If spinal stenosis is suspected, your doctor may order X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or CT or CT myelogram. Markedly severe residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion following implantation of prosthesis 70 Moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain or limitation of motion 50 Minimum rating 30 5055 Knee replacement (prosthesis). Their testimony can mean the difference between an approval or a denial of your case. All rights reserved. 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. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. I was injured in Iraq on Nov 19 ,2007, I filed my claims when I got home from Iraq, the V/A called me yesterday and told me that I got a 60% rating for. Because there are technically, As mentioned above, many different joints are rated under the rating criteria for degenerative arthritis. Spinal stenosis is a medical condition in which the passages through which your nerves travel through your spine become narrow or partially blocked. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. This impinges on the nerves themselves, which can cause pain, tingling numbness, and muscle weakness. VA disability rating rules treat all forms of spinal stenosis the same way, with the cause being irrelevant to the actual VA disability rating for spinal stenosis. If there is painful motion, a 10% rating will be assigned. Degenerative arthritis of the spine, sometimes referred to as facet joint osteoarthritis, causes a breakdown of the cartilage between the facet joints in the back of the spine. This condition causes small bones in your spine to fuse in place to one another, sometimes resulting in significant range-of-motion loss. We advocate for the disabled. The amount of base compensation veterans receive . Disability benefits are paid for service-connected disabilities. You may be owed compensation. Because the vertebrae are closer together, they tend to compress the nerves that lie inside the spine, especially the spinal cord. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your. Unfavorable means any position that is not 0 degrees in flexion or extension. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices We guide our clients through the most difficult times in their lives with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. According to Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center, spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space where the nerves run through your spine, causing pain by putting extra pressure on these spinal nerves. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 This opinion will be most favorable when it comes to establishing service connection. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. 4.30 Convalescent ratings. Table II - Ratings for Multiple Losses of Extremities With Dictator's Rating Code and 38 CFR Citation Note. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. To qualify for a 100% rating for stenosis, you would have to have severe ankylosis across your entire spine, locking your spine in an unfavorable condition, unless you have one or more severe secondary conditions. . The small openings in your spine are called foramen, and nerves pass through the foramen from your spinal cord into the rest of your body. 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. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Often, spinal stenosis is caused by the formation of bone spurs that grow into your spinal canal. I suffer from many health issues due to the trauma that happened to me in 1980. However, the VA still rates degenerative arthritis of the spine under the criteria listed for diagnostic code 5003. People with spinal conditions also often change how they walk to, If your spinal condition results in the development of a new disability or makes an existing disability worse, remember that you may be entitled to, In order to ensure that youre getting the most out of your disability claim, you need to understand how the VA rates your condition. When these lateral nerve roots become compressed, it can disrupt the signals passing from your brain and spinal column out through the nerve roots to your arms, legs, and other parts of your body a condition called foraminal stenosis, which can cause radiculopathy. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? The spine is considered as a minor joint. Trouble walking, and loss of bowel or bladder control may also result. We use your disability rating to determine how much disability compensation you'll receive each month, as well as your eligibility for other VA benefits. Spinal muscles: Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions). By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. AVVO 10/10 Superb Rating, BBB A+ Rated. . The VA disability rating for spinal stenosis will be based on both individual ROM measurements and the total ROM measurement. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You may also qualify for a 100% rating if your back injury renders you. Call 800-544-9144 today for a free case evaluation or contact us here. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? For example, a cervical spine with forward flexion of 15 produces a VA disability percentage of 30% and a lumbar spine with a total ROM of 120 produces a VA disability percentage of 20%, for an overall VA disability rating of 40%. Does Spinal Stenosis Qualify for Disability Benefits? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My name is [K.S]. Thus, if the flexion ROM measurement produces a 40% VA disability percentage and the total ROM measurement produces a 30% VA disability percentage, the VA disability percentage for spinal stenosis would be 40%. Some of the conditions included in this category are degenerative arthritis, traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. which may qualify you for a higher rating. In that case, a lumbar spine and cervical spine frozen in an unfavorable position is given a VA disability rating of 100%. Incomplete paralysis can be determined as severe, moderately severe, moderate, or mild with disability ratings as low as 10 percent. If your spine is locked in an unfavorable position, you may qualify for a relatively high disability rating as high as 100%. These exams are called comprehensive preventive health evaluations (CPHE) or wellness checks.. Because there are technically two diagnostic codes associated with one condition, you would see the condition listed on rating decisions as 5242-5003. Contact Berry Law today if you need assistance appealing your VA decision. The VA rating for degenerative disc disease typically is 20%, despite how much pain the condition may cause. If you believe you may have been wrongly denied benefits, you may benefit from the services of a VA disability lawyer. As discussed above, nerve pain in the leg may be diagnosed as a leg injury rather than spinal stenosis. However, the VA still rates degenerative arthritis of the spine under the criteria listed for diagnostic code 5003. The rating assigned under the rating criteria for degenerative arthritis depends on how many joint groups are affected and whether there is painful motion. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. When spinal stenosis manifests in the form of back pain and a frozen spine, obtaining a fair VA disability rating for spinal stenosis is primarily a matter of obtaining accurate ROM measurements of the cervical spine and lumbar spine. Some joints are referred to as major joints, while others are referred to as minor joints. This can be demonstrated by muscular atrophy, poor blood circulation, and limited movement of the affected body part. Spinal stenosis is a degenerative disc disease that occurs when there is pressure placed on the nerves in your spine. Contact a VA attorney who can assist you wherever you live and without regard to whether you were deployed. Acute, Subacute, or Chronic Diseases Prosthetic Implants and Resurfacing 1 Also entitled to special monthly compensation. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Spinal stenosis is a disabling condition caused by the narrowing of the gaps between individual spinal vertebrae. THE ISSUE. have the greatest impact on the veterans ability to work. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. The rating systems used for arthritis of the spine is the second most common rating system for spine conditions. The general rating formula for spinal stenosis and the other spinal conditions listed above is as follows: General Rating Formula Spinal Stenosis and Select Spinal Conditions. However, it can also be caused by herniated discs, thickened ligaments in your spine, tumors, and spinal injuries. It is possible to have your rating lowered if you happen to do better on another C&P exam, so discuss your case and your condition with a VA attorney first. If your MRIs dont show a significant stenosis, but you are experiencing severe back pain that still inhibits your ability to work, and you have. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. At these exams, you can expect your doctor to ask you questions about your background and medical history, evaluate your symptoms and range of motion. Stenosis can occur in the cervical or c-spine (neck) and lumbar (lower back) areas of the spine. The latter two will show whether soft tissue may be impinging or invading the spinal cord area. Similarly, you can challenge a VA disability rating that could be increased through the submission of additional evidence. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. You should know that it's impossible to get disability benefits if you aren't . They will have you move, twist, or turn as far as you can without reaching your limit or experiencing significant pain and note the degrees of movement you can manage. Your spinal stenosis may cause or contribute to other medical conditions, as well. In such cases, the VA is able to consider certain, Once the VA has acknowledged that your disability is related to servicei.e. In order to be granted a VA disability rating for spinal stenosis at 30%, you must meet either of these conditions: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, or Favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, where your spine is fixed in place but at a neutral position at 0 degrees. you viewed to avoid repetition. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. These complications of stenosis are called secondary conditions, which may qualify you for a higher rating. With extensive experience working with VA disability claims, Berry Law can help you with your disability appeals. The same veteran with a 100% disability rating would receive $3,106.04. 14K 1,344 9. If your spinal stenosis was caused by another service-connected disability, you can apply for secondary service connection. In most cases, foraminal stenosis is caused by gradual degeneration of the spine that happens as you age. As mentioned above, spinal stenosis is typically diagnosed with x-rays or MRIs that show a narrowing of the spinal canal. In most cases, the medical listing will be insufficient. Become an All-Access Member to access this page, other exclusive content, the ability to our Military Disability Experts, course discounts, and more! The following spinal conditions are all rated under the same general rating formula: The general rating formula that is used to rate the conditions listed above is mainly based on range of motion (ROM) measurements. Our monthly newsletter features about important and up-to-date veterans' law news, keeping you informed about the changes that matter. VA Disability Claims List: What Conditions Can Veterans Claim? These two types of spinal stenosis can be summarized as follows: Some people with spinal stenosis do not exhibit symptoms. If your spinal condition results in the development of a new disability or makes an existing disability worse, remember that you may be entitled to secondary service-connection for the new or aggravated disability. If the condition is not severe enough to meet the above criteria, then the VA rating for back pain / arthritis will be based on specific symptoms. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 I served during peace timein theArmy. The rating assigned under the rating criteria for degenerative arthritis depends on how many joint groups are affected and whether there is painful motion. 10 percent disability rating: $165.92 per month. Over time, you will attend additional annual exams at an area SCI Center. Yes No For example, fractured and/or dislocated vertebrae can lead to pain and weakness in the arms, hips, shoulders, etc. Failure to address the symptoms will lead to a lifestyle filled with numbness, pain, and muscle weakness. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in New York, New York. There are two types of spinal stenosis treatment: surgical and non-surgical. The following percentages are available under the rating criteria for rheumatoid arthritis: Its possible for rheumatoid arthritis to be rated under diagnostic code 5003 like degenerative and traumatic arthritis. When spinal stenosis causes additional disabilities, those problems may qualify as secondary service-connected disabilities. With regard to the medical opinion, doctors must state that your condition is at least as likely as not due to your time in service. Appellant represented by: Disabled American Veterans. Entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. When this evidence is presented to the VA, it may be possible to obtain VA disability benefits. When your medical disability occurred during your service, it is almost always presumed to be service-connected. A favorable position means the ROM measurement for flexion or extension is 0 degrees. When the spinal canal is obstructed due to spinal stenosis, abnormal narrowing occurs. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. This occurs when the soft tissue discs between segments of the spine become displaced and are squeezed into the spinal nerve canal or into the ventral nerve roots. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. In some cases, the VA may help veterans get surgery to treat spinal stenosis. The VA rates spinal stenosis disability claims according to its General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. This includes the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee ankle, fingers, toes, spine, and the sacroiliac joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is rated under its own rating system. Spinal stenosis can make it tricky to obtain a fair VA disability rating. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. 100% VA disability rating for spinal cancer. While these codes may seem important, the rating formula is the same whether you suffer from spinal stenosis, intervertebral disc syndrome, vertebral dislocation or fracture or another condition. VA disability ratings for back pain go from 10% to 100% depending on how severe your symptoms are, including your range of motion and pain frequency and level. Spinal stenosis caused by IVDS qualifies for a separate IVDS disability rating and you are entitled to the higher of the two ratings. Keep in mind that arthritis will only be rated under diagnostic code 5003 when the condition does not result in severe enough limitation of motion to be rated under the general rating formula for the spine. You should see a doctor if you are experiencing severe back pain, weakness, numbness or loss of control of an extremity, foot drop, bowel and/or bladder problems, or numbness in your saddle area. All but 10% of lumbar IVDS is at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 level. Most of the time, spinal stenosis occurs in the lower back and the neck. Forever Grateful, [K.S.]. For example, the specific code for degenerative arthritis of the spine is 5242. yet assertive representation for our clients. These cookies do not store any personal information. If your spine is locked, but its in a favorable condition, your disability rating may be as low as 30% or 40%. While we still have our home base in Florida, The rating assigned under the rating criteria for degenerative arthritis depends on how many, Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes destruction of the joints in the body. To qualify for disability because of lumbar spinal stenosis under listing 1.16, you must show that you suffer from ALL of the following: Non-radiating pain in one or both legs, or non-radiating loss of feeling in one or both legs, or neurogenic claudication (pain or cramping caused by nerve compression) As with most medical conditions, the VA disability rating for back pain depends on a variety of factors. To qualify for the total unemployability disability benefit, you must meet two distinct criteria: Note that theres a significant difference in monthly disability benefits between a 40% disability rating and a 100% disability rating. If you were denied disability benefits by the VA or were given a low disability rating, Berry Law can help you appeal. Va rating of 60%. The information you obtain on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 If the entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position, the disability rating may be as high as 100%. Although this type of arthritis is most common in the small joints of the hands and feet, it can occur in any joint. .. Jan 17, 2012 #2. A post-service diagnosis of spinal stenosis can sometimes be used to show that the condition was misdiagnosed during your time in the service. Background In 2017, 4.5 million veterans with medical conditions or injuries that occurred or worsened during active-duty service received disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Were You Denied VA Disability Benefits for Spinal Stenosis? When these lateral nerve roots become compressed, it can disrupt the signals passing from your brain and spinal column out through the nerve roots to your arms, legs, and other parts of your body a condition called, Your spinal stenosis may be accompanied by other back conditions, including, Lumbosacral or cervical strain (diagnostic code 5237) used to refer to neck or, Spondylolisthesis/segmental instability (, Ankylosing spondylitis (diagnostic code 5240) a painful type of spinal arthritis. The VA assigns rating percentages based on the frequency of incapacitating episodes. 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 . The exact VA disability percentage for spinal stenosis that has caused a frozen spine depends on the position where the spine is frozen. Our doctors know how service-connected disabilities work, so they know what to look for in your file. Its possible for rheumatoid arthritis to be rated under diagnostic code 5003 like degenerative and traumatic arthritis. Under 38 CFR 4.73, injuries to neck muscles are compensated differently depending on the severity of the impairment and the muscles affected. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic low back pain from multilevel degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. For example, if your spinal stenosis is caused by a bulging disc, dislocated vertebrae, or bone fragments, you may be able to identify an accidental fall, vehicle collision, or any other physical injury incurred during your military service that worsened your condition. About VA disability ratings. Schedule an MRI consultation today! This is known as secondary service connection. Spinal stenosis can cause symptoms throughout the body. This includes the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee ankle, fingers, toes, spine, and the sacroiliac joint. The VA not only makes mistakes in evaluation the severity of a condition, but sometimes they evaluate a condition according to the completely wrong rating criteria. Many people with spinal stenosis and other back injuries experience anxiety, depression, and substance abuse problems. When rheumatoid arthritis affects the spine, it typically occurs in the cervical spine (the neck) rather than the thoracolumbar spine (the low back). The cervical spine (neck) and the thoracolumbar spine (low back) are rated according to the following criteria: Flexion 45 degrees, OR combined ROM 340 degrees, Flexion 90 degrees, OR combined ROM 240 degrees, Flexion between 30 and 45 degrees, OR combined ROM between 175 and 340 degrees, Flexion between 60 and 90 degrees, OR combined ROM between 125 and 240 degrees, Flexion between 15 and 35 degrees, OR combined ROM 170 degrees, Flexion between 30 and 65 degrees, OR combined ROM 120 degrees, Flexion 15 degrees, OR entire cervical spine is frozen in a favorable position, Entire cervical spine is frozen in an unfavorable position, Flexion 30 degrees, OR entire thoracolumbar spine is frozen in a favorable position, Entire thoracolumbar spine is frozen in an unfavorable position, Entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. Because the symptoms of spinal stenosis are not limited to back pain and ROM, you can investigate whether there are alternate options for obtaining a fair VA disability rating. Your VA doctor may conclude that your spinal stenosis is service-connected because of this pre-existing whiplash and disk herniation. It is the problems that may be CAUSED by Spinal Stenosis that are rateable. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. For example, if a Veteran has degenerative arthritis of the spine with no other joints affected, and he experiences pain when bending over he will receive a 10% rating. To qualify for disability because of spinal stenosis, you must meet several requirements: The stenosis must be in your lumbar region. Traumatic arthritis causes symptoms similar to other types of arthritis such as pain, inflammation, and build-up of fluid around the affected joint. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 For a cervical spine that is frozen in a favorable position, the disability rating may be capped at 30%. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. Pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of motor control are some of the symptoms of the condition. Pocket Card . However, Veterans can also receive disability compensation on a secondary basis. Berry Law gets Veterans the disability compensation they earned. Contact Info Is applicant currently receiving Social Security benefits? The VA has a separate rating system for these conditions. Please register to post comments. If there is decreased range of motion of the cervical or thoracolumbar spine, the condition would be rated according to the general rating formula for the spine that is based off of range of motion measurements. However, the VA disability rating for spinal stenosis is calculated exactly the same as other spinal diseases and injuries.