The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. 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. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? 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 Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. 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. If you are already a veteran, you can submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. When a nerve root is compressed, it becomes inflamed. If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. Do You Deserve a Higher VA Disability Rating? Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. Orthopedic conditions are typically categorized as those that impact the musculoskeletal system. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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). However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Therefore, VA must determine if the veteran is eligible for a rating higher than the ones set forth by the rating schedule. All Rights Reserved. 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. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. In this situation, a VA RO will contact you to schedule the exam. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. 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. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. Systemic DJD occurs when the Veteran gets a diagnosis of DJD in service (or within one year after release from active duty) when there is no record or evidence of trauma to the joint. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. 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. Degenerative arthritis of the spine (DC 5003) The last common method of establishing a rating for a back disability is through the VA's diagnostic code for degenerative arthritis. 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. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. The people serving in our military work hard. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. 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. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. 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. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. 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. Fighting insurance companies and the VA is what we do 24/7. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 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. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. 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. Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. 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. 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. Slouching and a sedentary lifestyle are the most common causes of degeneration of the discs in the discs. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. If you have severed your DDD while in the military, you must demonstrate that it is a condition that has a direct relationship with your service. 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. In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. 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. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. Pain in the low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), or neck (cervical), depending on where the affected disc is, possibly even radiating to the legs, arms, and hands (Radiculopathy). Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. It is essential that the examination on which ratings are based adequately portray the anatomical damage, and the functional loss, with respect to all these elements. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. Check out our Google reviews. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' Under 38 CFR 4.71a, VA generally rates low back conditions as follows: " 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. If this is the case, contact us. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. The result is that breathing through your nose can be difficult, and the area around your eyes (your sinus cavities) might feel swollen or tender. As a result of DDD, some people can manage their pain in a variety of ways. 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 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. Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. 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. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. . 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. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. 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. 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. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. 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. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. You're not alone. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. Thank. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts.

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