what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease

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. 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. 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. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. Veterans Serving Veterans The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. They all go together, so make sure you work with an experienced lawyer to get ratings for all of them. For instance, which pages you go to most. 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. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Just fill out the form and we. Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. Any limitation of Range of Motion (ROM) should be measured with a Goniometer by the medical professional at your VA C&P Exam for Back Pain. 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. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. 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. This evidence will show that you are suffering from degenerative disc disease due to conditions on the job. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. 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. Eczema-type symptoms (e.g., dry, itchy skin), An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. Just fill out the form and we will forward what benefits the VA is paying for an asthma condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. 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. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children, Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu, Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. Periods of severe pain that come and go. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? 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. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. If you are disabled from a degenerative spinal disc condition and your disability claim has been turned down, we can help. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. The VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. 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. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. The VA could assign you a herniated disc disability rating from 10% to 100%. 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. The VA will examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. 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. ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. 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. After the exam, the VA examiner will issue an opinion deciding if your DDD is at least as likely as not connected to your service. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. Just fill out the form and we 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. Veterans who served in specified locations and time periods do not have to prove a connection between their sinusitis and service to be eligible for VA health care and disability compensation. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. If degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray and is accompanied by satisfactory evidence of painful motion, it will be rated no less than 10-percent. 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. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. List of Common Veterans Administration Abbreviations, CIGNA / New York Life Disability Insurance, Disability and Life Insurance Claims FAQs, VA Service Connected Disability Claims FAQ, Life Insurance and Accidental Dismemberment FAQs, process of recovering VA disability benefits, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, The VA TDIU Approval Rate and Claim Appeal Options. These include aging, injury, and genetics. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. Monitoring Your Disability Insurance Claim. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. 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. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. you viewed to avoid repetition. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. will forward what benefits the VA is paying for an asthma condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. 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. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. 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. 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. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. 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. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. Is It Hard to Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. 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. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. Water loss and disc damage gradually leads to thinner and weaker discs that cannot effectively cushion the vertebrae. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease 10% to 100%, Common VA Secondary Conditions to Degenerative Disc Disease, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): VA Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease. 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? Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. For retrolisthesis to be a disability, you will need to meet a Blue Book listing, demonstrating your retrolisthesis is severe enough to qualify for disability benefits. 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. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. . Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. Schedule a Free Consultation. Degenerative Disc Disease is a spinal disorder most often rated underCFR Title 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diagnostic Code 5242, Degenerative Arthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease Other Than Intervertebral Disc Syndrome. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. Read More. 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. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. There is no cure for degenerative disc disease, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? Service Connection Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. 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. 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. You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. 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. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. 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. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. 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. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. 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. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. 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. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. Get to know us through our videos. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. That formula actually covers both the cervical and thoracolumbar parts of the spine. 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. 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. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. You must be open, honest, and truthful at your C&P exam for Degenerative Disc Disease, and make sure toSTOPthe C&P examiner as soon as you feel any discomfort or pain. 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. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. 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. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more 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. 15-18 701 DATE: December 26, 2018 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) on a causation basis, is granted. 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.

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