what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease

Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? 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. For some, asthma may be a minor nuisance. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. 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. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! will forward what benefits the VA is paying for the allergic rhinitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. List of Common Veterans Administration Abbreviations, CIGNA / New York Life Disability Insurance, Disability and Life Insurance Claims FAQs, VA Service Connected Disability Claims FAQ, Life Insurance and Accidental Dismemberment FAQs, process of recovering VA disability benefits, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, The VA TDIU Approval Rate and Claim Appeal Options. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. 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. Periods of severe pain that come and go. hay fever). The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. Youll also see the termUnfavorable Ankylosis,which is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following: VA disability ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease also depend upon Functional Loss, which means impairment of spine function as determined by range of motion as reported in the physical examination and additional loss of range of motion after repetitive use caused by the following factors: VA disability of the musculoskeletal system is primarily the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform the normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and endurance. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. 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. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Monitoring Your Disability Insurance Claim. As a result of DDD, some people can manage their pain in a variety of ways. 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. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Systemic DJD occurs when the Veteran gets a diagnosis of DJD in service (or within one year after release from active duty) when there is no record or evidence of trauma to the joint. According to VA, if degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray findings, the veterans condition will be rated based on limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. One of these is you need to be able to prove your degenerative disc disease will prevent you from working for at least 12 months. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. Schedule a Free Consultation. Call Us. 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 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. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. 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. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. 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. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. There is no doubt that wear and tear on the body, as well as the wear and tear on vehicles and on hills due to carrying the worlds lightest kit, can all contribute to Dizziness. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? This information is not a substitute for legal advice. To receive an extraschedular disability rating under 38 CFR 3.321(b)(1) for degenerative disc disease, the following requirements must be met: It is important to note that extraschedular disability ratings are granted on a case-by-case basis and are very specific to each situation. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. 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. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? . One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. 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. Though the practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, the burn pits emitted large plumes of toxic smoke which was later found to cause many adverse health effects. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. 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) The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. 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. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. 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. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. 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. 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. As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Veterans Serving Veterans 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. 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. It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions, and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. The spine can affect every other part of your body. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. 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. These cases are classified as higher in severity. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. Check out our Google reviews. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. 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 is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. 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. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones,fused together to form the Coccyx . If you've recently filed a DDD claim or are waiting for your case to be resolved, you can contact the Hill Ponton team. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. 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. 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. A few of the risk factors for Degenerative Disc Disease include your age, prior back injuries, car accidents, being overweight or obese, a sedentary lifestyle, or other forms of bodily trauma. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. 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. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. A medical nexus linking the primary condition to the secondary DDD. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? Just fill out the form and we. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. The degenerative process of the spinal disc can begin gradually or abruptly, but it can progress for up to three decades, during which time the spine is restabilized, and pain is reduced or eliminated. 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. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. 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%.

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