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Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine 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. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. 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. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. 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 breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. 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. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. Youll also see the termUnfavorable Ankylosis,which is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following: VA disability ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease also depend upon Functional Loss, which means impairment of spine function as determined by range of motion as reported in the physical examination and additional loss of range of motion after repetitive use caused by the following factors: VA disability of the musculoskeletal system is primarily the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform the normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and endurance. 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. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. 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. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. 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. Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease is to get X-Rays so you have objective medical evidence to show the degradation of your discs over time. As is evident from the rating schedules below, the highest possible schedular rating for any single neck impairment is 60 percent for veterans with severe intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). The term incomplete paralysis, with this and otherperipheral nerve injuries, indicates a degree of lost or impaired functionsubstantially less than the type picture for complete paralysis given with eachnerve, whether due to varied level of the nerve lesion or to partialregeneration. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? 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). 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. If you are unable to work due to Degenerative Disc Disease, you should speak with your caseworker about TDIU benefits. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. 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. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. An attorney can help you find the evidence you need to make your argument. individual unemployability . Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 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! Chat with Us. Social Security Medical Evaluations In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. With any form of arthritis, painful motion is an important factor of disability, the facial expression, wincing, etc., on pressure or manipulation, should be carefully noted and definitely related to affected joints. The people serving in our military work hard. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. 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. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain (Cervicalgia), Cervical Spine Pain, & Neck Arthritis The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) views conditions of the spine through two main categoriesneck and back. To qualify for service-connected compensation for allergic rhinitis, veterans must prove that their condition was caused by or aggravated by their time spent in service. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? Call today! 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. 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. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. 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. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. List of Common Veterans Administration Abbreviations, CIGNA / New York Life Disability Insurance, Disability and Life Insurance Claims FAQs, VA Service Connected Disability Claims FAQ, Life Insurance and Accidental Dismemberment FAQs, process of recovering VA disability benefits, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, The VA TDIU Approval Rate and Claim Appeal Options. 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. A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. You May Like: New York State Short Term Disability. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. 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. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? Pain that worsens when sitting (while seated, the discs of the lower back have 3x more load on them than when standing). They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. Most Common Back Conditions Veterans Experience & Their Ratings, VA Claims for Hip Pain Secondary to Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Most Common Back Pain VA Claims Among Veterans, 3 Common Back Conditions Veterans Experience, Secondary Conditions to Flat Feet (Pes Planus) for VA Disability, A current diagnosis of DDD by a medical professional; and. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. This evidence will show that you are suffering from degenerative disc disease due to conditions on the job. 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. 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. 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. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. All Rights Reserved. Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. If youre trying to increase your VA disability rating for Degenerative Disc Disease, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant a higher rating by law. 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 information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain.