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Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. 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. 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. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. In more severe cases, Degenerative Disc Disease can cause weakness, numbness, and shooting or throbbing pain in the arms or legs, which is a painful condition knows as Radiculopathy. 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. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. With over 30+ years experience winning cases, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law have built a reputation for excellence, hard work, and always standing by our clients. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. 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. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Is Degenerative Disc Disease A Va Disability - Brandon Orthopedics Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. 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. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. The spine can affect every other part of your body. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. Yes, Degenerative Disc Disease is a VA disability and can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100% depending upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of your symptoms. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Water loss and disc damage gradually leads to thinner and weaker discs that cannot effectively cushion the vertebrae. Include. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. 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 you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. In most cases, VA uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, combined with the limitations on range of motion, to issue a disability rating. VA Disability for Bulging Discs | PTSD Lawyers - Berry Law Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Does Degenerative Disc Disease Qualify For Disability If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. The practitioner will assess how far you can bend and flex your joints during the range of motion C& P exam. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? How Does the VA Evaluate Degenerative Disc Disease? These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. 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. Orthopedic conditions are typically categorized as those that impact the musculoskeletal system. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. The percentage of arthritis of the back will be based on the number of joints/joint groups affected and the extent of incapacitation, with 10 being the most common. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. 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. 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. Military burn pits are large areas of land that were used by the United States military to incinerate waste in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan in the post-9/11 era. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive This results in numerous unpleasant and painful symptoms in veterans that may include: Your specific symptoms will depend on where in the spine the nerve root is pinched. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. You must be able to demonstrate the severity of your disability in order to receive the proper disability rating. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Can You Get Disability For Bulging Disc - DisabilityTalk.net To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. 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. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. VA disability claims evidence can be direct or circumstantial, and include: A positive VA disability rating for a a bulging disc or a herniated disc is based on the extent of your symptoms, how impaired your range of motion is, prevalence of incapacitating episodes, and how all of this impacts your daily life. Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. 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 The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. 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. According to the VA disability rating formula, it is usually 20 percent for someone suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip due to severe pain. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. 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. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. The strain of military service can lead to wear and tear on the spine, not to mention the risk of traumatic injuries in training or combat. The guidelines also state that if a patient requires bed rest, the physician should encourage them to return to their normal activities as soon as possible. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? 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 our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . Some of which are listed below: Diagnostic codes 5242 and 5243 are reserved for arthritis and spinal disc conditions. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide - Berry Law Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. 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. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. 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. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. 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. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. 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. Service Connection 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). Degenerative disc disease - Veterans Benefits Network Chat with Us. These include aging, injury, and genetics. 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. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. 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 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. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. For some, asthma may be a minor nuisance. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. (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. 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. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Degenerative Disc Disease, Back Pain & Social Security Disability However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. 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. 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. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. 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. There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. 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). Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. According to VA, if degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray findings, the veterans condition will be rated based on limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. 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. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . What Is My VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? VA Disability For Back Arthritis - Vet For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain: Cervical Spine, Neck Arthritis Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. 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. Secondly, your condition needs to be able to meet any of the blue book listings for musculoskeletal diseases. Others develop a more serious condition DDD , which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. However, individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from being able to work. 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. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions, and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease 10% to 100%, Common VA Secondary Conditions to Degenerative Disc Disease, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): VA Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. 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. The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. Cervical Spine Conditions - Entitlement Eligibility Guidelines All Rights Reserved. You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. 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 assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. If you have severed your DDD while in the military, you must demonstrate that it is a condition that has a direct relationship with your service. Call today! ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. 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. Dont give up. 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. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Pain in the low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), or neck (cervical), depending on where the affected disc is, possibly even radiating to the legs, arms, and hands (Radiculopathy). Specifically, exposure to the toxins released can affect a persons lung health. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. There are several factors that can lead to a service-connected disability, including the physical strain and stress that many soldiers endure on a daily basis while they are on active duty. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. Qualifying military members with degenerative disc disease can receive benefits. Our team of experts, doctors, and orthopedic specialists are here to share their knowledge and experience with you in order to help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. confirm with the actual CFR for VA disability ratings but this one has seemed to be very accurate with it. Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. 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. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. Read More. #1. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. Pain that worsens when sitting (while seated, the discs of the lower back have 3x more load on them than when standing). It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. 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. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. 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. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. 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.