Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Answers?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226
If you are a veteran with a current rhabdomyolysis diagnosis, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits if you can prove a connection between your condition and your military service. Rhabdomyolysis is a fatal illness brought on by extreme exercise, trauma, or other causes.
In this blog post, we break down how to obtain a rhabdomyolysis VA rating and qualify for VA disability compensation and benefits.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that occurs when damaged muscles release excessive myoglobin (a type of protein) and other substances into the bloodstream.
- When left untreated, severe rhabdomyolysis may adversely impact body systems, such as the heart and kidneys.
- Exertional rhabdomyolysis is linked with high-intensity physical activity and has been shown to be more common in military service members, particularly during basic training.
- A 0% to 100% VA rating may be assigned when rhabdomyolysis causes kidney dysfunction.
What is Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is a severe condition that happens when there’s an extreme breakdown of muscle fiber, such as when performing long stints or strenuous exercise.
The problem results when the muscles release a protein such as myoglobin, into the bloodstream. Myoglobin is the primary substance that causes rhabdomyolysis; when large amounts are released, kidney cells are damaged.
Causes
Rhabdomyolysis symptoms can range from mild to severe; the disorder has several possible causes, including:
- Muscle injuries from strenuous exercise
- Muscle trauma (e.g., from motor vehicle accidents)
- Heatstroke
- Certain infections (e.g., influenza (most common), HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, and bacterial infections such as streptococcus and salmonella) _
- Some medications (e.g., some cholesterol drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics and antibiotics)
- Metabolic disorders (i.e., a disruption in chemical reactions involved in converting food into energy) such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other conditions.
- Excessive alcohol use
- Drug overdose
Symptoms
Rhabdomyolysis symptoms usually occur between day 1 and day 3 after the muscle injury occurs and may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark brown, red, or tea-colored urine
- Muscle pain, tenderness, swelling, and weakness
- A decrease in urination
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Loss of consciousness
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in Veterans
Rhabdomyolysis, caused by exertion, is linked with high-intensity physical activity at a level or duration a person is not accustomed to, particularly when combined with heat stress.
Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself off through sweating in response to physical activity and environmental temperature.
In 2023, there were 529 reported incident cases of exertional rhabdomyolysis among active U.S. service members.
Data from 2019 to 2023, published in Health.mil show the most likely veterans to develop rhabdomyolysis include:
- Men under 20 years old
- Non-Hispanic, Black service members
- Marine Corps and Army members
- Recruits during basic training (this group experienced 6 to 10 times higher rates of developing exertional rhabdomyolysis)
The most common occurrence of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis is among recruits during the first 90 days of basic training and combat. However, the condition can also occur in athletes accustomed to intense training when they extend themselves to endurance limits.
Heat stroke has been associated with an increased risk for recruits who suffer from rhabdomyolysis.
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Diagnosis
Factors that support a diagnosis of exertional rhabdomyolysis include:
- Symptoms can include muscle pain, weakness, and red-brown-colored urine, although not all people with exertional rhabdomyolysis have these symptoms.
- Elevated serum creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels are at least 5 times higher than usual following recent exercise. CPK is an enzyme found in muscle cells; high CPK levels indicate muscle damage.
Rhabdomyolysis VA Disability Ratings
Rhabdomyolysis can be rated how VA rates muscle injuries under 38 C.F.R. §§ 4.55, 4.56, and 4.73.
For rating purposes, skeletal muscles (i.e., voluntary muscles) are divided into 23 muscle groups in 5 different body regions.
Factors that impact rhabdomyolysis ratings include the severity of muscle impairment and whether other disabilities are exacerbated (i.e., worsened).
Rhabdomyolysis VA ratings commonly include:
- Muscle impairment: Muscle impairment is classified as slight (0%), moderate, moderately severe, and severe, with ratings varying by muscle group (e.g., 10%, 20%, 40%, and up to 60%).
- Kidney problems: The VA rates kidney problems at 0%, 30%, 60%, 80%, and 100%, based on several factors, including blood pressure, albumin levels in the urine, and whether kidney dialysis is needed.
Average VA Rating for Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis typically causes moderate muscular weakness, which may result in a 10% to 20% VA rating, depending on the affected muscle group. However, a higher VA rating could be assigned when rhabdomyolysis complicates or worsens other disabilities, including:
- Heart arrhythmias (i.e., irregular heartbeat)
- Blood clotting problems
- Peripheral neuropathy (i.e., nerve damage in the arms or legs)
- Electrolyte imbalance (excessive or inadequate levels of electrolyte minerals in the body can disrupt normal bodily functions like muscle contractions and nerve signals)
- Other disabilities
VA Disability Compensation Rates
2025 VA Disability Pay Rates & Chart
Veterans Disability Calculator
Rhabdomyolysis & Kidney Dysfunction Ratings
When left untreated, rhabdomyolysis often causes kidney problems. In this scenario, the VA will use the rating table for kidney disease, listed under 38 CFR § 4.115a, rated at 0%, 30%, 60%, 80%, or 100%. The specific VA rating criteria include:
- 100% – Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m 2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient
- 80% – Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m 2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months
- 60% – Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 30 to 44 mL/min/1.73 m 2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months
- 30% – Chronic kidney disease with GFR from 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m 2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months
- 0% – GFR from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 and either recurrent red blood cell (RBC) casts, white blood cell (WBC) casts, or granular casts for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; OR GFR from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and structural kidney abnormalities (cystic, obstructive, or glomerular) for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; OR GFR from 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/g for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months
Note: The “GFR” is an acronym for the glomerular filtration rate; this measures how well the kidneys are working to filter blood. The GFR helps providers determine how severely the kidneys are impacted by rhabdomyolysis and plan for what treatment is needed.
Proving Service Connection
Providing evidence of service connection for rhabdomyolysis requires establishing a clear link between a specific in-service event—such as strenuous physical activity during military training—and the condition’s development.
Items that show a medical nexus (i.e., the link between your rhabdomyolysis and military service) include:
- A current medical diagnosis – performed by an eligible licensed provider
- An in-service event (i.e., nexus) – a military service occurrence that caused or contributed to rhabdomyolysis, such as intense physical exertion or heavy lifting
- A Nexus Letter – a statement from a licensed provider describing that your rhabdomyolysis is, “more likely than not, caused by or aggravated by the in-service event.”
- Medical lab test results – lab findings indicate a significant creatine kinase (CK) level increase during or soon after the service event.
- Military medical records – documenting details about your symptoms (e.g., dark-colored urine, muscle pain, weakness, or abnormal lab tests such as elevated CPK levels), and other applicable information.
- Lay evidence – buddy statements or other testimony describing the in-service event
How To File Your Rhabdomyolysis VA Claim
Filing a claim for a VA rating for rhabdomyolysis includes:
- Gathering your documents – this includes a current rhabdomyolysis diagnosis and any other medical diagnoses (e.g., kidney disease), other medical records with diagnostic tests, and a Nexus Letter linking your condition with a military service-related event, such as strenuous PT, or other forms of physical exertion.
- Completing the VA Form 21-526EZ – include details about your rhabdomyolysis symptoms and how they impact your daily life.
- Submitting your claim – submit the completed claim form and supporting documents online or in person to the VA regional office handling your claim.
Wrapping Up
Although getting a VA disability rating for rhabdomyolysis can initially seem complicated, understanding how to make a successful VA disability claim can result in the difference between getting denied benefits and receiving the compensation you deserve.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
What is rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition involving muscle cell breakdown and the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream. The condition can cause mild to severe symptoms, from muscle weakness to severe, life-threatening kidney disease.
What causes exertional rhabdomyolysis in military service members?
Rhabdomyolysis is caused by exertion; in veterans, it is often linked with high-intensity physical activity at an intensity level or duration a person is not accustomed to, particularly heat stress.
Is exertional rhabdomyolysis the only type of the disorder veterans get?
No, while exertional rhabdomyolysis is common during strenuous physical activity performed while in military training, there are other causes of rhabdomyolysis in veterans, such as muscle trauma from motor vehicle accidents, infections, certain medications, alcohol use, and other causes.
What is the average rhabdomyolysis VA rating?
A typical rhabdomyolysis VA rating is 10% or 20%, depending on the severity of muscle weakness and the specific muscle groups affected. However, the exact rating can vary depending on the severity of the rhabdomyolysis and any associated complications like kidney damage.
Want Expert-Level Support With Your VA Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!
How does VA Claims Insider help veterans?
We make the confusing and frustrating VA claim process EASY through our 8-step proprietary system and one-on-one coaching; we’re the VA Claim EXPERTS you can trust, and YOU are never alone in this fight against the VA!
You’ll also receive VA disability expert Brian Reese’s SEM Method Blueprint—a proven formula that has helped over 25,000 veterans win their VA disability claims faster:
Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating and Compensation You Deserve FASTER!
Start today and unlock an exceptional level of service you deserve for serving our country:
- You’ll hear from a VA Claim Expert over email within 15 minutes of signing up today.
- You’ll hear from your Veteran Coach team within 24 hours of all inquiries during normal business days/hours.
- Our terms are simple: IF WE DON’T WIN, YOU DON’T PAY. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Click the red button below to start the process of winning your VA claim right now:
About VA Claims Insider
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can help lead you to VA claim victory.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1 rated Elite program.
- 4.7/5.0 average rating out of 5,500+ total reviews; over 4,500 5-star reviews.
About the Author
Sherry Christiansen
Sherry Christiansen is a professional Medical Writer with a clinical mental health background. Over the last decade, she has written health and wellness articles for organizations like Medical News Today, Verywell Health, and Healthline. In 2013, she also helped launch an educational website for the first Alzheimer’s prevention clinic in the country at Weill Cornell Medical Center – NewYork-Presbyterian. As a spouse of a career military service member, Sherry is deeply passionate about supporting veterans. It is an honor for her to assist veterans in receiving the benefits they deserve after becoming ill or injured while serving our country.
