what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease

Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. Specifically, exposure to the toxins released can affect a persons lung health. Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. If you are unable to work due to Degenerative Disc Disease, you should speak with your caseworker about TDIU benefits. 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. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. We help disabled veterans nationwide. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. Finally, in the absence of limitation of motion, a veterans degenerative disc disease VA rating will be as follows: When assigning a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, VA must consider both anatomical damage and functional loss. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. 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. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. 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. However, if the limitation of motion of the specific joint or joints involved isnoncompensable(i.e., 0 percent disabling) under the appropriate diagnostic codes, a rating of 10 percent will be applied for each major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion. Periods of severe pain that come and go. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? 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). 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. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. 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. 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. For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. 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. 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. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. According to the VA disability rating formula, it is usually 20 percent for someone suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip due to severe pain. 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. 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. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. 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. 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). It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. 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. A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. 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. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. 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! However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. 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. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. 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. Secondly, your condition needs to be able to meet any of the blue book listings for musculoskeletal diseases. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. 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. One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. 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. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. 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. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. This evidence will show that you are suffering from degenerative disc disease due to conditions on the job. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. 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. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. These cases are classified as higher in severity. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. 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. The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. 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. 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. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work. For some, asthma may be a minor nuisance. 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 qualify for service-connected compensation for allergic rhinitis, veterans must prove that their condition was caused by or aggravated by their time spent in service. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. 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. 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. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. Read More. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. Despite the challenges that arise, people with DDD can still lead full, productive lives. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. In its earlier stages, it can be easy to assume that DDD symptoms are just everyday aches and pains that have no link to a Veteran's military service. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Call Us. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. Muscle atrophy must also be accurately measured and reported. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. 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. The spine can affect every other part of your body. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. you viewed to avoid repetition. 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. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. If there is a service-connected connection between the impairment and service time, a military member may be eligible for disability benefits. Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury? Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. 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. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. 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. 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. If this is the case, contact us. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. 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. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. This website is designed for general information only. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. 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. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. 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. 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. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. Some of which are listed below: Diagnostic codes 5242 and 5243 are reserved for arthritis and spinal disc conditions. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. 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. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. 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. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. 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. 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. Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. Eczema-type symptoms (e.g., dry, itchy skin), An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. In order to qualify for disability benefits with degenerative disc disease, your condition needs to meet the criteria laid out in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book listing. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. Chat with Us. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. 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. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. 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. Fixed movement of the entire spine qualifies for a 100% rating. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. These cookies do not store any personal information. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. You should consult with your doctor if you are experiencing back pain to find out what is causing it and how it is affecting you. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. 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.