In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' 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. Which it turns out are more than just one item. 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. 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. With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. 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. 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. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. 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. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. 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. If you are unable to work due to Degenerative Disc Disease, you should speak with your caseworker about TDIU benefits. However, individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from being able to work. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. 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. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. (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. 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. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Hes battled medical issues for years, and the Air Force veteran was pretty sure he was underrated by the How to Service-Connect Your Orthopedic Disabilities If youre a veteran dealing with pain from an orthopedic condition, youre not alone. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to evaluate back conditions like osteoarthritis. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. The Disability Application Process VA 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System, contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw, Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim, Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. For degenerative disc disease, a Veterans Disability rating of 10% to 20% is typically assigned by the VA. An all-timer rating of 100 percent must be obtained before the VA will declare a veteran incapable of working. Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. Social Security Medical Evaluations AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. 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 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. To be eligible for disability benefits for a herniated disc, you must have a current diagnosis of the condition and meet the eligibility criteria for VA disability benefits. How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? Periods of severe pain that come and go. Schedule a Free Consultation. 5001 Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive: Active 100 Inactive: See 4.88c and 4.89 5002 Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. 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. Veterans with DDD are often denied benefits or given low disability ratings because an examiner dismisses the disease as the result of the normal wear and tear of aging. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. Just fill out the form and we. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. 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. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. I've had a lot of issues that led to seeking civilian treatment, and that has finally culminated in more concrete diagnosis of my spinal issues. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. 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). Many Vets have developed serious asthma even chronic asthma because of exposure to harmful burn pit pollutants. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. 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! 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 VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. Crepitation either in the soft tissues such as the tendons or ligaments, or crepitation within the joint structures should be noted carefully as points of contact which are diseased. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. 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. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. You must be able to demonstrate the severity of your disability in order to receive the proper disability rating. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. A medical nexus linking the primary condition to the secondary DDD. To receive an extraschedular disability rating, you must show the VA why your condition is worse than the 50% maximum. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. 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. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. 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. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. 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. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability.