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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. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. Though the practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, the burn pits emitted large clouds of toxic smoke which was later proven to cause many adverse health conditions. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. 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. 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. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. Thank. If the disability criteria do not accurately reflect your disability level, you may be assigned an extraschedular rating. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. 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. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. The spine can affect every other part of your body. 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. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. The guidelines also state that if a patient requires bed rest, the physician should encourage them to return to their normal activities as soon as possible. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Periods of severe pain that come and go. VA often denies service connection for degenerative disc disease based on an examiners finding that a veterans condition is due to normal wear and tear and the natural progression of aging rather than their time in service. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. Our team of experts, doctors, and orthopedic specialists are here to share their knowledge and experience with you in order to help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. 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. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. Specifically, exposure to the toxins released can affect a persons lung health. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. 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. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the spine conditions that qualifies for disability benefits. 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. It states that your degenerative disc disorder needs to have caused a compromised nerve root of the spinal cord or you need to provide proof that the root compression causes spinal pain, restricted spinal movement, a reduction in motor function and muscle weakness including loss of reflexes and touch. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. 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. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. The people serving in our military work hard. 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! Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. An attorney can help you find the evidence you need to make your argument. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. 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. 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. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. 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). Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. According to VA, if degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray findings, the veterans condition will be rated based on limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? 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. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. 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. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Water loss and disc damage gradually leads to thinner and weaker discs that cannot effectively cushion the vertebrae. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Do You Deserve a Higher VA Disability Rating? This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. 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. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. #1. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. This website is designed for general information only. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. 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. Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. 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. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? All Rights Reserved. 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. Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. 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. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. 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. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. 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. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. 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. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury? 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. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. Chat with Us. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. individual unemployability . Service Connection Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. 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. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. 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) Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. 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. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. 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. hay fever). This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. 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. I've had a lot of issues that led to seeking civilian treatment, and that has finally culminated in more concrete diagnosis of my spinal issues. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? To achieve the full disability rating, you must complete all of the steps. The strain of military service can lead to wear and tear on the spine, not to mention the risk of traumatic injuries in training or combat. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. 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. 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. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . Dont give up. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. 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. degeneration of the disc between the vertebrae is the cause of DDD. If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. 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. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. 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. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. 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. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. 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. Any limitation of Range of Motion (ROM) should be measured with a Goniometer by the medical professional at your VA C&P Exam for Back Pain. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. Social Security Medical Evaluations And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. 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.