Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. A medical nexus linking the primary condition to the secondary DDD. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). individual unemployability . Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . 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. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . 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. 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. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. 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. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. This 20 percent rating or the 10 percent rating, when applicable, will be assigned once only to cover disability at all sites of previously active infection with a future ending date in the case of the 20 percent rating. The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. 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. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. 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. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. 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. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. Others develop a more serious condition DDD , which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. 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. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It 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. Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. 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. 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. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. Your Degenerative Disc Disease was caused or made worse by your active-duty military service OR by another service connected disability for secondary service connection (Nexus for service connection), #3. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. 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. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. 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. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. 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. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. They all go together, so make sure you work with an experienced lawyer to get ratings for all of them. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. There are several factors that can lead to a service-connected disability, including the physical strain and stress that many soldiers endure on a daily basis while they are on active duty. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. Consult with our nationally recognized law firm to receive assistance. 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. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. 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. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. If you are disabled from a degenerative spinal disc condition and your disability claim has been turned down, we can help. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. 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. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. Persistent and recurring symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease (Severity of Symptoms), Difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision, Restricted opening of the mouth and chewing, Breathing limited to diaphragmatic respiration, Gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the coastal margin on the abdomen, Alantoaxial or cervical subluxation or dislocation, Neurologic symptoms due to nerve root stretching, Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Periods of severe pain that come and go. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. will forward what benefits the VA is paying for a chronic sinusitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. 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. A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. 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. 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. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain (Cervicalgia), Cervical Spine Pain, & Neck Arthritis The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) views conditions of the spine through two main categoriesneck and back. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. 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. It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. To achieve the full disability rating, you must complete all of the steps. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. Call today! Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. Despite the challenges that arise, people with DDD can still lead full, productive lives. Get to know us through our videos. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 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. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. You're not alone. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. If your VA disability claim for back pain has been denied, be sure to contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw right away to help make sure you get the entitlement you deserve. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. 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 you are diagnosed with the DDD it will be added to your C&P and can play a part in your rating but keep in mind the ROM-range of motion becomes a big factor in ratings of the spine. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. 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. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. The percentage of arthritis of the back will be based on the number of joints/joint groups affected and the extent of incapacitation, with 10 being the most common. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. 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. 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. If a veterans lower back pain prevents them from securing and keeping substantially gainful employment they may be eligible for TDIU benefits paid at a 100 percent disability rate. Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. Feeling better while walking or even running than while sitting or standing for long periods of time. 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). 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! 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. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! 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. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. In this situation, a VA RO will contact you to schedule the exam. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. 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. For instance, which pages you go to most. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. 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. 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. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. 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 your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. 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. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. 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. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. 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. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine.
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