what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease

It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. Veterans with DDD are often denied benefits or given low disability ratings because an examiner dismisses the disease as the result of the normal wear and tear of aging. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. A veteran must show that the case presents such an exceptional or unusual disability picture with such related factors as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization that make it impractical for VA to assign a schedular rating. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. We have updated our Privacy Policy. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. The result is that breathing through your nose can be difficult, and the area around your eyes (your sinus cavities) might feel swollen or tender. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. The term degenerative disc disease is used to describe spinal disc changes that occur over time as one ages. 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. Youll also see the termUnfavorable Ankylosis,which is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following: VA disability ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease also depend upon Functional Loss, which means impairment of spine function as determined by range of motion as reported in the physical examination and additional loss of range of motion after repetitive use caused by the following factors: VA disability of the musculoskeletal system is primarily the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform the normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and endurance. The following are some of the most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease: Generally, to prove service connection and secure a degenerative disc disease VA rating, veterans need evidence of the following three things: Veterans can submit a claim for VA disability benefits onVA Form 21-526EZ. Specifically, exposure to the toxins released can affect a persons lung health. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. Just fill out the form and we 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. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog. It is essential that the examination on which ratings are based adequately portray the anatomical damage, and the functional loss, with respect to all these elements. You may because back disorders are tricky. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. 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. 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. Since that requires you to show that you have no range of motion (i.e., you cannot move your back), it can be very difficult, and you have to show why your back condition severely limits you. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? The functional loss may be due to absence of part, or all, of the necessary bones, joints and muscles, or associated structures, or to deformity, adhesions, defective innervation, or other pathology, or it may be due to pain, supported by adequate pathology and evidenced by the visible behavior of the claimant undertaking the motion. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. Systemic DJD occurs when the Veteran gets a diagnosis of DJD in service (or within one year after release from active duty) when there is no record or evidence of trauma to the joint. According to VA, if degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray findings, the veterans condition will be rated based on limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. If someone had degenerative arthritis in both the cervical and low back that's been diagnosed by the VA from x-rays this is 10%, or is is 20% because it's in both areas of the spine? If that same veteran has limited ROM to rate for 10% in the low back and the cervical spine is this 10% or 20%, because 10% for low back and 10% for cervical ROM. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . The joints involved should be tested for pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing and, if possible, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. They all go together, so make sure you work with an experienced lawyer to get ratings for all of them. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. Other requirements are the presence of spinal arachnoiditis which causes inflammation of one of the nervous systems membranes which means you need to reposition yourself at least every two hours. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. 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. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. Doctors seldom check a patient's ability to stoop, bend, or crouch during an examination, and yet bending, stooping, and crouching are the three primary nonexertional limitations that disability examiners look for when they evaluate the RFC of applicants with degenerative disc disease. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. For some, asthma may be a minor nuisance. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. Your final VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease depends upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of symptoms, including Painful Motion, Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM), and Functional Loss or Impairment. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. A little used part of the musculoskeletal system may be expected to show evidence of disuse, either through atrophy, the condition of the skin, absence of normal callosity or the like. Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. If you are no longer able to work because you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease , you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits provided by the Social Security Administration if you have paid sufficient Social Security taxes which has allowed you to accrue sufficient social security credits. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. The Disability Application Process VA 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System, contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw, Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim, Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Keep in mind that that rating can be increased if there is a herniated disc or a bulging disc that causes a doctor to prescribe bed rest, specifically six weeks or more over a year's time period. 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. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? Where there are additional disabilities rated 50% or 100%, or anatomical or loss of use of a third extremity see 38 CFR 3.350 (f) (3), (4) or (5). This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. Our team of experts, doctors, and orthopedic specialists are here to share their knowledge and experience with you in order to help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. The guidelines also state that if a patient requires bed rest, the physician should encourage them to return to their normal activities as soon as possible. Consult with our nationally recognized law firm to receive assistance. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? The percentage of arthritis of the back will be based on the number of joints/joint groups affected and the extent of incapacitation, with 10 being the most common. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Periods of severe pain that come and go. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain Criteria VA uses 38 CFR 4.71a, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to evaluate most neck pain conditions. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. 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. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. Certain spinal conditions can lead to other conditions that can be claimed for an additional rating. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. An attorney can help you find the evidence you need to make your argument. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. 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. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Yes, Degenerative Disc Disease is a VA disability and can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100% depending upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of your symptoms. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Fixed movement of the entire spine qualifies for a 100% rating. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. The VA could assign you a herniated disc disability rating from 10% to 100%. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. Check out our Google reviews. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. This website is designed for general information only. For degenerative disc disease, a Veterans Disability rating of 10% to 20% is typically assigned by the VA. An all-timer rating of 100 percent must be obtained before the VA will declare a veteran incapable of working. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. If degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray and is accompanied by satisfactory evidence of painful motion, it will be rated no less than 10-percent. If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! If you have severed your DDD while in the military, you must demonstrate that it is a condition that has a direct relationship with your service. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. These include aging, injury, and genetics. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include: Veterans may develop this condition as a result of their active-duty military service, and they may be entitled to VA disability benefits. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. 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. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. . An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. Service Connection We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. In more severe cases, Degenerative Disc Disease can cause weakness, numbness, and shooting or throbbing pain in the arms or legs, which is a painful condition knows as Radiculopathy. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. 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. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. Since there is no certainty of what was burned at each military installation at a given time, the specific toxins released by the burn pits vary for every location. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. Muscle atrophy must also be accurately measured and reported. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. Just fill out the form and we will forward what benefits the VA is paying for the allergic rhinitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure.

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