There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. 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. 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. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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 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. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. 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. 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. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be able to get a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) deferment. 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. 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. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] If that same veteran has limited ROM to rate for 10% in the low back and the cervical spine is this 10% or 20%, because 10% for low back and 10% for cervical ROM. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. Qualifying military members with degenerative disc disease can receive benefits. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. We help disabled veterans nationwide. 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. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. These include aging, injury, and genetics. 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. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. 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. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine 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. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. You must be able to demonstrate the severity of your disability in order to receive the proper disability rating. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. 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. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. The SSA gets many applications for disability based on degenerative disc disease, and most of them get denied unless other physical or mental problems are present as well. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. 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? Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury? 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. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? In this situation, a VA RO will contact you to schedule the exam. 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. One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. For instance, which pages you go to most. In fact, physicians have often held that such long durations of bedrest can actually do more harm for disabilities of the spine than they can help. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the spine conditions that qualifies for disability benefits. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. This website is designed for general information only. 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. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. A little used part of the musculoskeletal system may be expected to show evidence of disuse, either through atrophy, the condition of the skin, absence of normal callosity or the like. 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. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. 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. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. you viewed to avoid repetition. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Water loss and disc damage gradually leads to thinner and weaker discs that cannot effectively cushion the vertebrae. 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. The limitation of range of motion principle is arguably the most important principle that applies to VA disability ratings for back pain and Degenerative Disc Disease. One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. So, lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment required to warrant a VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. 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. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. Call Us. With over 30+ years experience winning cases, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law have built a reputation for excellence, hard work, and always standing by our clients. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. The following are some of the most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease: Generally, to prove service connection and secure a degenerative disc disease VA rating, veterans need evidence of the following three things: Veterans can submit a claim for VA disability benefits onVA Form 21-526EZ. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. 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. Thank. Part of aging is disk deterioration; however, it does not cause pain in everyone. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. 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. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. The VA could assign you a herniated disc disability rating from 10% to 100%. Veterans Serving Veterans Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. 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. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. 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. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. 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. Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. 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. 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. 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. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Check out our Google reviews. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. 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. It can take a long time for you to develop symptoms for this condition, and doctors often do not document the things VA needs to assess your condition. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions, and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. 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. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. Hes battled medical issues for years, and the Air Force veteran was pretty sure he was underrated by the How to Service-Connect Your Orthopedic Disabilities If youre a veteran dealing with pain from an orthopedic condition, youre not alone. 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. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. The practitioner will assess how far you can bend and flex your joints during the range of motion C& P exam. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. 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. 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. 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. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. 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. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. Most Common Back Conditions Veterans Experience & Their Ratings, VA Claims for Hip Pain Secondary to Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Most Common Back Pain VA Claims Among Veterans, 3 Common Back Conditions Veterans Experience, Secondary Conditions to Flat Feet (Pes Planus) for VA Disability, A current diagnosis of DDD by a medical professional; and. 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. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies.