You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. 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. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. For retrolisthesis to be a disability, you will need to meet a Blue Book listing, demonstrating your retrolisthesis is severe enough to qualify for disability benefits. 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) 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. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. Persistent and recurring symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease (Severity of Symptoms), Difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision, Restricted opening of the mouth and chewing, Breathing limited to diaphragmatic respiration, Gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the coastal margin on the abdomen, Alantoaxial or cervical subluxation or dislocation, Neurologic symptoms due to nerve root stretching, Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. 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. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. 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. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. Others develop a more serious condition DDD , which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. Specifically, exposure to the toxins released can affect a persons lung health. Disabilities of the Spine - Veterans Appeals To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease There is no cure for degenerative disc disease, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. 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. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. The painful motion principle means that regardless of range of motion, if pain is present, the claimant should at least be awarded the minimum level of disability for that condition. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. What Is The Maximum Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease 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. Evaluate intervertebral disc syndrome (preoperatively or postoperatively) either under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes, whichever method results in the higher evaluation when all disabilities are combined under 4.25. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. 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. They can range from dull nagging pain to severe disabling (sharp or throbbing) pain. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. Military burn pits are large areas of land that were used by the United States military to incinerate waste in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan in the post-9/11 era. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. 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. That formula actually covers both the cervical and thoracolumbar parts of the spine. 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. It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. . What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. 5001 Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive: Active 100 Inactive: See 4.88c and 4.89 5002 Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. Doctors seldom check a patient's ability to stoop, bend, or crouch during an examination, and yet bending, stooping, and crouching are the three primary nonexertional limitations that disability examiners look for when they evaluate the RFC of applicants with degenerative disc disease. You may because back disorders are tricky. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? Whether from the physical rigors of combat, from the psychosomatic effects of stress and anxiety on the body, or from other factors, many soldiers can leave their time in the military with a wide range of physical problems. what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease - tCubed In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. 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. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. To receive an extraschedular disability rating, you must show the VA why your condition is worse than the 50% maximum. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. 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. 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. In this situation, a VA RO will contact you to schedule the exam. This website is designed for general information only. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. 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. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. If this is the case, contact us. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. degeneration of the disc between the vertebrae is the cause of DDD. 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. It is the intention to recognize painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. What is Retrolisthesis and Can I Qualify for Disability Benefits? Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . What Is My VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits - YouTube For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Generally, some of the more common symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease include: To be eligible for a Degenerative Disc Disease VA rating, a veteran must meet three (3) criteria by law: If you think you have a back condition such as Degenerative Disc Disease, but dont have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA mental health facility nearest youto make an appointment right away! Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease and Disability Benefits - brrlaw There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. We have updated our Privacy Policy. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. To be eligible for disability benefits for a herniated disc, you must have a current diagnosis of the condition and meet the eligibility criteria for VA disability benefits. Chat with Us. The joints involved should be tested for pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing and, if possible, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury? Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. You must be able to demonstrate the severity of your disability in order to receive the proper disability rating. 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. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. 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. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. 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. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Veterans with DDD are often denied benefits or given low disability ratings because an examiner dismisses the disease as the result of the normal wear and tear of aging. 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. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? 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. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . 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. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. 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. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Questions for those familiar with spinal issues and ratings If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. Secondly, your condition needs to be able to meet any of the blue book listings for musculoskeletal diseases. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Is Degenerative Disc Disease A Va Disability - Brandon Orthopedics This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. 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. Getting a diagnosis as soon as possible, as well as having a pain management physician develop a treatment plan, are two of the most important steps to avoid complications. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. 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 VA will examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. 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. you viewed to avoid repetition. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. Dont give up. 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. If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions, and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. 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. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. 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. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. VA Disability for Bulging Discs | PTSD Lawyers - Berry Law VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain | The Tuley Law Office In addition, numerous research studies have shown a link between Degenerative Disc Disease and Radiculopathy; there is a strong bidirectional relationship where each disorder adversely influences the other one. One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. 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. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? Feeling better while walking or even running than while sitting or standing for long periods of time. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Which it turns out are more than just one item. In its earlier stages, it can be easy to assume that DDD symptoms are just everyday aches and pains that have no link to a Veteran's military service. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease 10% to 100%, Common VA Secondary Conditions to Degenerative Disc Disease, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): VA Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease. The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. Slouching and a sedentary lifestyle are the most common causes of degeneration of the discs in the discs. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is 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. 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. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. Neck Conditions: How To Get VA Disability - The Veterans Law Office The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. 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. 7 Things You Must Know About a Herniated Disc VA Rating (Ultimate Guide) Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. However, individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from being able to work. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. 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. How Does the VA Evaluate Degenerative Disc Disease? A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty.