Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. 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. 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 people serving in our military work hard. Finally, in the absence of limitation of motion, a veterans degenerative disc disease VA rating will be as follows: When assigning a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, VA must consider both anatomical damage and functional loss. The painful motion principle means that regardless of range of motion, if pain is present, the claimant should at least be awarded the minimum level of disability for that condition. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. When evaluating a spinal cord-related disability, the VA is required to take into account both anatomical damage and functional loss. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. Check out our Google reviews. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions, and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. 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. The spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. 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. 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 ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. Just fill out the form and we. You may be eligible for a secondary service connection if your degeneration of your disc progresses over time. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. The practitioner will assess how far you can bend and flex your joints during the range of motion C& P exam. The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. The strain of military service can lead to wear and tear on the spine, not to mention the risk of traumatic injuries in training or combat. Since there is no certainty of what was burned at each military installation at a given time, the specific toxins released by the burn pits vary for every location. The spine can affect every other part of your body. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. This 20 percent rating or the 10 percent rating, when applicable, will be assigned once only to cover disability at all sites of previously active infection with a future ending date in the case of the 20 percent rating. Have you received a VA disability claim denial? What is Functional Loss in a VA disability claim for Degenerative Disc Disease ? hay fever). These include aging, injury, and genetics. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? It is possible for migraines to develop as a result of changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. Brandon Callahan, MD is a board-certified orthopedic physician with a decade of experience in providing comprehensive orthopedic care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine 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. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. 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. Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Simple exercises will not cause much strain on your back and can be done at home. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. If this is the case, you may be eligible for total disability based on individual unemployability . You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. However, individuals with degenerative disc disease may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition prevents them from being able to work. 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. Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. We have updated our Privacy Policy. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. Feeling better while walking or even running than while sitting or standing for long periods of time. will forward what benefits the VA is paying for the allergic rhinitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. 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. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. A nexus is the direct link between a disability, either physical or psychological, that a Veteran suffers from and their time in the military. This evidence will show that you are suffering from degenerative disc disease due to conditions on the job. (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. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the changes in the spinal discs due to age and/ or injury. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. individual unemployability . 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. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. 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. 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. If there is a service-connected connection between the impairment and service time, a military member may be eligible for disability benefits. 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. However, looking back on your time in the military, you may be able to quickly recall situations that may have led to chronic back and spine problems: Recommended Reading: Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. Can you claim VA disability for degenerative discs? Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the spine conditions that qualifies for disability benefits. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones,fused together to form the Coccyx . The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. Qualifying military members with degenerative disc disease can receive benefits. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. That formula actually covers both the cervical and thoracolumbar parts of the spine. 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. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. It is a disease that occurs as a result of the degeneration of the discs in the spine. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. In addition, numerous research studies have shown a link between Degenerative Disc Disease and Radiculopathy; there is a strong bidirectional relationship where each disorder adversely influences the other one. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. These cookies do not store any personal information. Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. If this is the case, contact us. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. An examination by VA must confirm the limitations of motion in the presence of swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion. Others develop a more serious condition DDD , which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. 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. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. you viewed to avoid repetition. ELITE Success: Its Never Too Late to Get Correctly Rated, How to Get a VA Rating for Veteran Orthopedic Conditions. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as Agent Orange) during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. You're not alone. Thank. As a result of DDD, some people can manage their pain in a variety of ways. Knowing how VA ratings for degenerative disc di. What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. Include. When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. Feeling better by changing positions often or lying down. The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. This condition refers to back or neck pain caused by the general breakdown of spinal discs. 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. 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. An attorney can help you find the evidence you need to make your argument. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. Schedule a Free Consultation. Secondly, your condition needs to be able to meet any of the blue book listings for musculoskeletal diseases. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. However, if you can prove that your degenerative disc disease was connected to your military service, you will receive a disability rating from the VA. All of the medical documentation that you have gathered for your VA disability rating can be used as evidence in your SSDI application. 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 condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. 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. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. Your Degenerative Disc Disease was caused or made worse by your active-duty military service OR by another service connected disability for secondary service connection (Nexus for service connection), #3. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. The treatment for degenerative disc disease is available in a variety of ways, and the decision is based on the individuals and the severity of the problem. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. 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 VA can award benefits only if it finds a connection between a Veterans impairment and their past military service. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. Service Connection There are several factors that can lead to a service-connected disability, including the physical strain and stress that many soldiers endure on a daily basis while they are on active duty. 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.
Level 21 1 Churchill Place London E14 5hp, What Happens If You Inherit Money While On Section 8, Robert Patrick Robinson Atlanta, Ga, Property For Sale In Falmouth With Sea Views, Articles W