However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. (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. 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. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. Back thoracolumbar spine conditions can have a significant effect on an individuals life, a DBQ allows the veteran to go into detail about how the condition has impacted their life. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. To file for secondary service connection, you will need: Importantly, you do not have to file for secondary conditions at the same time as filing for primary conditions. hay fever). Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease - tCubed It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. 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. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Generally, you need to be denied at least once before an attorney can assist, but once a lawyer is involved they will often be able to quickly determine what needs to be done in order to prove entitlement. Does Degenerative Disc Disease Qualify For Disability 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. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? 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. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? If you are no longer able to work because you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease , you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits provided by the Social Security Administration if you have paid sufficient Social Security taxes which has allowed you to accrue sufficient social security credits. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. 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. If a veterans lower back pain prevents them from securing and keeping substantially gainful employment they may be eligible for TDIU benefits paid at a 100 percent disability rate. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. If a veteran can prove that their service-connected spinal condition was the primary cause of the secondary condition, they may qualify as having a secondary service-connection condition. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. Yes, Degenerative Disc Disease is a VA disability and can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100% depending upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of your symptoms. 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. 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. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. 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.. 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. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. VETERANS: Parachutists have special evidence for claims 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 a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Just fill out the form and we. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. DOC 4 - Veterans Affairs The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. 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. 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. Social Security Medical Evaluations In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. If the disability criteria do not accurately reflect your disability level, you may be assigned an extraschedular rating. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as Agent Orange) during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. 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. Despite the challenges that arise, people with DDD can still lead full, productive lives. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. 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. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. Doctors seldom check a patient's ability to stoop, bend, or crouch during an examination, and yet bending, stooping, and crouching are the three primary nonexertional limitations that disability examiners look for when they evaluate the RFC of applicants with degenerative disc disease. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. 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! Find Out How To Qualify for Disability with Degenerative Disc Disease What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. You're not alone. Do You Deserve a Higher VA Disability Rating? To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. 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. Read More. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. VA Disability Ratings for Scoliosis Explained | CCK Law Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. 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. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Degenerative Disc Disease & You VA Claim - VA Disability Advocates Blog Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Many Vets have developed serious asthma even chronic asthma because of exposure to harmful burn pit pollutants. 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. you viewed to avoid repetition. What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? Disabilities of the Spine - Veterans Appeals Dont give up. This website is designed for general information only. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. What is Retrolisthesis and Can I Qualify for Disability Benefits? Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. The people serving in our military work hard. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. After the exam, the VA examiner will issue an opinion deciding if your DDD is at least as likely as not connected to your service. To receive an extraschedular disability rating, you must show the VA why your condition is worse than the 50% maximum. 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. However, individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from being able to work. 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. VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, Service Connection for Degenerative Disc Disease, Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams for Degenerative Disc Disease, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. 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. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. There is no cure for degenerative disc disease, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. The spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. For example, lets say you have full range of motion for your Degenerative Disc Disease, but you have pain during movement, you should be awarded the minimum level of disability for the condition, which is 10%. 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. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? Whether from the physical rigors of combat, from the psychosomatic effects of stress and anxiety on the body, or from other factors, many soldiers can leave their time in the military with a wide range of physical problems. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. Call Us. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and preferences such as text size, fonts and other customizable website elements. Cervical Spine Conditions - Entitlement Eligibility Guidelines 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . Social Security Disability Benefits for Degenerative Disc Disease - Nolo The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease and Disability Benefits - brrlaw Va disability rating for degenerative disc disease - HealthTap Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. 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. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. 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. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. They all go together, so make sure you work with an experienced lawyer to get ratings for all of them. 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. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. You must be able to demonstrate the severity of your disability in order to receive the proper disability rating. You can file a claim with CCK today at 800-544-9400 if you claim for benefits after being denied by the VA or the DWD. If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. If this is the case, contact us. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. 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. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. individual unemployability . You must be open, honest, and truthful at your C&P exam for Degenerative Disc Disease, and make sure toSTOPthe C&P examiner as soon as you feel any discomfort or pain. 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. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. For example, if you have a service-connected knee condition that causes you to favor one side when you walk, you may develop an altered gait. 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. Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. If you have severed your DDD while in the military, you must demonstrate that it is a condition that has a direct relationship with your service. If you are already a veteran, you can submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. 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. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. 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. 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. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. You May Like: New York State Short Term Disability. They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. In most cases, VA uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, combined with the limitations on range of motion, to issue a disability rating. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. 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. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. 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. 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. What Is The Average Va Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? 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. If you are disabled from a degenerative spinal disc condition and your disability claim has been turned down, we can help. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. Determining Your Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Rating. 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? 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. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! The VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. 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). You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? #1. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. Orthopedic conditions are typically categorized as those that impact the musculoskeletal system. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. Chat with Us. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. 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. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. 7 Things You Must Know About a Herniated Disc VA Rating (Ultimate Guide) Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. 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.