Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! If someone had degenerative arthritis in both the cervical and low back that's been diagnosed by the VA from x-rays this is 10%, or is is 20% because it's in both areas of the spine? Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. In this situation, a VA RO will contact you to schedule the exam. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. Muscle atrophy must also be accurately measured and reported. Certain spinal conditions can lead to other conditions that can be claimed for an additional rating. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. 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). It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? 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. Do You Deserve a Higher VA Disability Rating? It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. 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. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. 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. For instance, which pages you go to most. Water loss and disc damage gradually leads to thinner and weaker discs that cannot effectively cushion the vertebrae. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones,fused together to form the Coccyx . 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. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. 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. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? confirm with the actual CFR for VA disability ratings but this one has seemed to be very accurate with it. These include aging, injury, and genetics. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. 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. Read More. The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. If you are suffering from the effects of cervical degenerative disc disease you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. 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. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Your final VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease depends upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of symptoms, including Painful Motion, Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM), and Functional Loss or Impairment. If your 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. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. 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. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. 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. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. To receive an extraschedular disability rating, you must show the VA why your condition is worse than the 50% maximum. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. 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 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. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. Feeling better while walking or even running than while sitting or standing for long periods of time. Chat with Us. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. If you are disabled from a degenerative spinal disc condition and your disability claim has been turned down, we can help. Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. 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. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? The inflammatory proteins within the disc space can contribute to the progression of disc degeneration over time. 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. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. Thank. 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. Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. If this is the case, you may be eligible for total disability based on individual unemployability . Your Degenerative Disc Disease was caused or made worse by your active-duty military service OR by another service connected disability for secondary service connection (Nexus for service connection), #3. 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. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. 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. 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. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. If a veteran can prove that their service-connected spinal condition was the primary cause of the secondary condition, they may qualify as having a secondary service-connection condition. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. 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. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? To file for secondary service connection, you will need: Importantly, you do not have to file for secondary conditions at the same time as filing for primary conditions. One of these is you need to be able to prove your degenerative disc disease will prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Call Us. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. 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. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. 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. (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. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 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. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Brandon Callahan, MD is a board-certified orthopedic physician with a decade of experience in providing comprehensive orthopedic care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. 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. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. Generally, you need to be denied at least once before an attorney can assist, but once a lawyer is involved they will often be able to quickly determine what needs to be done in order to prove entitlement. This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. 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%.