He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. 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. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. When a nerve root is compressed, it becomes inflamed. Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. 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. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a 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. 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. However, individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from being able to work. A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. 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. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. Include. 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. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. 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. hay fever). As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. If this is the case, contact us. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. 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. Periods of severe pain that come and go. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? A few of the risk factors for Degenerative Disc Disease include your age, prior back injuries, car accidents, being overweight or obese, a sedentary lifestyle, or other forms of bodily trauma. Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. 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. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. The joints involved should be tested for pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing and, if possible, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. SSA will consider disability claims for degenerative disc disease that are supported by medical evidence such as: Physical examination for type and location of pain, range of motion, nerve function, sensation, and muscle strength, with a full review of the entirety of symptoms Diagnostic imaging tests (such as MRI, CT scans, and x-rays) Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. 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. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 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. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. 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. 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. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. 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. 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. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? Do You Deserve a Higher VA Disability Rating? Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. These cases are classified as higher in severity. Call Us. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. 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. 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. 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. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. Social Security Medical Evaluations How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? 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. individual unemployability . This information is not a substitute for legal advice. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. Muscle atrophy must also be accurately measured and reported. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. 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. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. Veterans Serving Veterans However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. 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. Fighting insurance companies and the VA is what we do 24/7. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. Orthopedic conditions are typically categorized as those that impact the musculoskeletal system. 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. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. 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. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. If you are unable to work due to Degenerative Disc Disease, you should speak with your caseworker about TDIU benefits. Service Connection 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. 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. By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. 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%. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. 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). Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine It is the intention to recognize painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. If you filed a claim for DDD and VA denied you benefits, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help you appeal the unfavorable decision. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. 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. These include aging, injury, and genetics. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. 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. 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. This website is designed for general information only. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. 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. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . 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. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. 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. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. 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. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. Finally, in the absence of limitation of motion, a veterans degenerative disc disease VA rating will be as follows: When assigning a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, VA must consider both anatomical damage and functional loss.