what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease

These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. 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. 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) However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Find Out How To Qualify for Disability with Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative Disc Disease, Back Pain & Social Security Disability The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. If you are diagnosed with the DDD it will be added to your C&P and can play a part in your rating but keep in mind the ROM-range of motion becomes a big factor in ratings of the spine. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. The VA rating for radiculopathy in the lower back will be based on symptoms felt in their lower limbs, such as feet, calves, or thighs. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. 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. 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. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (2022) - otarbo.com For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . hay fever). Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. Therefore, VA must determine if the veteran is eligible for a rating higher than the ones set forth by the rating schedule. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] 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 known to be a condition that develops over time. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. 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. One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. 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. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. 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. Is Degenerative Disc Disease A Va Disability - Brandon Orthopedics Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. 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. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. 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. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? Veterans Serving Veterans Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. If you are disabled from a degenerative spinal disc condition and your disability claim has been turned down, we can help. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Call Us. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease - Hill & Ponton, P.A. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. 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. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. However, if you can prove that your degenerative disc disease was connected to your military service, you will receive a disability rating from the VA. All of the medical documentation that you have gathered for your VA disability rating can be used as evidence in your SSDI application. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. What Is The Average Va Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease 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. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Schedule a Free Consultation. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. 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. Neck Conditions: How To Get VA Disability - The Veterans Law Office Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits - YouTube Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! 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. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. An attorney can help you find the evidence you need to make your argument. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. 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. 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.