If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. Is It Hard to Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. 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. 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. 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. Under 38 CFR 4.71a, VA generally rates low back conditions as follows: " 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine 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. Chat with Us. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. 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. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. Certain spinal conditions can lead to other conditions that can be claimed for an additional rating. If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. The functional loss may be due to absence of part, or all, of the necessary bones, joints and muscles, or associated structures, or to deformity, adhesions, defective innervation, or other pathology, or it may be due to pain, supported by adequate pathology and evidenced by the visible behavior of the claimant undertaking the motion. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. 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. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. 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. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. 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. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? Which it turns out are more than just one item. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. 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 typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. 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. 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). As a result of DDD, some people can manage their pain in a variety of ways. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. 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. 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. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. Slouching and a sedentary lifestyle are the most common causes of degeneration of the discs in the discs. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 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. 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 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. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be able to get a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) deferment. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Just fill out the form and we. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. 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. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. 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. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. (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. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. The treatment for degenerative disc disease is available in a variety of ways, and the decision is based on the individuals and the severity of the problem. Where there are additional disabilities rated 50% or 100%, or anatomical or loss of use of a third extremity see 38 CFR 3.350 (f) (3), (4) or (5). In this situation, a VA RO will contact you to schedule the exam. 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. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. 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. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. 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. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. Check out our Google reviews. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. 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. There is no cure for degenerative disc disease, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. The painful motion principle means that regardless of range of motion, if pain is present, the claimant should at least be awarded the minimum level of disability for that condition. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. Eczema-type symptoms (e.g., dry, itchy skin), An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. 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. Persistent and recurring symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease (Severity of Symptoms), Difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision, Restricted opening of the mouth and chewing, Breathing limited to diaphragmatic respiration, Gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the coastal margin on the abdomen, Alantoaxial or cervical subluxation or dislocation, Neurologic symptoms due to nerve root stretching, Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. 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. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] degeneration of the disc between the vertebrae is the cause of DDD. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. 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). Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. 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. The spine can affect every other part of your body. Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. Do You Deserve a Higher VA Disability Rating? This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other 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. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. 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. A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. 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. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. 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. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? 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. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. 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. The degenerative process of the spinal disc can begin gradually or abruptly, but it can progress for up to three decades, during which time the spine is restabilized, and pain is reduced or eliminated. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. 2023 Brandon Orthopedics | All Right Reserved, The Truth About Spinal Stenosis: Causes Symptoms And Treatments, Can Years Of Surfing Contribute To Spinal Stenosis, The Effects Of Spinal Stenosis And Carpal Tunnel, Should I Apply Ice Or Heat To A Compression Fracture, How Does A Soft Bed Prevent Healing Of Herniated Disc, Herniated Discs: How To Sleep Without Worrying About Rupturing Your Discs, If You Have A Herniated Disc You Know The Excruciating Pain It Can Cause. As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. 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. For example, if a Veteran experienced 4-6 weeks of incapacitating episodes in the past year, they can receive a 40% bulging disc VA disability rating. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. 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. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. Since there is no certainty of what was burned at each military installation at a given time, the specific toxins released by the burn pits vary for every location. The spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. 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. This evidence will show that you are suffering from degenerative disc disease due to conditions on the job. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. We have updated our Privacy Policy. 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. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions, and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. 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. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. We help disabled veterans nationwide. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. Include. 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. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. 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.
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