Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. 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). He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) 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. 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. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. If you filed a claim for DDD and VA denied you benefits, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help you appeal the unfavorable decision. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? 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. Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. 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. 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. A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. 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. 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. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. 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. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. The measurements used for determining compensation are as follows: If you are still in the military, then you can request your military physician to refer you to the MEB and start the IDES process. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. 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). 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.. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. 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. 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. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. Can I Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. Many Vets have developed serious asthma even chronic asthma because of exposure to harmful burn pit pollutants. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. The term degenerative disc disease is used to describe spinal disc changes that occur over time as one ages. The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. Fixed movement of the entire spine qualifies for a 100% rating. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. confirm with the actual CFR for VA disability ratings but this one has seemed to be very accurate with it. 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. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. 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. A medical nexus linking the primary condition to the secondary DDD. If this is the case, contact us. The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) | CCK Law (2023) Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions, and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. 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. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease - tCubed Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. If you are suffering from the effects of cervical degenerative disc disease you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Just fill out the form and we. What is Retrolisthesis and Can I Qualify for Disability Benefits? Under 38 CFR 4.71a, VA generally rates low back conditions as follows: " 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine 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. 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. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. The VA will examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. The spine can affect every other part of your body. You're not alone. Since there is no certainty of what was burned at each military installation at a given time, the specific toxins released by the burn pits vary for every location. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. The joints involved should be tested for pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing and, if possible, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint. Though the practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, the burn pits emitted large clouds of toxic smoke which was later proven to cause many adverse health conditions. 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. 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. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease Explained (The 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. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. 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. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. If this is the case, you may be eligible for total disability based on individual unemployability . 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. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. Include. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. VA Ratings for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome - Hill & Ponton, P.A. 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). But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. Call today! Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. Check out our Google reviews. 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. 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. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. 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. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. Others develop a more serious condition DDD , which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. 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. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. 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. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. Social Security Medical Evaluations VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) | CCK Law (2022) This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. 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. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones,fused together to form the Coccyx . It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. 7 Things You Must Know About a Herniated Disc VA Rating (Ultimate Guide) Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. 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. Just fill out the form and we 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. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive Va disability rating for degenerative disc disease - HealthTap In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. Eczema-type symptoms (e.g., dry, itchy skin), An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? Get to know us through our videos. You may because back disorders are tricky. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. 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. Periods of severe pain that come and go. For example, lets say you have full range of motion for your Degenerative Disc Disease, but you have pain during movement, you should be awarded the minimum level of disability for the condition, which is 10%. Degenerative Disc Disease VA Disability Benefits - Woods and Woods, LLC However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. The VA uses two different Diagnostic Codes to rate herniated discs: It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. 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. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. Cervical Spine Conditions - Entitlement Eligibility Guidelines Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. 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. Getting a diagnosis as soon as possible, as well as having a pain management physician develop a treatment plan, are two of the most important steps to avoid complications. Though the practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, the burn pits emitted large plumes of toxic smoke which was later found to cause many adverse health effects. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? (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. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. 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. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. 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 intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. To receive an extraschedular disability rating under 38 CFR 3.321(b)(1) for degenerative disc disease, the following requirements must be met: It is important to note that extraschedular disability ratings are granted on a case-by-case basis and are very specific to each situation. 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. Is Degenerative Disc Disease A Va Disability - Brandon Orthopedics Target Leave And Disability Reedgroup Com, Jailbreak Disabled Iphone Without Losing Data, What Happens If You Become Disabled While On Social Security, Complete the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or lost, Official records of a herniated disc during active duty, Medical evidence from private doctors linking the current diagnosis to an in-service injury, disease, or event that has been at least as likely as not caused the current condition. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to evaluate back conditions like osteoarthritis. The inflammatory proteins within the disc space can contribute to the progression of disc degeneration over time. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. The VA may attempt to deny your claim by saying there is no way to determine your condition is due to time spent in service. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of.