Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. 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). He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. . 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. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. 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. 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. 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. 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. Our team of experts, doctors, and orthopedic specialists are here to share their knowledge and experience with you in order to help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Schedule a Free Consultation. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease The VA will examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service. 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 remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. Get to know us through our videos. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. 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. 15-18 701 DATE: December 26, 2018 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) on a causation basis, is granted. VA 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. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] These include aging, injury, and genetics. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. We help disabled veterans nationwide. Thick yellow or green discharge from the nose, Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage), Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose, Pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead, Loss of smell and reduced ability to taste, Veterans who served in specified locations and time periods do not have to prove a connection between their sinusitis and service to be eligible for VA health care and disability compensation. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. Thank. 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. 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. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. 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. Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? In most cases, VA uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, combined with the limitations on range of motion, to issue a disability rating. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. Crepitation either in the soft tissues such as the tendons or ligaments, or crepitation within the joint structures should be noted carefully as points of contact which are diseased. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. 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. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. Certain spinal conditions can lead to other conditions that can be claimed for an additional rating. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. 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. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Eczema-type symptoms (e.g., dry, itchy skin), An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. 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. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. 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. 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). If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. 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. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. 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. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. Include. 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. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. 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. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. 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. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. If your VA disability claim for back pain has been denied, be sure to contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw right away to help make sure you get the entitlement you deserve. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. If youre trying to increase your VA disability rating for Degenerative Disc Disease, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant a higher rating by law. Target Leave And Disability Reedgroup Com, Jailbreak Disabled Iphone Without Losing Data, What Happens If You Become Disabled While On Social Security, Complete the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or lost, Official records of a herniated disc during active duty, Medical evidence from private doctors linking the current diagnosis to an in-service injury, disease, or event that has been at least as likely as not caused the current condition. Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. 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 inflammatory proteins within the disc space can contribute to the progression of disc degeneration over time. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. 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. 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 middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. Therefore, VA must determine if the veteran is eligible for a rating higher than the ones set forth by the rating schedule. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. 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. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. 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. To achieve the full disability rating, you must complete all of the steps. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. Monitoring Your Disability Insurance Claim. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Because DDD often does not appear noticeably during a soldiers time in the military, it can be difficult to recognize the condition in its early stages. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. 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. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. (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. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. 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. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. 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. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. 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. 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. One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Slouching and a sedentary lifestyle are the most common causes of degeneration of the discs in the discs. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. 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. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease 10% to 100%, Common VA Secondary Conditions to Degenerative Disc Disease, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): VA Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. 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. 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. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . 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. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. The spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . Muscle atrophy must also be accurately measured and reported. 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. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . Orthopedic conditions are typically categorized as those that impact the musculoskeletal system. When a nerve root is compressed, it becomes inflamed. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. Whether from the physical rigors of combat, from the psychosomatic effects of stress and anxiety on the body, or from other factors, many soldiers can leave their time in the military with a wide range of physical problems. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. 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. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). 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. Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. 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. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating.
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