Dont give up. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones,fused together to form the Coccyx . In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. 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. 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. Get to know us through our videos. What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. 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. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. 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). If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Read More. 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 grade 1, the nucleus and nave are clearly distinguished; in grade 2, there is no horizontal band; and in grade 3, there is blurring between the nucleus and nave; in grade 4, the nucleus and nave are clearly distinguished; and. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? As a result of DDD, some people can manage their pain in a variety of ways. You May Like: New York State Short Term Disability. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. 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. If your doctor won't write an opinion, make the argument yourself on VA Form 21-4138, including applicable CFR regulations, and submit it with the VA 21-526EZ disability claims form. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. . Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. 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%. Schedule a Free Consultation. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive A veteran must show that the case presents such an exceptional or unusual disability picture with such related factors as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization that make it impractical for VA to assign a schedular rating. 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. 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 is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . Call today! By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Just fill out the form and we 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. 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. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. 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. Because DDD often does not appear noticeably during a soldiers time in the military, it can be difficult to recognize the condition in its early stages. One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. 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. Back thoracolumbar spine conditions can have a significant effect on an individuals life, a DBQ allows the veteran to go into detail about how the condition has impacted their life. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 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. 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. The term degenerative disc disease is used to describe spinal disc changes that occur over time as one ages. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. Call Us. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. Many Vets have developed serious asthma even chronic asthma because of exposure to harmful burn pit pollutants. Which it turns out are more than just one item. 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? Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. For example, if you have a service-connected knee condition that causes you to favor one side when you walk, you may develop an altered gait. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to evaluate back conditions like osteoarthritis. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. Do You Deserve a Higher VA Disability Rating? Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. The spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. These include aging, injury, and genetics. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as Agent Orange) during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. 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. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. 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. You may because back disorders are tricky. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. #1. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. 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. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. A medical nexus linking the primary condition to the secondary DDD. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. Find out if you qualify for SSDI 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. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? 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. 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. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. 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. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times, such as when exercising, or you may have symptoms all of the time. 15-18 701 DATE: December 26, 2018 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) on a causation basis, is granted. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. The VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. Sharp and radiating pain in the back, arms, legs or shoulders that may worsen with certain activities, even something as simple as coughing or sneezing, Weakness, fatigue, or loss of reflexes in the arms or legs, Numbness or tingling of the skin, pins and needles, or other abnormal sensations in the arms or legs. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. 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. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] 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. Veterans Serving Veterans Water loss and disc damage gradually leads to thinner and weaker discs that cannot effectively cushion the vertebrae. Specifically, exposure to the toxins released can affect a persons lung health. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Doctors seldom check a patient's ability to stoop, bend, or crouch during an examination, and yet bending, stooping, and crouching are the three primary nonexertional limitations that disability examiners look for when they evaluate the RFC of applicants with degenerative disc disease. Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. 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. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. 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. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. 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. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. 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. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. 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. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. 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. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. 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. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? 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. 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. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. 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. 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 the disability criteria do not accurately reflect your disability level, you may be assigned an extraschedular rating. This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. 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. 5001 Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive: Active 100 Inactive: See 4.88c and 4.89 5002 The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. If there is a service-connected connection between the impairment and service time, a military member may be eligible for disability benefits. 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. 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. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. It is essential that the examination on which ratings are based adequately portray the anatomical damage, and the functional loss, with respect to all these elements. 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 practitioner will assess how far you can bend and flex your joints during the range of motion C& P exam. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. The Disability Application Process VA 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System, contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw, Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim, Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. 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. 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. After the exam, the VA examiner will issue an opinion deciding if your DDD is at least as likely as not connected to your service. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. hay fever). Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury?