These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work. Though the practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, the burn pits emitted large clouds of toxic smoke which was later proven to cause many adverse health conditions. 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. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. 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) Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. 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. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. Read More. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. Pain that worsens when sitting (while seated, the discs of the lower back have 3x more load on them than when standing). This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. 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. 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. There are several factors that can lead to a service-connected disability, including the physical strain and stress that many soldiers endure on a daily basis while they are on active duty. Periods of severe pain that come and go. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. A medical nexus linking the primary condition to the secondary DDD. As is evident from the rating schedules below, the highest possible schedular rating for any single neck impairment is 60 percent for veterans with severe intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? The VA uses two different Diagnostic Codes to rate herniated discs: 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. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. If you are suffering from the effects of cervical degenerative disc disease you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. If there is a service-connected connection between the impairment and service time, a military member may be eligible for disability benefits. The spine can affect every other part of your body. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. We have updated our Privacy Policy. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is 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. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. 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. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. Degenerative Disc Disease is a painful spinal disorder caused by the steady degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which are the pads that cushion the bones in the vertebrae of your spine. Schedule a Free Consultation. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. 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. Just fill out the form and we will forward what benefits the VA is paying for a chronic sinusitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include: Veterans may develop this condition as a result of their active-duty military service, and they may be entitled to VA disability benefits. #1. 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. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? However, if the limitation of motion of the specific joint or joints involved isnoncompensable(i.e., 0 percent disabling) under the appropriate diagnostic codes, a rating of 10 percent will be applied for each major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion. 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). Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. It is essential that the examination on which ratings are based adequately portray the anatomical damage, and the functional loss, with respect to all these elements. 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. It is often hard to get disability for degenerative disc disease. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. However, individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from being able to work. Dont give up. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. This evidence will show that you are suffering from degenerative disc disease due to conditions on the job. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 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. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be a sign of possible nerve damage. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. You May Like: New York State Short Term Disability. 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. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. 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. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. 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. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] The VA will examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . 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. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. 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. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. 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. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? 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. What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. 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. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy 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. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. If you have severed your DDD while in the military, you must demonstrate that it is a condition that has a direct relationship with your service. It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. Your Degenerative Disc Disease was caused or made worse by your active-duty military service OR by another service connected disability for secondary service connection (Nexus for service connection), #3. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. 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. Qualifying military members with degenerative disc disease can receive benefits. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. For some, asthma may be a minor nuisance. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. 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. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. Keep in mind that that rating can be increased if there is a herniated disc or a bulging disc that causes a doctor to prescribe bed rest, specifically six weeks or more over a year's time period. You're not alone. hay fever). If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. Others develop a more serious condition DDD , which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. If youre having difficulty with DDD, talk with a doctor or veterans service officer to learn more about your rights and benefits. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. 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.