For example, if you have a service-connected knee condition that causes you to favor one side when you walk, you may develop an altered gait. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. #1. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. 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. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. Chat with Us. You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. 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. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! It can take a long time for you to develop symptoms for this condition, and doctors often do not document the things VA needs to assess your condition. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . The VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. Veterans Serving Veterans They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Schedule a Free Consultation. 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). Orthopedic conditions are typically categorized as those that impact the musculoskeletal system. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. . A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. 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. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. 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. The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease is to get X-Rays so you have objective medical evidence to show the degradation of your discs over time. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. 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. 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. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. 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. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. If there is a service-connected connection between the impairment and service time, a military member may be eligible for disability benefits. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. You're not alone. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. 15-18 701 DATE: December 26, 2018 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) on a causation basis, is granted. You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. As is evident from the rating schedules below, the highest possible schedular rating for any single neck impairment is 60 percent for veterans with severe intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease 10% to 100%, Common VA Secondary Conditions to Degenerative Disc Disease, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): VA Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. 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. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. Get to know us through our videos. 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. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. It states that your degenerative disc disorder needs to have caused a compromised nerve root of the spinal cord or you need to provide proof that the root compression causes spinal pain, restricted spinal movement, a reduction in motor function and muscle weakness including loss of reflexes and touch. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. To recover service-connected compensation disability benefits for degenerative disc disease, you must meet a certain threshold required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Amputations: Lower Extremity VAs own clinical guidelines advise VA physicians to encourage patients with low back pain to remain active, and that remaining active is more effective than resting in bed for patients with low back pain. This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. Consult with our nationally recognized law firm to receive assistance. 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. The people serving in our military work hard. For example, if a Veteran experienced 4-6 weeks of incapacitating episodes in the past year, they can receive a 40% bulging disc VA disability rating. In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? The final determination on whether an extraschedular rating is warranted must be made by the VA Undersecretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation Service. Social Security Medical Evaluations To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. The strain of military service can lead to wear and tear on the spine, not to mention the risk of traumatic injuries in training or combat. They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. The term incomplete paralysis, with this and otherperipheral nerve injuries, indicates a degree of lost or impaired functionsubstantially less than the type picture for complete paralysis given with eachnerve, whether due to varied level of the nerve lesion or to partialregeneration. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. Any limitation of Range of Motion (ROM) should be measured with a Goniometer by the medical professional at your VA C&P Exam for Back Pain. 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. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. 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. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. 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. 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. A medical nexus linking the primary condition to the secondary DDD. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to evaluate back conditions like osteoarthritis. There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. Crepitation either in the soft tissues such as the tendons or ligaments, or crepitation within the joint structures should be noted carefully as points of contact which are diseased. 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. To receive an extraschedular disability rating under 38 CFR 3.321(b)(1) for degenerative disc disease, the following requirements must be met: It is important to note that extraschedular disability ratings are granted on a case-by-case basis and are very specific to each situation. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. 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. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? Many Vets have developed serious asthma even chronic asthma because of exposure to harmful burn pit pollutants. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. 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. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. Monitoring Your Disability Insurance Claim. The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be able to get a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) deferment. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. Dont give up. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. If this is the case, contact us. 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. 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. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. 2023 Brandon Orthopedics | All Right Reserved, The Truth About Spinal Stenosis: Causes Symptoms And Treatments, Can Years Of Surfing Contribute To Spinal Stenosis, The Effects Of Spinal Stenosis And Carpal Tunnel, Should I Apply Ice Or Heat To A Compression Fracture, How Does A Soft Bed Prevent Healing Of Herniated Disc, Herniated Discs: How To Sleep Without Worrying About Rupturing Your Discs, If You Have A Herniated Disc You Know The Excruciating Pain It Can Cause. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. 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. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. For example, a Veteran with mild degenerative disc disease may be assigned a 10 percent disability rating, while a Veteran with severe degenerative disc disease may be assigned a 100 percent disability rating. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Some waste materials commonly disposed of in these burn pits include: Many veterans who were exposed to burn pits during their service and developed chronic sinusitis may be able to seek service connection benefits under this new presumption. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. Eczema-type symptoms (e.g., dry, itchy skin), An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. SSA will consider disability claims for degenerative disc disease that are supported by medical evidence such as: Physical examination for type and location of pain, range of motion, nerve function, sensation, and muscle strength, with a full review of the entirety of symptoms Diagnostic imaging tests (such as MRI, CT scans, and x-rays) 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. All Rights Reserved. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. If you developed degenerative disc disease as a result of military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If your doctor won't write an opinion, make the argument yourself on VA Form 21-4138, including applicable CFR regulations, and submit it with the VA 21-526EZ disability claims form. The measurements used for determining compensation are as follows: If you are still in the military, then you can request your military physician to refer you to the MEB and start the IDES process. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. 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. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. will forward what benefits the VA is paying for an asthma condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. You may because back disorders are tricky. Degenerative arthritis of the spine (DC 5003) The last common method of establishing a rating for a back disability is through the VA's diagnostic code for degenerative arthritis. There is no cure for degenerative disc disease, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 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. For instance, which pages you go to most. 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. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. If you are unable to work due to Degenerative Disc Disease, you should speak with your caseworker about TDIU benefits. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? To receive an extraschedular disability rating, you must show the VA why your condition is worse than the 50% maximum. However, looking back on your time in the military, you may be able to quickly recall situations that may have led to chronic back and spine problems: Recommended Reading: Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. Waste materials commonly disposed of in these burn pits include: Many veterans who were exposed to burn pits during their service and developed asthma may be able to seek service connection under this new presumption condition related to burn pit exposure. In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. Generally, some of the more common symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease include: To be eligible for a Degenerative Disc Disease VA rating, a veteran must meet three (3) criteria by law: If you think you have a back condition such as Degenerative Disc Disease, but dont have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA mental health facility nearest youto make an appointment right away! 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.

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