what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease

While the VA diagnostic code has a maximum rating of 50%, it is possible to get a greater rating if you can prove how your spinal condition limits your function and your life. All Rights Reserved. Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. Sharp and radiating pain in the back, arms, legs or shoulders that may worsen with certain activities, even something as simple as coughing or sneezing, Weakness, fatigue, or loss of reflexes in the arms or legs, Numbness or tingling of the skin, pins and needles, or other abnormal sensations in the arms or legs. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. Military burn pits are large areas of land that were used by the United States military to incinerate waste in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan in the post-9/11 era. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Fixed movement of the entire spine qualifies for a 100% rating. Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. degeneration of the disc between the vertebrae is the cause of DDD. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Orthopedic conditions are typically categorized as those that impact the musculoskeletal system. If you are diagnosed with the DDD it will be added to your C&P and can play a part in your rating but keep in mind the ROM-range of motion becomes a big factor in ratings of the spine. This 20 percent rating or the 10 percent rating, when applicable, will be assigned once only to cover disability at all sites of previously active infection with a future ending date in the case of the 20 percent rating. will forward what benefits the VA is paying for a chronic sinusitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain | The Tuley Law Office Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. VA often denies service connection for degenerative disc disease based on an examiners finding that a veterans condition is due to normal wear and tear and the natural progression of aging rather than their time in service. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis, Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or, muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or, vertebral body fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of the height. If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Generally, you need to be denied at least once before an attorney can assist, but once a lawyer is involved they will often be able to quickly determine what needs to be done in order to prove entitlement. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. DOC 4 - Veterans Affairs If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Questions for those familiar with spinal issues and ratings Under 38 CFR 4.71a, VA generally rates low back conditions as follows: " 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain (Cervicalgia), Cervical Spine Pain, & Neck Arthritis The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) views conditions of the spine through two main categoriesneck and back. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. If a veteran can prove that their service-connected spinal condition was the primary cause of the secondary condition, they may qualify as having a secondary service-connection condition. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) | CCK Law (2023) With any form of arthritis, painful motion is an important factor of disability, the facial expression, wincing, etc., on pressure or manipulation, should be carefully noted and definitely related to affected joints. Call today! Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. VA Ratings for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome - Hill & Ponton, P.A. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. Some examples of cervical conditions that are rated under this code include the following: Diagnostic Code 5237 Cervical Strain A torn tendon or muscle in the neck By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. individual unemployability . For example, lets say you have full range of motion for your Degenerative Disc Disease, but you have pain during movement, you should be awarded the minimum level of disability for the condition, which is 10%. Is It Hard to Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. Others develop a more serious condition DDD , which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. Can You Get Disability For Bulging Disc - DisabilityTalk.net Veterans who served in specified locations and time periods do not have to prove a connection between their sinusitis and service to be eligible for VA health care and disability compensation. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. If you are already a veteran, you can submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. You should consult with your doctor if you are experiencing back pain to find out what is causing it and how it is affecting you. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? The painful motion principle means that regardless of range of motion, if pain is present, the claimant should at least be awarded the minimum level of disability for that condition. Most Common Back Conditions Veterans Experience & Their Ratings, VA Claims for Hip Pain Secondary to Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Most Common Back Pain VA Claims Among Veterans, 3 Common Back Conditions Veterans Experience, Secondary Conditions to Flat Feet (Pes Planus) for VA Disability, A current diagnosis of DDD by a medical professional; and. There is no doubt that wear and tear on the body, as well as the wear and tear on vehicles and on hills due to carrying the worlds lightest kit, can all contribute to Dizziness. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. According to the VA disability rating formula, it is usually 20 percent for someone suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip due to severe pain. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits - YouTube With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. In most cases, veterans will have to provide evidence of the following three elements of their service connection in pursuing compensation: Its been demonstrated that veterans who were exposed to the environmental hazards from open-air burn pits are at higher risk for developing allergic rhinitis, and other respiratory conditions so, to your advantage, that is a known fact. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. VA Disability For Back Arthritis - Vet However, getting these benefits is often challenging. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. Diagnostic codes 5235 through 5243 of 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System are dedicated to back and neck pain. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It Which it turns out are more than just one item. Service Connection To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Back thoracolumbar spine conditions can have a significant effect on an individuals life, a DBQ allows the veteran to go into detail about how the condition has impacted their life. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. How Does the VA Evaluate Degenerative Disc Disease? Therefore, VA must determine if the veteran is eligible for a rating higher than the ones set forth by the rating schedule. Degenerative Disc Disease is a painful spinal disorder caused by the steady degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which are the pads that cushion the bones in the vertebrae of your spine. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. This results in numerous unpleasant and painful symptoms in veterans that may include: Your specific symptoms will depend on where in the spine the nerve root is pinched. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Consult with our nationally recognized law firm to receive assistance. Evaluate intervertebral disc syndrome (preoperatively or postoperatively) either under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes, whichever method results in the higher evaluation when all disabilities are combined under 4.25. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times, such as when exercising, or you may have symptoms all of the time. Degenerative Disc Disease & You VA Claim - VA Disability Advocates Blog This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Some of which are listed below: Diagnostic codes 5242 and 5243 are reserved for arthritis and spinal disc conditions. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and preferences such as text size, fonts and other customizable website elements. VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, Service Connection for Degenerative Disc Disease, Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams for Degenerative Disc Disease, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free.

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