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The VA uses two different Diagnostic Codes to rate herniated discs: If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. (1) Limitation of Range of Motion and (2) Pain are the two most common factors that determine your final VA rating for back conditions such as Degenerative Disc Disease. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. 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. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. 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. 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. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. According to VA, if degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray findings, the veterans condition will be rated based on limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. 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. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. 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. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. Where there are additional disabilities rated 50% or 100%, or anatomical or loss of use of a third extremity see 38 CFR 3.350 (f) (3), (4) or (5). The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. If a veteran can prove that their service-connected spinal condition was the primary cause of the secondary condition, they may qualify as having a secondary service-connection condition. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. Just fill out the form and we. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. Periods of severe pain that come and go. 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. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. Fixed movement of the entire spine qualifies for a 100% rating. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. 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. Muscle atrophy must also be accurately measured and reported. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. 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. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis, Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or, muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or, vertebral body fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of the height. 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. You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. hay fever). Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain. 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. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. 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. Service Connection The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. 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. In fact, physicians have often held that such long durations of bedrest can actually do more harm for disabilities of the spine than they can help. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. 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. By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog. The 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. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. 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. 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. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. 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. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as. 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. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. For instance, which pages you go to most. The people serving in our military work hard. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. A veteran must show that the case presents such an exceptional or unusual disability picture with such related factors as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization that make it impractical for VA to assign a schedular rating. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. 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. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. 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 ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. All Rights Reserved. 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. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. The VA will examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service. 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. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. The VA could assign you a herniated disc disability rating from 10% to 100%. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. 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. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. 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. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. 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. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury? Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. 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. They all go together, so make sure you work with an experienced lawyer to get ratings for all of them. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be able to get a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) deferment. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. 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. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS.