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. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Fighting insurance companies and the VA is what we do 24/7. With over 30+ years experience winning cases, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law have built a reputation for excellence, hard work, and always standing by our clients. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. Receive answers to more of your VA disability claim questions. 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. 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. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. In some cases, herniated discs can make it difficult or even impossible to work. 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). In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. There are a few different secondary conditions that can arise from degenerative disc disease. Your final VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease depends upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of symptoms, including Painful Motion, Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM), and Functional Loss or Impairment. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. A veterans Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain. In most cases, VA uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, combined with the limitations on range of motion, to issue a disability rating. In most cases, veterans will have to provide evidence of the following three elements of their service connection in pursuing compensation: Its been demonstrated that veterans who were exposed to the environmental hazards from open-air burn pits are at higher risk for developing allergic rhinitis, and other respiratory conditions so, to your advantage, that is a known fact. There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? 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. One of the most common symptoms of degeneration of the disks is back pain. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. What is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. You should consult with your doctor if you are experiencing back pain to find out what is causing it and how it is affecting you. 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. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. To qualify for TDIU, you must show that your condition prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. These examples of functional impairment can limit a veterans daily activities, quality of life, and ability to work. 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. 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. Social Security Medical Evaluations To achieve the full disability rating, you must complete all of the steps. 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. A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the disc is removed and pressure is placed on the affected nerve. It is the intention to recognize painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. But first, lets explore how the VA looks at Radiculopathyin more detail. 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. As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification. Though back and neck conditions both stem from the spine in most instances, VA rates them as separate disabilities. 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. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Hes battled medical issues for years, and the Air Force veteran was pretty sure he was underrated by the How to Service-Connect Your Orthopedic Disabilities If youre a veteran dealing with pain from an orthopedic condition, youre not alone. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. The breaking open of a spinal disc is called a prolapsed or herniated disc. We can assist you in obtaining VA benefits, as well as in appealing any denials. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. (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. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. The rating chart for thoracolumbar spinal pain is used for primary and secondary conditions to lower back pain. 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. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. 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. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. 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. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. If you are disabled from a degenerative spinal disc condition and your disability claim has been turned down, we can help. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. 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? However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. There is no doubt that wear and tear on the body, as well as the wear and tear on vehicles and on hills due to carrying the worlds lightest kit, can all contribute to Dizziness. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. In order to qualify for disability benefits with degenerative disc disease, your condition needs to meet the criteria laid out in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book listing. To file for secondary service connection, you will need: Importantly, you do not have to file for secondary conditions at the same time as filing for primary conditions. Smoke from military burn pits have had both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. It has been demonstrated that persistent disc disease can lead to a variety of health problems over time. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. Is It Hard to Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease? We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is typically found in the lower back or neck. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. Schedule a Free Consultation. Monitoring Your Disability Insurance Claim. 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. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. The spine can affect every other part of your body. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. DDD can also cause radiculopathy, herniation discs, neurological impairments, and spinal stenosis, in addition to other conditions. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? These cookies collect information about how you use our website. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. 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. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. 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. As a result of DDD, some people can manage their pain in a variety of ways. If so, you may need help acquiring the benefits you need. If you are suffering from the effects of cervical degenerative disc disease you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate causing pain, weakness, tingling, and or numbness. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? 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. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. 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. However, many Veterans struggle to get degenerative disc disease VA disability compensation.. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. Heavy lifting, family histories of back problems, and spine injuries are just a few of the factors that contribute to DDB. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. 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. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. As the discs burn out, these proteins are replaced by new ones, causing the discs to stiffen and micro-motions to decrease. Call today! Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. In general, the ratings for spine conditions are based on range of motion. You can live a normal life with the help of some pain relief techniques and a little effort. 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. Service Connection 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 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. 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. Ill also reveal 3 new insider tips to increase your VA Rating for Degenerate Disc Disease, even if youve already filed or been denied. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 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. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. This might be the case for a veterans DDD, as the highest schedular rating under is only 20 percent. 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. 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. To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Sharp and radiating pain in the back, arms, legs or shoulders that may worsen with certain activities, even something as simple as coughing or sneezing, Weakness, fatigue, or loss of reflexes in the arms or legs, Numbness or tingling of the skin, pins and needles, or other abnormal sensations in the arms or legs. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. Slouching and a sedentary lifestyle are the most common causes of degeneration of the discs in the discs. For example, lets say you have full range of motion for your Degenerative Disc Disease, but you have pain during movement, you should be awarded the minimum level of disability for the condition, which is 10%. Common orthopedic conditions impacting veterans include neck pain and low back pain. One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans.