A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. For degenerative disc disease, a Veterans Disability rating of 10% to 20% is typically assigned by the VA. An all-timer rating of 100 percent must be obtained before the VA will declare a veteran incapable of working. The people serving in our military work hard. 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. 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. There are several factors that can lead to a service-connected disability, including the physical strain and stress that many soldiers endure on a daily basis while they are on active duty. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. 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. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. 38 CFR 4.71a - Schedule of ratings - musculoskeletal system. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. 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. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. you viewed to avoid repetition. 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. These cases are classified as higher in severity. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. Periods of severe pain that come and go. Just fill out the form and we 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. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? 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. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. 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) When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Pain that worsens when sitting (while seated, the discs of the lower back have 3x more load on them than when standing). Read More. We have updated our Privacy Policy. 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. Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. The spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. 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. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and application for changes in benefits However, getting these benefits is often challenging. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the spine conditions that qualifies for disability benefits. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. 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. To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. If someone had degenerative arthritis in both the cervical and low back that's been diagnosed by the VA from x-rays this is 10%, or is is 20% because it's in both areas of the spine? Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. VA disability spine ratings question : r/Veterans - reddit 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. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. For some, asthma may be a minor nuisance. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. 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. 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. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Call today! You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. All Rights Reserved. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work. 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. Eczema-type symptoms (e.g., dry, itchy skin), An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. 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. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. 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. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! For instance, which pages you go to most. 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. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury? 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. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. DOC 4 - Veterans Affairs The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. 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. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. 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. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. As a result of DDD, some people can manage their pain in a variety of ways. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. Chat with Us. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include 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). If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. 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. 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. Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Claim for Benefits Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. Is It Hard to Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? A medical nexus linking the primary condition to the secondary DDD. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive 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! 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. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. In this situation, a VA RO will contact you to schedule the exam. Degenerative Disc Disease VA Disability Benefits - Woods and Woods, LLC If your doctor won't write an opinion, make the argument yourself on VA Form 21-4138, including applicable CFR regulations, and submit it with the VA 21-526EZ disability claims form. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. 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. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. 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. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Schedule a Free Consultation. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. It is essential that the examination on which ratings are based adequately portray the anatomical damage, and the functional loss, with respect to all these elements.