Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. 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. Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. 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. In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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 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. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. individual unemployability . By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. 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. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. All Rights Reserved. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. 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) you viewed to avoid repetition. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. 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. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. It states that your degenerative disc disorder needs to have caused a compromised nerve root of the spinal cord or you need to provide proof that the root compression causes spinal pain, restricted spinal movement, a reduction in motor function and muscle weakness including loss of reflexes and touch. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. 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. Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. 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. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Social Security Medical Evaluations Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. In fact, physicians have often held that such long durations of bedrest can actually do more harm for disabilities of the spine than they can help. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 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. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. #1. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. 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 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. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain. The inflammatory proteins within the disc space can contribute to the progression of disc degeneration over time. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. 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. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. 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. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. You can file a claim with CCK today at 800-544-9400 if you claim for benefits after being denied by the VA or the DWD. 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. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. 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. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? 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. 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. 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). The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. 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. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! 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. (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. A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. Call Us. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. 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 VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. 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. 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. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. You must be able to demonstrate the severity of your disability in order to receive the proper disability rating. 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. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions, and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. 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. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury? Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. Thank. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. 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. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. 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! The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to evaluate back conditions like osteoarthritis. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. The VA uses two different Diagnostic Codes to rate herniated discs: If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. 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. 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. We help disabled veterans nationwide. Determining Your Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Rating. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children, Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu, Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. 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%. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. 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. 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. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. However, if the limitation of motion of the specific joint or joints involved isnoncompensable(i.e., 0 percent disabling) under the appropriate diagnostic codes, a rating of 10 percent will be applied for each major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion. 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. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. If your doctor won't write an opinion, make the argument yourself on VA Form 21-4138, including applicable CFR regulations, and submit it with the VA 21-526EZ disability claims form. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. The practitioner will assess how far you can bend and flex your joints during the range of motion C& P exam. Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. Service Connection Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. These include aging, injury, and genetics. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. 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. 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. 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. 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. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 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. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. 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 will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? 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.
