The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to evaluate back conditions like osteoarthritis. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? This information is not a substitute for legal advice. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . 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). The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. If a veteran can prove that their service-connected spinal condition was the primary cause of the secondary condition, they may qualify as having a secondary service-connection condition. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. Under 38 CFR 4.71a, VA generally rates low back conditions as follows: " 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine Finally, in the absence of limitation of motion, a veterans degenerative disc disease VA rating will be as follows: When assigning a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, VA must consider both anatomical damage and functional loss. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. 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. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less 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. How to Win Your Disability Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. Dont give up. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. 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. 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. It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Back thoracolumbar spine conditions can have a significant effect on an individuals life, a DBQ allows the veteran to go into detail about how the condition has impacted their life. 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. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. VETERANS: Parachutists have special evidence for claims This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. 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. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. In most cases, VA uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, combined with the limitations on range of motion, to issue a disability rating. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. 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. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. Other requirements are the presence of spinal arachnoiditis which causes inflammation of one of the nervous systems membranes which means you need to reposition yourself at least every two hours. 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. 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. A veteran must show that the case presents such an exceptional or unusual disability picture with such related factors as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization that make it impractical for VA to assign a schedular rating. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. Degenerative disc disease - Veterans Benefits Network However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. 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. 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. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. You're not alone. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. If your VA disability claim for back pain has been denied, be sure to contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw right away to help make sure you get the entitlement you deserve. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. Social Security Medical Evaluations Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. degeneration of the disc between the vertebrae is the cause of DDD. Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. Secondly, your condition needs to be able to meet any of the blue book listings for musculoskeletal diseases. 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. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. 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. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. These include aging, injury, and genetics. Muscle atrophy must also be accurately measured and reported. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits - YouTube To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Amputations: Lower Extremity 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. ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. 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. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. How Does the VA Evaluate Degenerative Disc Disease? Call today! Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 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 Social Security Disability Benefits for Degenerative Disc Disease - Nolo Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. 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. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . Determining Your Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Rating. This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. Degenerative Disc Disease is a painful spinal disorder caused by the steady degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which are the pads that cushion the bones in the vertebrae of your spine. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? If you are unable to work due to Degenerative Disc Disease, you should speak with your caseworker about TDIU benefits.
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