what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease

confirm with the actual CFR for VA disability ratings but this one has seemed to be very accurate with it. If there is a service-connected connection between the impairment and service time, a military member may be eligible for disability benefits. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. . Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. There is no doubt that wear and tear on the body, as well as the wear and tear on vehicles and on hills due to carrying the worlds lightest kit, can all contribute to Dizziness. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. 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. In addition, numerous research studies have shown a link between Degenerative Disc Disease and Radiculopathy; there is a strong bidirectional relationship where each disorder adversely influences the other one. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. VA often denies service connection for degenerative disc disease based on an examiners finding that a veterans condition is due to normal wear and tear and the natural progression of aging rather than their time in service. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. If you are suffering from the effects of cervical degenerative disc disease you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. 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. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. 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. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. If you developed degenerative disc disease as a result of military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Thank. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. 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. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. You May Like: New York State Short Term Disability. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. 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. Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. 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. Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. 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. 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. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. 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. (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. Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. 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. 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. 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. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. It is often hard to get disability for degenerative disc disease. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. 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. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. 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). By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. 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. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. If you are disabled from a degenerative spinal disc condition and your disability claim has been turned down, we can help. 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. In most cases, veterans will have to provide evidence of the following three elements of their service connection in pursuing compensation: Its been demonstrated that veterans who were exposed to the environmental hazards from open-air burn pits are at higher risk for developing allergic rhinitis, and other respiratory conditions so, to your advantage, that is a known fact. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. 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. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Is It Hard to Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. An attorney can help you find the evidence you need to make your argument. 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. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. 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. He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. Specifically, exposure to the toxins released can affect a persons lung health. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. Diagnostic codes 5235 through 5243 of 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System are dedicated to back and neck pain. You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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! TDIU, or total disability based on individual unemployability, occurs when a veteran is unable to work as a direct result of their service-connected disability or condition. Consult with our nationally recognized law firm to receive assistance. Check out our Google reviews. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. 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. Some waste materials commonly disposed of in these burn pits include: Many veterans who were exposed to burn pits during their service and developed chronic sinusitis may be able to seek service connection benefits under this new presumption. How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. 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. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. Chat with Us. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 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. A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. 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. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? 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. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. You may because back disorders are tricky. Pain that worsens when sitting (while seated, the discs of the lower back have 3x more load on them than when standing). Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. Call Us. 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. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. 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. Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. 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 Disability Application Process VA 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System, contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw, Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim, Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. Many Vets have developed serious asthma even chronic asthma because of exposure to harmful burn pit pollutants. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. In its earlier stages, it can be easy to assume that DDD symptoms are just everyday aches and pains that have no link to a Veteran's military service. Veterans Serving Veterans Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. The inflammatory proteins within the disc space can contribute to the progression of disc degeneration over time. Feeling better while walking or even running than while sitting or standing for long periods of time. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. The practitioner will assess how far you can bend and flex your joints during the range of motion C& P exam. 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. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. you viewed to avoid repetition. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For example, if a Veteran experienced 4-6 weeks of incapacitating episodes in the past year, they can receive a 40% bulging disc VA disability rating. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Under 38 CFR 4.71a, VA generally rates low back conditions as follows: " 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. You're not alone. 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. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. With over 30+ years experience winning cases, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law have built a reputation for excellence, hard work, and always standing by our clients. 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. If you are unable to work due to Degenerative Disc Disease, you should speak with your caseworker about TDIU benefits. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago.