One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. Despite the challenges that arise, people with DDD can still lead full, productive lives. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. 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. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. 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. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. 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. 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. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. 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. According to the VA disability rating formula, it is usually 20 percent for someone suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip due to severe pain. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. We help disabled veterans nationwide. 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. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. The inflammatory proteins within the disc space can contribute to the progression of disc degeneration over time. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. 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. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. 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. 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. 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. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. 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. 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. Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. 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. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain (Cervicalgia), Cervical Spine Pain, & Neck Arthritis The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) views conditions of the spine through two main categoriesneck and back. Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. 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. Specifically, exposure to the toxins released can affect a persons lung health. Is Degenerative Disc Disease A Va Disability - DisabilityTalk.net 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. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. The guidelines also state that if a patient requires bed rest, the physician should encourage them to return to their normal activities as soon as possible. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. 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. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. 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). There is no cure for degenerative disc disease, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. 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. Under 38 CFR 4.71a, VA generally rates low back conditions as follows: " 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. VA disability claims evidence can be direct or circumstantial, and include: A positive VA disability rating for a a bulging disc or a herniated disc is based on the extent of your symptoms, how impaired your range of motion is, prevalence of incapacitating episodes, and how all of this impacts your daily life. 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 may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. To recover service-connected compensation disability benefits for degenerative disc disease, you must meet a certain threshold required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the spine conditions that qualifies for disability benefits. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. 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. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. These cookies do not store any personal information. The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. 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. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. VA Disability Ratings for Scoliosis Explained | CCK Law 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. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. 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 discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. You may because back disorders are tricky. Yes, Degenerative Disc Disease is a VA disability and can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100% depending upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of your symptoms. Qualifying military members with degenerative disc disease can receive benefits. What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! 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 #1 best way to increase your VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease is to get X-Rays so you have objective medical evidence to show the degradation of your discs over time. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. This website is designed for general information only. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. Amputations: Lower Extremity Generally, you need to be denied at least once before an attorney can assist, but once a lawyer is involved they will often be able to quickly determine what needs to be done in order to prove entitlement. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. Just fill out the form and we. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. 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. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. 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. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. 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. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. 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. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. 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. Muscle atrophy must also be accurately measured and reported. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. 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. Thank. Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. 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. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure.
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