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. How Does the VA Evaluate Degenerative Disc Disease? He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. 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. The VA rating for radiculopathy in the lower back will be based on symptoms felt in their lower limbs, such as feet, calves, or thighs. The VA rates degenerative disc disease by assigning a disability rating based on how the condition is impacting the Veterans ability to function. 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.. 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. Check out our Google reviews. You're not alone. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. While the ROM test is the primary factor in determining VA ratings for back and spine conditions, there are also other portions included in the C& P exams. Slouching and a sedentary lifestyle are the most common causes of degeneration of the discs in the discs. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. Thick yellow or green discharge from the nose, Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage), Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose, Pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead, Loss of smell and reduced ability to taste, Veterans who served in specified locations and time periods do not have to prove a connection between their sinusitis and service to be eligible for VA health care and disability compensation. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. 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. These cases are classified as higher in severity. Get to know us through our videos. All Rights Reserved. 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. To receive an extraschedular disability rating, you must show the VA why your condition is worse than the 50% maximum. Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. 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). Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Your final VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease depends upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of symptoms, including Painful Motion, Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM), and Functional Loss or Impairment. This evidence will show that you are suffering from degenerative disc disease due to conditions on the job. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! The practitioner will assess how far you can bend and flex your joints during the range of motion C& P exam. Can I Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. 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. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. 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. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for 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. 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. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain | The Tuley Law Office VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain (Cervicalgia), Cervical Spine Pain, & Neck Arthritis The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) views conditions of the spine through two main categoriesneck and back. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. 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. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. 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. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. 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. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. Is Degenerative Disc Disease A Va Disability - Brandon Orthopedics VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, Service Connection for Degenerative Disc Disease, Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams for Degenerative Disc Disease, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. 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. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. 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 is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care.
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