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. Which it turns out are more than just one item. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. confirm with the actual CFR for VA disability ratings but this one has seemed to be very accurate with it. 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. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. The limitation of range of motion principle is arguably the most important principle that applies to VA disability ratings for back pain and Degenerative Disc Disease. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? Orthopedic conditions are typically categorized as those that impact the musculoskeletal system. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. 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. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as. 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. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. 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. This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. FINDING OF FACT The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's obstructive 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. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Check out our Google reviews. You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. Dont give up. 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. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. 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. If you are diagnosed with the DDD it will be added to your C&P and can play a part in your rating but keep in mind the ROM-range of motion becomes a big factor in ratings of the spine. 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. Systemic DJD occurs when the Veteran gets a diagnosis of DJD in service (or within one year after release from active duty) when there is no record or evidence of trauma to the joint. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. 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. If you are unable to work due to Degenerative Disc Disease, you should speak with your caseworker about TDIU benefits. Call today! This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. You must be open, honest, and truthful at your C&P exam for Degenerative Disc Disease, and make sure toSTOPthe C&P examiner as soon as you feel any discomfort or pain. 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. 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. Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. (1) Limitation of Range of Motion and (2) Pain are the two most common factors that determine your final VA rating for back conditions such as Degenerative Disc Disease. Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. 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. Thank. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 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. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. 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. individual unemployability . In grade 1, the nucleus and nave are clearly distinguished; in grade 2, there is no horizontal band; and in grade 3, there is blurring between the nucleus and nave; in grade 4, the nucleus and nave are clearly distinguished; and. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. 5001 Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive: Active 100 Inactive: See 4.88c and 4.89 5002 Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. 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. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. A little used part of the musculoskeletal system may be expected to show evidence of disuse, either through atrophy, the condition of the skin, absence of normal callosity or the like. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. However, more commonly, veterans are able to achieve a 100% rating through a combination of back and neck injury ratings and other conditions. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. Slouching and a sedentary lifestyle are the most common causes of degeneration of the discs in the discs. Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. 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. 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. 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 rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. The VA may attempt to deny your claim by saying there is no way to determine your condition is due to time spent in service. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. Degenerative disc disease is classified as a Musculoskeletal disorder by the VA. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. 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. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. Back thoracolumbar spine conditions can have a significant effect on an individuals life, a DBQ allows the veteran to go into detail about how the condition has impacted their life. 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. 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. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? (Authority: 38 U.S.C. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. The percentage of arthritis of the back will be based on the number of joints/joint groups affected and the extent of incapacitation, with 10 being the most common. 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. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. 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. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. The VA will examine your DDD in order to determine if it is connected to your service. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. 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. The term degenerative disc disease is used to describe spinal disc changes that occur over time as one ages. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones that are separated by intervertebral discs. 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.' Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. They all go together, so make sure you work with an experienced lawyer to get ratings for all of them. For degenerative disc disease, a Veterans Disability rating of 10% to 20% is typically assigned by the VA. An all-timer rating of 100 percent must be obtained before the VA will declare a veteran incapable of working. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. Many Vets have developed serious asthma even chronic asthma because of exposure to harmful burn pit pollutants. 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. 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. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. 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. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of 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. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. One of the most common is for herniated discs to develop. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. 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. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. 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. Therefore, VA must determine if the veteran is eligible for a rating higher than the ones set forth by the rating schedule.