However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. 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. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. 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 (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. 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. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. 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. Social Security Medical Evaluations Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. 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. 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. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. 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. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. 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. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? Veterans Serving Veterans To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. 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. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. (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. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? 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. 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. Schedule a Free Consultation. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. 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. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. Dont give up. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? If a veterans lower back pain prevents them from securing and keeping substantially gainful employment they may be eligible for TDIU benefits paid at a 100 percent disability rate. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. 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. 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. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. 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. The VA uses two different Diagnostic Codes to rate herniated discs: Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. 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. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and preferences such as text size, fonts and other customizable website elements. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury? Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. 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.. 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. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. Service Connection 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. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. 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. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. 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. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. 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. 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). If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. It can take a long time for you to develop symptoms for this condition, and doctors often do not document the things VA needs to assess your condition. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. Call today! Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. To receive an extraschedular disability rating, you must show the VA why your condition is worse than the 50% maximum. 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 VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. Get to know us through our videos. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. This website is designed for general information only. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. We have updated our Privacy Policy. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. 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. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. Periods of severe pain that come and go. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. 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. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. 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. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. The functional loss may be due to absence of part, or all, of the necessary bones, joints and muscles, or associated structures, or to deformity, adhesions, defective innervation, or other pathology, or it may be due to pain, supported by adequate pathology and evidenced by the visible behavior of the claimant undertaking the motion. To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. 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. Since that requires you to show that you have no range of motion (i.e., you cannot move your back), it can be very difficult, and you have to show why your back condition severely limits you. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. 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. Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . 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) In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. you viewed to avoid repetition. 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. Just fill out the form and we will forward what benefits the VA is paying for a chronic sinusitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. 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. Persistent and recurring symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease (Severity of Symptoms), Difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision, Restricted opening of the mouth and chewing, Breathing limited to diaphragmatic respiration, Gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the coastal margin on the abdomen, Alantoaxial or cervical subluxation or dislocation, Neurologic symptoms due to nerve root stretching, Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business. Call Us. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 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. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. Diagnostic codes 5235 through 5243 of 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System are dedicated to back and neck pain. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. Degenerative Disc Disease is a painful spinal disorder caused by the steady degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which are the pads that cushion the bones in the vertebrae of your spine. 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. In most cases, veterans will have to provide evidence of the following three elements of their service connection in pursuing compensation: Its been demonstrated that veterans who were exposed to the environmental hazards from open-air burn pits are at higher risk for developing allergic rhinitis, and other respiratory conditions so, to your advantage, that is a known fact. Amputations: Lower Extremity Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. 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. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive If you developed degenerative disc disease as a result of military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. If this is the case, you may be eligible for total disability based on individual unemployability . For instance, which pages you go to most. Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. Include. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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. The following are some of the most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease: Generally, to prove service connection and secure a degenerative disc disease VA rating, veterans need evidence of the following three things: Veterans can submit a claim for VA disability benefits onVA Form 21-526EZ. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? 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. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. 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. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. Check out our Google reviews. To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. Is It Hard to Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? The people serving in our military work hard. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. 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. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. 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. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. 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. The limitation of range of motion principle is arguably the most important principle that applies to VA disability ratings for back pain and 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. individual unemployability . These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. 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. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. 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. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Consult with our nationally recognized law firm to receive assistance. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. 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. 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. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? 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. They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA.
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