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. Under 38 CFR 4.71a, VA generally rates low back conditions as follows: " 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. 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. 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. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? This evidence will show that you are suffering from degenerative disc disease due to conditions on the job. 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. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. 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. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. Periods of severe pain that come and go. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. To qualify for service-connected compensation for allergic rhinitis, veterans must prove that their condition was caused by or aggravated by their time spent in service. 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. 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. 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. 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. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. Fighting insurance companies and the VA is what we do 24/7. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! 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. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 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. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. 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. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. 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 VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? While the ROM test is the primary factor in determining VA ratings for back and spine conditions, there are also other portions included in the C& P exams. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. We have updated our Privacy Policy. 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. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. Service Connection Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. will forward what benefits the VA is paying for an asthma condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. Thank. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. 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. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. 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. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. 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. Others develop a more serious condition DDD , which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. . 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. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. To receive an extraschedular disability rating, you must show the VA why your condition is worse than the 50% maximum. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. The final determination on whether an extraschedular rating is warranted must be made by the VA Undersecretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation Service. Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. Evaluate intervertebral disc syndrome (preoperatively or postoperatively) either under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes, whichever method results in the higher evaluation when all disabilities are combined under 4.25. 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. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. 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). In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. 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.. 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. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. 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. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. In its earlier stages, it can be easy to assume that DDD symptoms are just everyday aches and pains that have no link to a Veteran's military service. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. 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. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions, and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. 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. 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. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. Call today! If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. 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. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences. If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. There is no doubt that wear and tear on the body, as well as the wear and tear on vehicles and on hills due to carrying the worlds lightest kit, can all contribute to Dizziness. It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. However, looking back on your time in the military, you may be able to quickly recall situations that may have led to chronic back and spine problems: Recommended Reading: Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. 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? Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. will forward what benefits the VA is paying for the allergic rhinitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. 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 (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. The strain of military service can lead to wear and tear on the spine, not to mention the risk of traumatic injuries in training or combat. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. 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. Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Secondly, your condition needs to be able to meet any of the blue book listings for musculoskeletal diseases. They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the spine conditions that qualifies for disability benefits. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. 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. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Which it turns out are more than just one item. 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. ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. If the disability criteria do not accurately reflect your disability level, you may be assigned an extraschedular rating. Qualifying military members with degenerative disc disease can receive benefits. 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. hay fever). These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. 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. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. The inflammatory proteins within the disc space can contribute to the progression of disc degeneration over time. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. 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. If you are suffering from the effects of cervical degenerative disc disease you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. degeneration of the disc between the vertebrae is the cause of DDD. Orthopedic conditions are typically categorized as those that impact the musculoskeletal system. 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. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. This results in numerous unpleasant and painful symptoms in veterans that may include: Your specific symptoms will depend on where in the spine the nerve root is pinched. SSA will consider disability claims for degenerative disc disease that are supported by medical evidence such as: Physical examination for type and location of pain, range of motion, nerve function, sensation, and muscle strength, with a full review of the entirety of symptoms Diagnostic imaging tests (such as MRI, CT scans, and x-rays) 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. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule.