A VA Disability Lawyers role is to assist you throughout the confusing and often frustrating appeals process if you have been denied benefits for your service-connected back pain. Get to know us through our videos. Can You Get Disability For Bulging Disc - DisabilityTalk.net March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease - Hill & Ponton, P.A. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. VA disability spine ratings question : r/Veterans - reddit Is It Hard to Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. Feeling better while walking or even running than while sitting or standing for long periods of time. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Since that requires you to show that you have no range of motion (i.e., you cannot move your back), it can be very difficult, and you have to show why your back condition severely limits you. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? 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. The VA uses two different Diagnostic Codes to rate herniated discs: By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Just fill out the form and we. 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. You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. 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. Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. Social Security Medical Evaluations Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. 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. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . 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. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. 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. 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. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children, Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu, Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates. However, individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from being able to work. What is Retrolisthesis and Can I Qualify for Disability Benefits? The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. 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. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. Fixed movement of the entire spine qualifies for a 100% rating. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. 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). A medical nexus linking the primary condition to the secondary DDD. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. 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 progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? If this is the case, contact us. 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. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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. All Rights Reserved. Read More. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? 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. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. 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. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. If the disability criteria do not accurately reflect your disability level, you may be assigned an extraschedular rating. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. 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. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. Dont give up. hay fever). An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. 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. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. #1. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. 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. The term degenerative disc disease is used to describe spinal disc changes that occur over time as one ages. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. The people serving in our military work hard. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. 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. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. Va disability rating for degenerative disc disease - HealthTap As a result of DDD, some people can manage their pain in a variety of ways. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. The inflammatory proteins within the disc space can contribute to the progression of disc degeneration over time. The VA may attempt to deny your claim by saying there is no way to determine your condition is due to time spent in service. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. 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. 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. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. For example, a Veteran with mild degenerative disc disease may be assigned a 10 percent disability rating, while a Veteran with severe degenerative disc disease may be assigned a 100 percent disability rating. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. Schedule a Free Consultation. Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits: Understand Your Claim Options, Social Security Disability Claims and Appeals, Camp Lejeune Justice Act Toxic Water Claims. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. 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. Is Degenerative Disc Disease A Va Disability - DisabilityTalk.net Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. 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. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (2022) - otarbo.com For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. To qualify for service-connected compensation for allergic rhinitis, veterans must prove that their condition was caused by or aggravated by their time spent in service. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. 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. Amputations: Lower Extremity This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be able to get a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) deferment. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. The functional loss may be due to absence of part, or all, of the necessary bones, joints and muscles, or associated structures, or to deformity, adhesions, defective innervation, or other pathology, or it may be due to pain, supported by adequate pathology and evidenced by the visible behavior of the claimant undertaking the motion. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. 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. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. Service Connection Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. 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. 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. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. 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. 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. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. 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. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. 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. 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. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. The spine can affect every other part of your body. 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. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. 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. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. We help disabled veterans nationwide. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law.
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