Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. 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. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. 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. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. 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. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. 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. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. 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. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. They all go together, so make sure you work with an experienced lawyer to get ratings for all of them. One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. 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. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. Though the practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, the burn pits emitted large clouds of toxic smoke which was later proven to cause many adverse health conditions. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as Agent Orange) during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. As a result of DDD, some people can manage their pain in a variety of ways. 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. The SSA gets many applications for disability based on degenerative disc disease, and most of them get denied unless other physical or mental problems are present as well. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. 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. 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. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. 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. 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. 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. Just fill out the form and we. VA disability claims evidence can be direct or circumstantial, and include: A positive VA disability rating for a a bulging disc or a herniated disc is based on the extent of your symptoms, how impaired your range of motion is, prevalence of incapacitating episodes, and how all of this impacts your daily life. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. 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. If this is the case, contact us. A VA Disability Lawyers role is to assist you throughout the confusing and often frustrating appeals process if you have been denied benefits for your service-connected back pain. Veterans Serving Veterans Thank. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be able to get a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) deferment. It is often hard to get disability for degenerative disc disease. 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. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. 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. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . It is the intention to recognize painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint. #1. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. 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. 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. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. 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. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Qualifying military members with degenerative disc disease can receive benefits. These cookies do not store any personal information. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? 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. In most cases, VA uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, combined with the limitations on range of motion, to issue a disability rating. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. 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. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. 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. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. For instance, which pages you go to most. Some of which are listed below: Diagnostic codes 5242 and 5243 are reserved for arthritis and spinal disc conditions. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. The degenerative process of the spinal disc can begin gradually or abruptly, but it can progress for up to three decades, during which time the spine is restabilized, and pain is reduced or eliminated. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. The people serving in our military work hard. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. You can file a claim with CCK today at 800-544-9400 if you claim for benefits after being denied by the VA or the DWD. 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. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. 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. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. 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. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. In this situation, a VA RO will contact you to schedule the exam. 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. 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. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. 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. Include. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. Thick yellow or green discharge from the nose, Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage), Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose, Pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead, Loss of smell and reduced ability to taste, 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. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. 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. 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. individual unemployability . In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. However, if you can prove that your degenerative disc disease was connected to your military service, you will receive a disability rating from the VA. All of the medical documentation that you have gathered for your VA disability rating can be used as evidence in your SSDI application. If the disability criteria do not accurately reflect your disability level, you may be assigned an extraschedular rating. 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. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. Read More. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. You're not alone. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? 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. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. 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. Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. 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. To achieve the full disability rating, you must complete all of the steps. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. The VA may attempt to deny your claim by saying there is no way to determine your condition is due to time spent in service. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. A few of the risk factors for Degenerative Disc Disease include your age, prior back injuries, car accidents, being overweight or obese, a sedentary lifestyle, or other forms of bodily trauma. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. 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. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as. In fact, physicians have often held that such long durations of bedrest can actually do more harm for disabilities of the spine than they can help. 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. 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. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. One of these is you need to be able to prove your degenerative disc disease will prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. In grade 1, the nucleus and nave are clearly distinguished; in grade 2, there is no horizontal band; and in grade 3, there is blurring between the nucleus and nave; in grade 4, the nucleus and nave are clearly distinguished; and. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. Schedule a Free Consultation. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. 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. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. You May Like: New York State Short Term Disability. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. 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. That formula actually covers both the cervical and thoracolumbar parts of the spine. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. We help disabled veterans nationwide. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. 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. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. 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! If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? 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. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. 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. 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. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. If you are disabled from a degenerative spinal disc condition and your disability claim has been turned down, we can help. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. I've had a lot of issues that led to seeking civilian treatment, and that has finally culminated in more concrete diagnosis of my spinal issues. 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. Pain in the low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), or neck (cervical), depending on where the affected disc is, possibly even radiating to the legs, arms, and hands (Radiculopathy). To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? The VA will examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service.