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To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), and neck pain (cervical) in veterans. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. 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. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. Get to know us through our videos. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. Despite the challenges that arise, people with DDD can still lead full, productive lives. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? 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 information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Many veterans with degenerative disc disease have been forced to live on the floor. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. With any form of arthritis, painful motion is an important factor of disability, the facial expression, wincing, etc., on pressure or manipulation, should be carefully noted and definitely related to affected joints. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. If you filed a claim for DDD and VA denied you benefits, Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help you appeal the unfavorable decision. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your 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. 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 If you are already a veteran, you can submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. 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. Under 38 CFR 4.71a, VA generally rates low back conditions as follows: " 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. VA often denies service connection for degenerative disc disease based on an examiners finding that a veterans condition is due to normal wear and tear and the natural progression of aging rather than their time in service. 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. 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. you viewed to avoid repetition. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Youll also see the termUnfavorable Ankylosis,which is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following: VA disability ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease also depend upon Functional Loss, which means impairment of spine function as determined by range of motion as reported in the physical examination and additional loss of range of motion after repetitive use caused by the following factors: VA disability of the musculoskeletal system is primarily the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform the normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and endurance. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. For example, if a Veteran experienced 4-6 weeks of incapacitating episodes in the past year, they can receive a 40% bulging disc VA disability rating. 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. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. After the exam, the VA examiner will issue an opinion deciding if your DDD is at least as likely as not connected to your service. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. Target Leave And Disability Reedgroup Com, Jailbreak Disabled Iphone Without Losing Data, What Happens If You Become Disabled While On Social Security, Complete the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or lost, Official records of a herniated disc during active duty, Medical evidence from private doctors linking the current diagnosis to an in-service injury, disease, or event that has been at least as likely as not caused the current condition. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. 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. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. 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. Veterans who struggle with mobility or chronic pain may be unable to find work. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body.