Rhabdomyolysis is a relatively uncommon but serious illness faced by some veterans. If it links back to your military service, you could be owed disability compensation from the VA.
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In this article, we’ll explain what rhabdomyolysis is, reasons a veteran may develop the condition, and the rhabdomyolysis VA rating. We’ll also talk about how veterans with service-connected rhabdo who can no longer work may be eligible for VA unemployability benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition that causes muscle tissue to die. As muscles disintegrate, toxins release into the body that cause kidney damage.
- Vehicle crashes, explosions, and accidents in training or while performing your MOS duties could cause an injury that leads to rhabdo.
- The rhabdomyolysis VA rating depends on your unique symptoms, the severity of your condition, and which muscles or body systems are affected.
In this article about the rhabdomyolysis VA rating:
What is rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis, sometimes shortened to “rhabdo,” is a dangerous condition that causes muscle tissue to break down and die. As muscles disintegrate, toxic fibers are released into the body that can cause kidney damage.
While some people will not experience noticeable signs of rhabdo, others may experience dehydration with brown or reddish urine, nausea, and tender, swollen muscles.
Veterans and rhabdomyolysis
There are several potential causes of rhabdo. These include:
- A crushed body part
- A severe burn
- Electrocution
- Severe dehydration
- Overexertion without proper time for muscle healing
- Extended periods of inactivity
- Certain medications, including some antidepressants and statins
It’s not hard to see how the causes of rhabdomyolysis could apply to your time in service. Vehicle crashes, explosions, and even accidents in training or while performing your MOS duties could cause an injury that leads to rhabdo. Burns are one of the most commonly service-connected ailments and can cause the condition.
It’s also possible to get a secondary rhabdomyolysis VA rating if you are taking a medication that causes the condition.
For example, if you take an antidepressant for service-connected PTSD and these pills lead you to develop rhabdo, the VA may determine you’re entitled to additional compensation.
The same can be said for veterans taking certain anti-psychotics for service-connected schizophrenia, statins for service-connected diabetes, or antiviral medications for service-connected hepatitis.
If you believe a medication you take for a service-connected condition may be causing muscle issues, talk to your doctor about whether there could be a connection. You should also never stop taking a medication without speaking with your doctor first.
Rhabdomyolysis VA rating
The VA does not have a specific rhabdomyolysis VA rating, and there is no diagnostic code for rhabdo in the VA’s Schedule of Ratings. However, veterans can still get a rhabdomyolysis VA disability rating.
The rhabdomyolysis VA rating depends on your unique symptoms, the severity of your condition, and which muscles or body systems are affected.
In previous rating decisions, some diagnostic codes the BVA has used to evaluate the condition include:
- 5021 for myositis
- 7502 for nephritis
- 7541 for renal involvement in diabetes
- Various ratings under section 4.73, the schedule for rating muscle injuries, based on affected muscles
It’s important to understand that BVA decisions do not set a precedent. Previous BVA decisions using these diagnostic codes does not mean the same codes will be used to rate your rhabdomyolysis. They are listed here to show the scope and range of possible criteria that can be used to evaluate service-connected rhabdo.
TDIU for rhabdomyolysis
In some cases, a veteran may be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for rhabdomyolysis. TDIU is also known as individual unemployability or simply IU. Veterans are eligible for these benefits if they can’t hold down “substantially gainful” employment due to their service-connected conditions.
Veterans who receive TDIU benefits are compensated at the same level as those with a 100% disability rating, even though their combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
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How Woods & Woods can help
Our TDIU lawyers have helped thousands of veterans nationwide who can no longer work because of their service-connected conditions. Call us today for your free, confidential TDIU case evaluation. You won’t pay us unless we win your claim.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, veterans can get VA disability benefits for rhabdomyolysis if the condition is connected to their military service.
There is no single rhabdomyolysis VA disability rating because rhabdo does not have its own diagnostic code. Veterans will be rated using a diagnostic code that best addresses their specific symptoms.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
