5001 Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive: Active 100 Inactive: See 4.88c and 4.89 5002 You must also provide evidence that shows a service connected disability to your military service. It is possible for veterans with DDD to find relief by incorporating lifestyle changes, taking medications, or undergoing physical therapy. It can be difficult for veterans to satisfy this rating criteria because modern medical practices no longer call for bed rest to treat IVDS. It takes a 100% rating from the VA to determine whether a veteran is completely incapable of working. Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. 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. 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. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the breakdown of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting thespine to the pelvis. If other treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, have not been able to relieve pain, a surgical procedure is typically recommended. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. For veterans, the average rating ranges from 10% to 20%. The term degenerative disc disease is used to describe spinal disc changes that occur over time as one ages. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. 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! Lay evidence that you had the condition while in service. If you are suffering from the effects of cervical degenerative disc disease you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by an allergic reactionto specific allergens (e.g. 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. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. It is particularly difficult for people under the age of forty, as well as those under the age of fifty. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. 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. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. 5.4k views Answered >2 years ago. Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. Usually this happens when a veteran experiences symptoms or limitations that are not considered by the rating schedule. Amputations: Lower Extremity The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. In many cases, Veterans with DDD are denied benefits or given low disability ratings. Other neck conditions have maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent or lower. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. 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. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. In the United States, 15% of women experience pelvic pain for more than six months. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Call Us. 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. Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans. VA rates degenerative disc disease under38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System, diagnostic code 5242. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. 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. The inflammatory proteins within the disc space can contribute to the progression of disc degeneration over time. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. 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. 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. According to the VA disability rating formula, it is usually 20 percent for someone suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip due to severe pain. After leaving active duty, veterans may experience chronic or worsening pain. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. Call today! 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. What is Limitation of Range of Motion for VA Degenerative Disc Disease? Yes, Degenerative Disc Disease is a VA disability and can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100% depending upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of your symptoms. Orthopedic conditions are typically categorized as those that impact the musculoskeletal system. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. In this way, your DDD was caused by your service-connected knee condition, warranting secondary service connection. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions, and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. 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. 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. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. Monitoring Your Disability Insurance Claim. SSA will consider disability claims for degenerative disc disease that are supported by medical evidence such as: Physical examination for type and location of pain, range of motion, nerve function, sensation, and muscle strength, with a full review of the entirety of symptoms Diagnostic imaging tests (such as MRI, CT scans, and x-rays) These cookies do not store any personal information. Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. 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. 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. This condition necessitates that people avoid activities that are too heavy, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy objects. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog. They may allege that your condition is due to the natural progression of aging. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Additionally, surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who were exposed to herbicides (such as. 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. If you are disabled at home or at work, you can achieve a disability rating regardless of where you are stationed. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. March 23, 2019 Updated: June 21, 2022 What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?Degenerative disc disease typically affects the lower back or neck. To achieve the full disability rating, you must complete all of the steps. Dont give up. 2023 Brandon Orthopedics | All Right Reserved, The Truth About Spinal Stenosis: Causes Symptoms And Treatments, Can Years Of Surfing Contribute To Spinal Stenosis, The Effects Of Spinal Stenosis And Carpal Tunnel, Should I Apply Ice Or Heat To A Compression Fracture, How Does A Soft Bed Prevent Healing Of Herniated Disc, Herniated Discs: How To Sleep Without Worrying About Rupturing Your Discs, If You Have A Herniated Disc You Know The Excruciating Pain It Can Cause. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. The VA can assign you a disability rating outside of the normal range. 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. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. The remaining 70% do not receive a disability rating. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. Recommended Reading: What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65. For example, if you have a service-connected knee condition that causes you to favor one side when you walk, you may develop an altered gait. Regardless, it is known that such toxins may contribute to allergic rhinitis and can be considered having a service connection. 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. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. 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. 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. 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. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. A Military Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis Must Be Established. 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. 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. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. 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. 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. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. 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. Your symptoms can also get progressively worse over time. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. There is no doubt that DDD can be a serious and debilitating condition, and you must seek proper care. 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. 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. Veteran disability ratings for degenerative disc disease are typically between 10% and 20% of the VA's disability rate. 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. 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. VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease 10% to 100%, Common VA Secondary Conditions to Degenerative Disc Disease, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): VA Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease. 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. A spinal fusion procedure is usually performed in order to relieve pain and allow the spine to heal. 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. DDD may cause pain to some extent, but obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. Degenerative disc disease is known to be a condition that develops over time. In this post, we will be exploring how to get aVA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. A veteran receives a 100% rating if their entire spine is immovable because of a back injury. 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. . Degenerative disc disease may also qualify as a secondary service-connected disability or one that developed as a result of a service-connected injury. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. 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. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $3,345 per month and 12 months back pay. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Have you been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease? Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. Doctors seldom check a patient's ability to stoop, bend, or crouch during an examination, and yet bending, stooping, and crouching are the three primary nonexertional limitations that disability examiners look for when they evaluate the RFC of applicants with 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. The VA will consider factors such as pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking to determine the veterans disability rating. We recommend using our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. In addition, there are times when VA can rate veterans outside of the rating schedule. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Determining Your Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Rating. With any form of arthritis, painful motion is an important factor of disability, the facial expression, wincing, etc., on pressure or manipulation, should be carefully noted and definitely related to affected joints. In 20% of cases, the condition causes spinal stenosis, but 80% do not. Veterans who are believed to have more severe symptoms have received higher ratings from the VA in the past. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. 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. Asthma is not a curable condition, but its symptoms can be controlled. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. Asthma is a condition in which your air passageways swell and narrow and may produce extra mucus. The VA rating for radiculopathy in the lower back will be based on symptoms felt in their lower limbs, such as feet, calves, or thighs. It is often hard to get disability for degenerative disc disease. Muscle atrophy must also be accurately measured and reported. 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. Phone: (866) 282-5260 Fax: (727) 571-1415, Attention: Did you or a family member live or work at. By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney. If you have a disc problem, you may require surgery to replace it or to fusion your vertebrae. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. An attorney can help you find the evidence you need to make your argument. 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 general ratings formula for spine conditions is primarily based on a range of motion. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. The people serving in our military work hard. It is a common VA disability claim for disability caused by a disabling disc disease. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). 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. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent . Check out our Google reviews. You should exercise on a regular basis if you have this pain. 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. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. 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.