This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the spine conditions that qualifies for disability benefits. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. If you developed degenerative disc disease as a result of military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 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. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. Keep in mind that that rating can be increased if there is a herniated disc or a bulging disc that causes a doctor to prescribe bed rest, specifically six weeks or more over a year's time period. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. 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. The VA rating for radiculopathy in the lower back will be based on symptoms felt in their lower limbs, such as feet, calves, or thighs. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. 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. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. That formula actually covers both the cervical and thoracolumbar parts of the spine. 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. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. 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. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. You may because back disorders are tricky. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease 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. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Determining Your Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Rating. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. The VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. This website is designed for general information only. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. 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 examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 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. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. 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. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. 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. Do You Deserve a Higher VA Disability Rating? Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. 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. Schedule a Free Consultation. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. The practitioner will assess how far you can bend and flex your joints during the range of motion C& P exam. After the exam, the VA examiner will issue an opinion deciding if your DDD is at least as likely as not connected to your service. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. Read More. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. 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. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. Dont give up. (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. One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. 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. Generally, some of the more common symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease include: To be eligible for a Degenerative Disc Disease VA rating, a veteran must meet three (3) criteria by law: If you think you have a back condition such as Degenerative Disc Disease, but dont have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA mental health facility nearest youto make an appointment right away! 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. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. Include. Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. According to VA, if degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray findings, the veterans condition will be rated based on limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. Chat with Us. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. You should consult with your doctor if you are experiencing back pain to find out what is causing it and how it is affecting you. 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. Periods of severe pain that come and go. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones,fused together to form the Coccyx . 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. 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. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. 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. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. 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. 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. Social Security Medical Evaluations Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. 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. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 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. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. 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. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? 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. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury? 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. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. In addition, numerous research studies have shown a link between Degenerative Disc Disease and Radiculopathy; there is a strong bidirectional relationship where each disorder adversely influences the other one. If you are unable to work due to Degenerative Disc Disease, you should speak with your caseworker about TDIU benefits. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. Persistent and recurring symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease (Severity of Symptoms), Difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision, Restricted opening of the mouth and chewing, Breathing limited to diaphragmatic respiration, Gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the coastal margin on the abdomen, Alantoaxial or cervical subluxation or dislocation, Neurologic symptoms due to nerve root stretching, Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business. If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be able to get a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) deferment. 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. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. 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. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? 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. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. 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. 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. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. 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. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. The spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. For some, asthma may be a minor nuisance. 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. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. For instance, which pages you go to most. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. 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 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. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law.
Growing Native Pepperberry,
Oldest Football Derbies In The World,
Adopt A Turtle And Track It Australia,
Articles W