You may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. 15-18 701 DATE: December 26, 2018 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) on a causation basis, is granted. 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. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Determining Your Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Rating. I've had a lot of issues that led to seeking civilian treatment, and that has finally culminated in more concrete diagnosis of my spinal issues. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. It can take a long time for you to develop symptoms for this condition, and doctors often do not document the things VA needs to assess your condition. 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. To recover service-connected compensation disability benefits for degenerative disc disease, you must meet a certain threshold required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. In this situation, a VA RO will contact you to schedule the exam. 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. 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. To get TDIU, you may prove why your service-connected condition prevents you from working. 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. It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. Instead, they must also explain why it is not due to other factors, such as service. Read More. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. We are proud to help you who have served to get the disability benefits you deserve. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. 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. We have updated our Privacy Policy. You May Like: New York State Short Term Disability. To be eligible for this, you must have a disability that is rated at 60% or higher by the service provider. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. One of the rated conditions I left the Army with was "Degenerative Disc Disease" at 10%. 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. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and preferences such as text size, fonts and other customizable website elements. A veteran must show that the case presents such an exceptional or unusual disability picture with such related factors as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization that make it impractical for VA to assign a schedular rating. Muscle atrophy must also be accurately measured and reported. The TDIU rating gives the same amount of disability benefits as the 100% rating but does not require the full 100%. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It The spine can affect every other part of your body. 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. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. A medical diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from your doctor; and. The rating criteria can often leave veterans with IVDS short-changed because it is based on the amount of bedrest prescribed by a doctor. 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. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. How Long Does It Take to Get Your VA Disability Rating? If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. 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. In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. Social Security Medical Evaluations Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. The Essentials on VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc Eric Gang, ESQ Back pain is a common problem for veterans. If you cant move at all without discomfort or pain, make sure to let the examiner know that. Many toxins from these burn pits were released into the air, including volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. The people serving in our military work hard. Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. 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. 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. It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. 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. VA Claims Insider Testimonial: Elite Success Story Dons been through a lot. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. individual unemployability . This happens when the soft, inner part of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. (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. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms aswell as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. Depending on the number of joints affected, VA rates degenerative disc disease between 10% and 20%. If your doctor won't write an opinion, make the argument yourself on VA Form 21-4138, including applicable CFR regulations, and submit it with the VA 21-526EZ disability claims form. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. This uneven shift in weight may then contribute to complications in your lower back. The VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. ; The general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. To receive an extraschedular disability rating, you must show the VA why your condition is worse than the 50% maximum. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. 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. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. Some people with DDD may experience no pain while others may experience debilitating pain that inhibits their daily life. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. 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 The discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. 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. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. You May Like: Do Disabled Veterans Pay Federal Taxes. Usually, it's experienced in the back or neck. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. 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. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. If so, then you need the help of an experienced attorney. The Disability Application Process VA 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System, contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw, Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim, Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. 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. The condition occurs when the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate.Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection.