what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc diseasewhat is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease
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. A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. 38 CFR 4.71a - Schedule of ratings - musculoskeletal system. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? Hes battled medical issues for years, and the Air Force veteran was pretty sure he was underrated by the How to Service-Connect Your Orthopedic Disabilities If youre a veteran dealing with pain from an orthopedic condition, youre not alone. Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. 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. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. 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. 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). A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. 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? 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. 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. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. 7 Things You Must Know About a Herniated Disc VA Rating (Ultimate Guide) 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. individual unemployability . Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as. 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. Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. Which it turns out are more than just one item. Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. . Some of which are listed below: Diagnostic codes 5242 and 5243 are reserved for arthritis and spinal disc conditions. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Feeling better while walking or even running than while sitting or standing for long periods of time. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. 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. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. 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. 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. Because DDD often does not appear noticeably during a soldiers time in the military, it can be difficult to recognize the condition in its early stages. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. 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. In addition, numerous research studies have shown a link between Degenerative Disc Disease and Radiculopathy; there is a strong bidirectional relationship where each disorder adversely influences the other one. 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 means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It The VA uses two different Diagnostic Codes to rate herniated discs: We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. 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. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. 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. When a nerve root is compressed, it becomes inflamed. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. 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. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. 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. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. 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. If you filed a claim for DDD and VA denied you benefits, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help you appeal the unfavorable decision. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. If youre trying to increase your VA disability rating for Degenerative Disc Disease, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant a higher rating by law. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease - Hill & Ponton, P.A. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. 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. 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. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. Find Out How To Qualify for Disability with Degenerative Disc Disease An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? Include. 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. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . 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. If the disability criteria do not accurately reflect your disability level, you may be assigned an extraschedular rating. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. 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. 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. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. 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. 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. 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. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. For example, DDD can lead to other conditions among veterans, such as: You can file a disability claim for any secondary symptoms or conditions caused by your service-connected degenerative disc disease. The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. This website is designed for general information only. 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. 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. 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. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. Degenerative disc disease - Veterans Benefits Network There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. 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. 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. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . 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. 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. While the ROM test is the primary factor in determining VA ratings for back and spine conditions, there are also other portions included in the C& P exams. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. 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. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. The VA rating for radiculopathy in the lower back will be based on symptoms felt in their lower limbs, such as feet, calves, or thighs. 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. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. 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. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. 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 that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. 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). If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. To file for secondary service connection, you will need: Importantly, you do not have to file for secondary conditions at the same time as filing for primary conditions. To achieve the full disability rating, you must complete all of the steps. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. For some, asthma may be a minor nuisance. Call Us. 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. you viewed to avoid repetition. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device.
