They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. 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. 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 is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. Degenerative Disc Disease, Back Pain & Social Security Disability For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. 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. There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. Military burn pits are large areas of land that were used by the United States military to incinerate waste in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan in the post-9/11 era. 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. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! . Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease 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. However, looking back on your time in the military, you may be able to quickly recall situations that may have led to chronic back and spine problems: Recommended Reading: Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. 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. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. VA Disability Ratings for Scoliosis Explained | CCK Law 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. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. The term degenerative disc disease is used to describe spinal disc changes that occur over time as one ages. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? 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. 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. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. 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. How to Win Your Disability Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease Have you received a VA disability claim denial? In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work. 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. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' The people serving in our military work hard. We help disabled veterans nationwide. This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. Just fill out the form and we. In this situation, a VA RO will contact you to schedule the exam. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. 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. 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. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! 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. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease - Hill & Ponton, P.A. If you developed degenerative disc disease as a result of military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. 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. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. 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. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. 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. Disabilities of the Spine - Veterans Appeals The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. If degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray and is accompanied by satisfactory evidence of painful motion, it will be rated no less than 10-percent. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. Call Us. Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . 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. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] In most cases, veterans will have to provide evidence of the following three elements of their service connection in pursuing compensation: Its been demonstrated that veterans who were exposed to the environmental hazards from open-air burn pits are at higher risk for developing allergic rhinitis, and other respiratory conditions so, to your advantage, that is a known fact. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Does Degenerative Disc Disease Qualify For Disability We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. 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 most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) | CCK Law (2022) 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. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. Though the practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, the burn pits emitted large plumes of toxic smoke which was later found to cause many adverse health effects. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. You must be able to demonstrate the severity of your disability in order to receive the proper disability rating. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . You May Like: New York State Short Term Disability. Many Vets have developed serious asthma even chronic asthma because of exposure to harmful burn pit pollutants. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. 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. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. 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. Social Security Disability Benefits for Degenerative Disc Disease - Nolo This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. Monitoring Your Disability Insurance Claim. 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. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? 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). When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. 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. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 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. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. Sharp and radiating pain in the back, arms, legs or shoulders that may worsen with certain activities, even something as simple as coughing or sneezing, Weakness, fatigue, or loss of reflexes in the arms or legs, Numbness or tingling of the skin, pins and needles, or other abnormal sensations in the arms or legs. The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease is to get X-Rays so you have objective medical evidence to show the degradation of your discs over time. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. 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. Include. Check out our Google reviews. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. Degenerative Disc Disease is a spinal disorder most often rated underCFR Title 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diagnostic Code 5242, Degenerative Arthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease Other Than Intervertebral Disc Syndrome. 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. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. 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. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. Brandon Callahan, MD is a board-certified orthopedic physician with a decade of experience in providing comprehensive orthopedic care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Youll also see the termUnfavorable Ankylosis,which is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following: VA disability ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease also depend upon Functional Loss, which means impairment of spine function as determined by range of motion as reported in the physical examination and additional loss of range of motion after repetitive use caused by the following factors: VA disability of the musculoskeletal system is primarily the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform the normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and endurance. One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. 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. 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. According to the VA disability rating formula, it is usually 20 percent for someone suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip due to severe pain. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. Degenerative Disc Disease is a painful spinal disorder caused by the steady degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which are the pads that cushion the bones in the vertebrae of your spine. You're not alone. These include aging, injury, and genetics. 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. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. Pain that worsens when sitting (while seated, the discs of the lower back have 3x more load on them than when standing). Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. Fighting insurance companies and the VA is what we do 24/7. The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. 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. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. 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. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. 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. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 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. 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. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. What Is My VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. 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. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. All Rights Reserved. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits - YouTube By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. 38 CFR 4.71a - Schedule of ratings - musculoskeletal system. 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. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. Therefore, VA must determine if the veteran is eligible for a rating higher than the ones set forth by the rating schedule. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. 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 spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . 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. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. What is Retrolisthesis and Can I Qualify for Disability Benefits? There is no doubt that wear and tear on the body, as well as the wear and tear on vehicles and on hills due to carrying the worlds lightest kit, can all contribute to Dizziness. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. 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.