#1. Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. 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. Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. 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. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. 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. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. 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. The spine can affect every other part of your body. Since that requires you to show that you have no range of motion (i.e., you cannot move your back), it can be very difficult, and you have to show why your back condition severely limits you. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. 7 Things You Must Know About a Herniated Disc VA Rating (Ultimate Guide) You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. Disabilities of the Spine - Veterans Appeals Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records), #2. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? 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. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. 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. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? Chat with Us. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. VA Disability For Back Arthritis - Vet However, getting these benefits is often challenging. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops and progresses over time. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. 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. 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. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. Fighting insurance companies and the VA is what we do 24/7. It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. 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. These cases are classified as higher in severity. 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. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Veterans Serving Veterans 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. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain Criteria VA uses 38 CFR 4.71a, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to evaluate most neck pain conditions. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. 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. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 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. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. 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. To qualify for service-connected compensation for allergic rhinitis, veterans must prove that their condition was caused by or aggravated by their time spent in service. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. You may because back disorders are tricky. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. 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. 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. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. 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. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. If your doctor won't write an opinion, make the argument yourself on VA Form 21-4138, including applicable CFR regulations, and submit it with the VA 21-526EZ disability claims form. But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. 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 pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain 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. Schedule a Free Consultation. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. In more severe cases, Degenerative Disc Disease can cause weakness, numbness, and shooting or throbbing pain in the arms or legs, which is a painful condition knows as Radiculopathy. The VA will examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? This website is designed for general information only. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. 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 is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. 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. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. 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. 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. If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. However, individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from being able to work. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. It is often hard to get disability for degenerative disc disease. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be able to get a Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) deferment. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. 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. Any limitation of Range of Motion (ROM) should be measured with a Goniometer by the medical professional at your VA C&P Exam for Back Pain. If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. Questions for those familiar with spinal issues and ratings Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. 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. Determining Your Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Rating. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. VA disability spine ratings question : r/Veterans - reddit His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. For instance, which pages you go to most. Other requirements are the presence of spinal arachnoiditis which causes inflammation of one of the nervous systems membranes which means you need to reposition yourself at least every two hours. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. 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. 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. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. . There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. The functional loss may be due to absence of part, or all, of the necessary bones, joints and muscles, or associated structures, or to deformity, adhesions, defective innervation, or other pathology, or it may be due to pain, supported by adequate pathology and evidenced by the visible behavior of the claimant undertaking the motion. This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. An attorney can help you find the evidence you need to make your argument. This evidence will show that you are suffering from degenerative disc disease due to conditions on the job. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. 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. Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. 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. 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. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work. Which it turns out are more than just one item. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. 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. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 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. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. In fact, physicians have often held that such long durations of bedrest can actually do more harm for disabilities of the spine than they can help. Degenerative Disc Disease VA Disability Benefits - Woods and Woods, LLC 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. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. The guidelines also state that if a patient requires bed rest, the physician should encourage them to return to their normal activities as soon as possible. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. We have updated our Privacy Policy. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans?
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