You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. The joints involved should be tested for pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing and, if possible, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. How to Win Your Disability Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease 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. Call Us. These cases are classified as higher in severity. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. 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. 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. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. 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. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. Is It Hard to Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as Agent Orange) during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. If this is the case, you may be eligible for total disability based on individual unemployability . The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? 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. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease - tCubed Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. Degenerative arthritis of the spine (DC 5003) The last common method of establishing a rating for a back disability is through the VA's diagnostic code for degenerative arthritis. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. 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. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain Criteria VA uses 38 CFR 4.71a, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to evaluate most neck pain conditions. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain | The Tuley Law Office The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Degenerative Disc Disease & You VA Claim - VA Disability Advocates Blog VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease - Hill & Ponton, P.A. Degenerative Disc Disease VA Disability Benefits - Woods and Woods, LLC Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. 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. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. The following are some of the most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease: Generally, to prove service connection and secure a degenerative disc disease VA rating, veterans need evidence of the following three things: Veterans can submit a claim for VA disability benefits onVA Form 21-526EZ. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . degeneration of the disc between the vertebrae is the cause of DDD. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. For example, a Veteran with mild degenerative disc disease may be assigned a 10 percent disability rating, while a Veteran with severe degenerative disc disease may be assigned a 100 percent disability rating. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. 38 CFR 4.71a - Schedule of ratings - musculoskeletal system. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. Many Vets have developed serious asthma even chronic asthma because of exposure to harmful burn pit pollutants. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. 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. Disabilities of the Spine - Veterans Appeals This information is not a substitute for legal advice. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences. The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. To receive an extraschedular disability rating, you must show the VA why your condition is worse than the 50% maximum. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. The VA may attempt to deny your claim by saying there is no way to determine your condition is due to time spent in service. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. What Is The Average Va Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Find Out How To Qualify for Disability with Degenerative Disc Disease Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. Doctors seldom check a patient's ability to stoop, bend, or crouch during an examination, and yet bending, stooping, and crouching are the three primary nonexertional limitations that disability examiners look for when they evaluate the RFC of applicants with degenerative disc disease. We have updated our Privacy Policy. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. 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. Service Connection Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. 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. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. Water loss and disc damage gradually leads to thinner and weaker discs that cannot effectively cushion the vertebrae. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. 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. Veterans with DDD are often denied benefits or given low disability ratings because an examiner dismisses the disease as the result of the normal wear and tear of aging. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. 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. 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. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to evaluate back conditions like osteoarthritis. Despite the challenges that arise, people with DDD can still lead full, productive lives. Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits - YouTube In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. 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. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and application for changes in benefits Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. 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. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. 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. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. 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 VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. 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. 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. 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. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. These cookies do not store any personal information. These include aging, injury, and genetics. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. 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. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. For example, lets say you have full range of motion for your Degenerative Disc Disease, but you have pain during movement, you should be awarded the minimum level of disability for the condition, which is 10%. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. Periods of severe pain that come and go. 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. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. you viewed to avoid repetition. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. That formula actually covers both the cervical and thoracolumbar parts of the spine. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. The spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . This website is designed for general information only. Dont give up. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. hay fever). The limitation of range of motion principle is arguably the most important principle that applies to VA disability ratings for back pain and Degenerative Disc Disease. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. 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. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. 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. 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 Disability Ratings for Back Pain For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. 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. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Brandon Callahan, MD is a board-certified orthopedic physician with a decade of experience in providing comprehensive orthopedic care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. 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). To be eligible for disability benefits for a herniated disc, you must have a current diagnosis of the condition and meet the eligibility criteria for VA disability benefits. 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. 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.

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