Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. 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. 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. 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. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. Consult with our nationally recognized law firm to receive assistance. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. 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. A medical nexus, or link, between the in-service event and current diagnosis. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. 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). Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. 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. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. 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. Some of which are listed below: Diagnostic codes 5242 and 5243 are reserved for arthritis and spinal disc conditions. Generally, you need to be denied at least once before an attorney can assist, but once a lawyer is involved they will often be able to quickly determine what needs to be done in order to prove entitlement. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. 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. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. While the VA diagnostic code has a maximum rating of 50%, it is possible to get a greater rating if you can prove how your spinal condition limits your function and your life. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. 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. It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. 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. 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. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Call our law firm, toll free at 800-562-9830 or contact us . Walking or swimming is an appropriate form of exercise that is low-impact. Whether from the physical rigors of combat, from the psychosomatic effects of stress and anxiety on the body, or from other factors, many soldiers can leave their time in the military with a wide range of physical problems. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. I have radiculopathy for spinal fusion, can I get benefits for degenerative disc disease too? 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. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? 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. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Some examples of cervical conditions that are rated under this code include the following: Diagnostic Code 5237 Cervical Strain A torn tendon or muscle in the neck Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. If you developed degenerative disc disease as a result of military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA rates a secondary condition separately. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. Diagnosing and treating degeneration disc disease as soon as possible is critical to its early resolution. Which it turns out are more than just one item. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! 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. 1115 ) Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. Schedule a Free Consultation. Despite the challenges that arise, people with DDD can still lead full, productive lives. Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. 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. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. 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. As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? Pain in the low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), or neck (cervical), depending on where the affected disc is, possibly even radiating to the legs, arms, and hands (Radiculopathy). Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. Therefore, VA must determine if the veteran is eligible for a rating higher than the ones set forth by the rating schedule. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. Most Common Back Conditions Veterans Experience & Their Ratings, VA Claims for Hip Pain Secondary to Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Most Common Back Pain VA Claims Among Veterans, 3 Common Back Conditions Veterans Experience, Secondary Conditions to Flat Feet (Pes Planus) for VA Disability, A current diagnosis of DDD by a medical professional; and. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. 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. 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. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. 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. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. The VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. Tingling and numbness may not last for long periods of time; however, these symptoms may be . 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children, Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu, Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates. The Disability Application Process VA 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System, contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw, Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim, Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. 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. will forward what benefits the VA is paying for an asthma condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. Get to know us through our videos. This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. If that same veteran has limited ROM to rate for 10% in the low back and the cervical spine is this 10% or 20%, because 10% for low back and 10% for cervical ROM. 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. 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. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . 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. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. Qualifying military members with degenerative disc disease can receive benefits. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work.