I think the entire ROM is a flawed system if pain isn’t involved because if someone has barely any cartilage left and basically bone in bone cause lots of pain during some motions but can still do the entire range of motion they’ll get a shit rating? There’s obviously something wrong with the knee