These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and preferences such as text size, fonts and other customizable website elements. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. 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.. If that same veteran has limited ROM to rate for 10% in the low back and the cervical spine is this 10% or 20%, because 10% for low back and 10% for cervical ROM. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! 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. Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. Getting a diagnosis as soon as possible, as well as having a pain management physician develop a treatment plan, are two of the most important steps to avoid complications. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? 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. 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 can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Slouching and a sedentary lifestyle are the most common causes of degeneration of the discs in the discs. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. 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 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. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. 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. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. Some of which are listed below: Diagnostic codes 5242 and 5243 are reserved for arthritis and spinal disc conditions. With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. Call today! If you are diagnosed with the DDD it will be added to your C&P and can play a part in your rating but keep in mind the ROM-range of motion becomes a big factor in ratings of the spine. 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. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! individual unemployability . The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, Service Connection for Degenerative Disc Disease, Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams for Degenerative Disc Disease, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. Feeling better while walking or even running than while sitting or standing for long periods of time. 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. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. 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. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Though the practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, the burn pits emitted large clouds of toxic smoke which was later proven to cause many adverse health conditions. 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. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. Get to know us through our videos. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. If this is the case, contact us. 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. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. 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. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? 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. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. 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. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. 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. 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. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. The VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. All Rights Reserved. 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 VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. 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 spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. 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. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. #1. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. 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. 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. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. 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 cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. The inflammatory proteins within the disc space can contribute to the progression of disc degeneration over time. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. 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. To achieve the full disability rating, you must complete all of the steps. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. 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. 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. You may because back disorders are tricky. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. 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. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. The VA could assign you a herniated disc disability rating from 10% to 100%. 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. 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. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. 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. 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. Periods of severe pain that come and go. 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. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? 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 spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . Chat with Us. 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. Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. Thank. If you are disabled from a degenerative spinal disc condition and your disability claim has been turned down, we can help. If someone had degenerative arthritis in both the cervical and low back that's been diagnosed by the VA from x-rays this is 10%, or is is 20% because it's in both areas of the spine? We help disabled veterans nationwide. To file for secondary service connection, you will need: Importantly, you do not have to file for secondary conditions at the same time as filing for primary conditions. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. 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. Specifically, exposure to the toxins released can affect a persons lung health. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. Since there is no certainty of what was burned at each military installation at a given time, the specific toxins released by the burn pits vary for every location. 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. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Read More. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' 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. 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. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. 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. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. The measurements used for determining compensation are as follows: If you are still in the military, then you can request your military physician to refer you to the MEB and start the IDES process. A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. 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. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. 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. Despite the challenges that arise, people with DDD can still lead full, productive lives. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. 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. 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. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. 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. Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. 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. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. 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. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. 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. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. This website is designed for general information only. The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones,fused together to form the Coccyx . In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. 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. 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. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? If your doctor won't write an opinion, make the argument yourself on VA Form 21-4138, including applicable CFR regulations, and submit it with the VA 21-526EZ disability claims form. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox!