An attorney can help you find the evidence you need to make your argument. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. 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. The VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. 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. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. The practitioner will assess how far you can bend and flex your joints during the range of motion C& P exam. 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. You can file a claim with CCK today at 800-544-9400 if you claim for benefits after being denied by the VA or the DWD. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Some waste materials commonly disposed of in these burn pits include: Many veterans who were exposed to burn pits during their service and developed chronic sinusitis may be able to seek service connection benefits under this new presumption. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. A VA Disability Lawyers role is to assist you throughout the confusing and often frustrating appeals process if you have been denied benefits for your service-connected back pain. Certain spinal conditions can lead to other conditions that can be claimed for an additional rating. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. The people serving in our military work hard. Therefore, VA must determine if the veteran is eligible for a rating higher than the ones set forth by the rating schedule. #1. The term degenerative disc disease is used to describe spinal disc changes that occur over time as one ages. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to evaluate back conditions like osteoarthritis. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. This website is designed for general information only. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. It is frequently caused by things like incorrectly lifting heavy objects, as well as chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. We should investigate worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have occurred as a result of the degeneration of the disc. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Veterans Serving Veterans Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. We help disabled veterans nationwide. This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. you viewed to avoid repetition. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence, frequency, mental health conditions, and so on are examples of secondary conditions and complications. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. Which it turns out are more than just one item. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. 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. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. According to VA, if degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray findings, the veterans condition will be rated based on limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved. 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. 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. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. Call 512-454-4000 for Free Consultation. 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. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. This allows the veteran to get a separate rating from the spinal condition that could potentially increase monthly compensation. 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 A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. 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. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? 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. Generally, some of the more common symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease include: To be eligible for a Degenerative Disc Disease VA rating, a veteran must meet three (3) criteria by law: If you think you have a back condition such as Degenerative Disc Disease, but dont have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA mental health facility nearest youto make an appointment right away! This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. 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. Contact us to take advantage of our free consultation. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. As is evident from the rating schedules below, the highest possible schedular rating for any single neck impairment is 60 percent for veterans with severe intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). The joints involved should be tested for pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing and, if possible, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint. The spine can affect every other part of your body. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times, such as when exercising, or you may have symptoms all of the time. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. The VA will only grant benefits to veterans who have been diagnosed with an impairment as a result of their military service. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Just fill out the form and we 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. Make Today The Last Day You Worry About Your Disability Claim. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? 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. 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. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. 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. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. If your VA disability claim for back pain has been denied, be sure to contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw right away to help make sure you get the entitlement you deserve. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Just fill out the form and we. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it typically gets worse over time. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. 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. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. You're not alone. 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. Read More. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? Check out our Google reviews. 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. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. These cookies do not store any personal information. Attending a C& P exam with a medical professional can also potentially help you discover the presence of secondary conditions you were unaware of. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. Pain that worsens when standing, bending, lifting, or twisting. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. The spinal disc is made up of a soft disc that separates your vertebrae and serves as a shock absorber in your spine. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). hay fever). 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. Feeling better while walking or even running than while sitting or standing for long periods of time. 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). Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. It is essential that the examination on which ratings are based adequately portray the anatomical damage, and the functional loss, with respect to all these elements.

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