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. 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. 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. Also Check: This Device Is Disabled Code 22. An attorney can help you find the evidence you need to make your argument. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. Do You Deserve a Higher VA Disability Rating? 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. Feeling better while walking or even running than while sitting or standing for long periods of time. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. 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. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? 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. 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. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. The VA examiner will usually ask questions during the exam to establish whether your condition is related to your military service. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. 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. 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. Just fill out the form and we. Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include: Veterans may develop this condition as a result of their active-duty military service, and they may be entitled to VA disability benefits. Secondary Service Connection for Herniated Discs The maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease VA compensation is 20 percent without any additional . Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. However, if VA examiners arrive at this conclusion, they must provide adequate rationale to support their determination. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. #1. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. VA Unemployability Explained What is TDIU? 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. 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. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. Under 38 CFR 4.71a, VA generally rates low back conditions as follows: " 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Amputations: Lower Extremity Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. You May Like: Connect To Itunes Phone Disabled. Others develop a more serious condition DDD , which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It Radiculopathy is a nerve condition caused by compressed nerves in the spine, resulting in weakness, numbness, or pain along the nerve. To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones,fused together to form the Coccyx . 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. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. 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. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Pain that worsens when sitting (while seated, the discs of the lower back have 3x more load on them than when standing). Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. 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. 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. Call today! 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). 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. Fighting insurance companies and the VA is what we do 24/7. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. 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. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. Since that requires you to show that you have no range of motion (i.e., you cannot move your back), it can be very difficult, and you have to show why your back condition severely limits you. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. Just fill out the form and we 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. For example, the VA compensation exam for lower back pain might include a disability benefits questionnaire . The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. The spine consists of four primary regions from yourneck down to your buttocks and pelvic area . The effects of DDD can be severe on a disabled Veterans family and finances. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Also, feel free to message us through our online contact page. 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. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. hay fever). These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. 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. 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. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. You may because back disorders are tricky. To receive a 30% rating or above, a veteran must prove ankylosis, which is joint stiffness caused by an injury or a disease. This can put pressure on the nerves around the disc and cause pain. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. Social Security Medical Evaluations This condition can flare up in a few days to a few weeks, causing lasting pain. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. 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. 5001 Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive: Active 100 Inactive: See 4.88c and 4.89 5002 When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. Degenerative disc disease is a painful spinal condition that can affect daily life. 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. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. 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. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. I have a 20% rating for arthritis in my back, but can I get more for degenerative disc disease? They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease. . 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. Though the practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, the burn pits emitted large clouds of toxic smoke which was later proven to cause many adverse health conditions. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. A medical nexus linking the primary condition to the secondary DDD. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Have you been in the military and now suffer a severe spine or back-related injury? Men and women like you often perform strenuous tasks, including running, jumping, and lifting. 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. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. These include aging, injury, and genetics. during military service and died as the result of service-connected conditions may also be eligible for VA survivors benefits. Chronic sinusitis occurs when youir sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. These cookies do not store any personal information. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. Sometimes the VA Regional Office (RO) will request you attend aCompensation and Pension (C&P) examto assess your degenerative disc disease. However, you may experience some numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. Because DDD often does not appear noticeably during a soldiers time in the military, it can be difficult to recognize the condition in its early stages. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease is to get X-Rays so you have objective medical evidence to show the degradation of your discs over time. Can I Receive VA Disability Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure? You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. If someone had degenerative arthritis in both the cervical and low back that's been diagnosed by the VA from x-rays this is 10%, or is is 20% because it's in both areas of the spine? The functional loss may be due to absence of part, or all, of the necessary bones, joints and muscles, or associated structures, or to deformity, adhesions, defective innervation, or other pathology, or it may be due to pain, supported by adequate pathology and evidenced by the visible behavior of the claimant undertaking the motion. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. This can be submitted via mail to the Evidence Intake Center or electronically throughVAs website. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. 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. 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. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65, Will I Lose My Disability If I Work Part Time. With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? Did VA Deny Your Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease? If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. 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. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. 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. Include. 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! For a free consultation, contact our nationally recognized law firm today at (866) 282-5260. This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. 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. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. 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. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . 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. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. Service Connection They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. confirm with the actual CFR for VA disability ratings but this one has seemed to be very accurate with it. If degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray and is accompanied by satisfactory evidence of painful motion, it will be rated no less than 10-percent. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as.