DOC 4 - Veterans Affairs Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Which it turns out are more than just one item. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. Amputations: Lower Extremity 38 CFR 4.71a - Schedule of ratings - musculoskeletal system. Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease and Disability Benefits - brrlaw 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. 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) Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Waste materials commonly disposed of in these burn pits include: Many veterans who were exposed to burn pits during their service and developed asthma may be able to seek service connection under this new presumption condition related to burn pit exposure. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. 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. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease - tCubed 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. 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. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Fixed movement of the entire spine qualifies for a 100% rating. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. 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. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. What is Retrolisthesis and Can I Qualify for Disability Benefits? This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' Degenerative disc disease - Veterans Benefits Network The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. If the disability criteria do not accurately reflect your disability level, you may be assigned an extraschedular rating. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. 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. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. The practitioner will assess how far you can bend and flex your joints during the range of motion C& P exam. Degenerative Disc Disease is a spinal disorder most often rated underCFR Title 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diagnostic Code 5242, Degenerative Arthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease Other Than Intervertebral Disc Syndrome. 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. 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. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? VA Disability for Bulging Discs | PTSD Lawyers - Berry Law Is Degenerative Disc Disease A Va Disability - Brandon Orthopedics The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? Determining Your Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Rating. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. In most cases, veterans will have to provide evidence of the following three elements of their service connection in pursuing compensation: Its been demonstrated that veterans who were exposed to the environmental hazards from open-air burn pits are at higher risk for developing allergic rhinitis, and other respiratory conditions so, to your advantage, that is a known fact. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Degenerative Disc Disease, Back Pain & Social Security Disability Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones,fused together to form the Coccyx . The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? 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. VA Ratings for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome - Hill & Ponton, P.A. If degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray and is accompanied by satisfactory evidence of painful motion, it will be rated no less than 10-percent. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. 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. When a nerve root is compressed, it becomes inflamed. VA disability claims evidence can be direct or circumstantial, and include: A positive VA disability rating for a a bulging disc or a herniated disc is based on the extent of your symptoms, how impaired your range of motion is, prevalence of incapacitating episodes, and how all of this impacts your daily life. The result is that breathing through your nose can be difficult, and the area around your eyes (your sinus cavities) might feel swollen or tender. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. Just fill out the form and we 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. 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). The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their 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. 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. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Dont give up. 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. 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. 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. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease Explained (The The treatment for degenerative disc disease is available in a variety of ways, and the decision is based on the individuals and the severity of the problem. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. Despite the challenges that arise, people with DDD can still lead full, productive lives. Does Degenerative Disc Disease Qualify For Disability In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. If this is the case, you may be eligible for total disability based on individual unemployability . 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. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. Call today! Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. 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. Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . Diagnostic codes 5235 through 5243 of 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System are dedicated to back and neck pain. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. 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. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. Just fill out the form and we. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. The spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . The VA rates a secondary condition separately. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. 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. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. The final determination on whether an extraschedular rating is warranted must be made by the VA Undersecretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation Service. Can I Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? 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. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide - Berry Law Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease.