You're not alone. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. 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. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! 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. 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). Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. 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. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. Just fill out the form and we will forward what benefits the VA is paying for the allergic rhinitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. 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. Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include: Veterans may develop this condition as a result of their active-duty military service, and they may be entitled to VA disability benefits. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. 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. The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. 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. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. 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. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. 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. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. 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. 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. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! 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. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. 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). I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? This results in numerous unpleasant and painful symptoms in veterans that may include: Your specific symptoms will depend on where in the spine the nerve root is pinched. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. The measurements used for determining compensation are as follows: If you are still in the military, then you can request your military physician to refer you to the MEB and start the IDES process. Pain that worsens when sitting (while seated, the discs of the lower back have 3x more load on them than when standing). Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. 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 means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . Some waste materials commonly disposed of in these burn pits include: Many veterans who were exposed to burn pits during their service and developed chronic sinusitis may be able to seek service connection benefits under this new presumption. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. confirm with the actual CFR for VA disability ratings but this one has seemed to be very accurate with it. 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 may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine Fighting insurance companies and the VA is what we do 24/7. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. As a result of DDD, some people can manage their pain in a variety of ways. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. These cases are classified as higher in severity. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. 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. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. For retrolisthesis to be a disability, you will need to meet a Blue Book listing, demonstrating your retrolisthesis is severe enough to qualify for disability benefits. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. 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. Which it turns out are more than just one item. In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. 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. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. If you are suffering from the effects of cervical degenerative disc disease you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. You should consult with your doctor if you are experiencing back pain to find out what is causing it and how it is affecting you. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. 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! 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. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Schedule a Free Consultation. Check out our Google reviews. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. 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. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. All Rights Reserved. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. Read More. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Waste materials commonly disposed of in these burn pits include: Many veterans who were exposed to burn pits during their service and developed asthma may be able to seek service connection under this new presumption condition related to burn pit exposure. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. 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. A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. Consult with our nationally recognized law firm to receive assistance. The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. The percentage of arthritis of the back will be based on the number of joints/joint groups affected and the extent of incapacitation, with 10 being the most common. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. However, individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from being able to work. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. If you are disabled from a degenerative spinal disc condition and your disability claim has been turned down, we can help. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. Just fill out the form and we. 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. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. 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. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. (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. Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. The spine can affect every other part of your body. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. 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. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. Target Leave And Disability Reedgroup Com, Jailbreak Disabled Iphone Without Losing Data, What Happens If You Become Disabled While On Social Security, Complete the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or lost, Official records of a herniated disc during active duty, Medical evidence from private doctors linking the current diagnosis to an in-service injury, disease, or event that has been at least as likely as not caused the current condition. Degenerative arthritis of the spine (DC 5003) The last common method of establishing a rating for a back disability is through the VA's diagnostic code for degenerative arthritis. The final determination on whether an extraschedular rating is warranted must be made by the VA Undersecretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation Service. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention.