The degenerative process of the spinal disc can begin gradually or abruptly, but it can progress for up to three decades, during which time the spine is restabilized, and pain is reduced or eliminated. 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. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. 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. 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. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. 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. Amputations: Lower Extremity These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. 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. 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. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. The spine can affect every other part of your body. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Is Degenerative Disc Disease A Va Disability - DisabilityTalk.net Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. 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. Some examples of cervical conditions that are rated under this code include the following: Diagnostic Code 5237 Cervical Strain A torn tendon or muscle in the neck 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. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. 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. 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. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. 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. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. Thank. Call Us. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. Neck Conditions: How To Get VA Disability - The Veterans Law Office Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. 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. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. 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. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? The final determination on whether an extraschedular rating is warranted must be made by the VA Undersecretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation Service. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. Can I Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? Call today! The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . 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. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. 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. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the spine conditions that qualifies for disability benefits. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. 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. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. The people serving in our military work hard. 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. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. 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. Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease and Disability Benefits - brrlaw Others develop a more serious condition DDD , which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. Diagnostic codes 5235 through 5243 of 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System are dedicated to back and neck pain. 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. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? 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. 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. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. Some of which are listed below: Diagnostic codes 5242 and 5243 are reserved for arthritis and spinal disc conditions. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. 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. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease 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. The treatment for degenerative disc disease is available in a variety of ways, and the decision is based on the individuals and the severity of the problem. 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. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. 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. 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. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. These include aging, injury, and genetics. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times, such as when exercising, or you may have symptoms all of the time. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. Find Out How To Qualify for Disability with Degenerative Disc Disease The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. Does Degenerative Disc Disease Qualify For Disability The VA will examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. 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. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include: Veterans may develop this condition as a result of their active-duty military service, and they may be entitled to VA disability benefits. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (2022) - otarbo.com Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. Secondly, your condition needs to be able to meet any of the blue book listings for musculoskeletal diseases. 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. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. 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. 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. Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. Periods of severe pain that come and go. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. The term degenerative disc disease is used to describe spinal disc changes that occur over time as one ages. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. Therefore, VA must determine if the veteran is eligible for a rating higher than the ones set forth by the rating schedule. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. Qualifying military members with degenerative disc disease can receive benefits. Social Security Medical Evaluations Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. 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. There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. You may because back disorders are tricky. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. 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. If this is the case, you may be eligible for total disability based on individual unemployability . 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 uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. 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. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. 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. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. 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. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease - Hill & Ponton, P.A. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. Many Vets have developed serious asthma even chronic asthma because of exposure to harmful burn pit pollutants. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Evaluate intervertebral disc syndrome (preoperatively or postoperatively) either under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes, whichever method results in the higher evaluation when all disabilities are combined under 4.25. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. If there is a service-connected connection between the impairment and service time, a military member may be eligible for disability benefits. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. What Is My VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? We have updated our Privacy Policy. 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. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. 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. 7 Things You Must Know About a Herniated Disc VA Rating (Ultimate Guide)

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