It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children, Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu, Make sure to click the link to sign up for updates. VA Ratings for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome - Hill & Ponton, P.A. Usually, its experienced in the back or neck. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Many factorscan lead to DDD, including heavy lifting, family history of spine problems, or spine injury. He or she will gather evidence that proves the VA came to the wrong conclusion. 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. This means any job that pays at least $18,000 per year pre-tax. 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. Social Security Disability Benefits for Degenerative Disc Disease - Nolo Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates, on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. Because the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine talk about flexion, which is the act of flexing or bending. Yes, retrolisthesis can be considered a disability by the SSA. Thinner and weaker discs often lead to back pain, muscle weakness, and pinched nerves. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Other requirements are the presence of spinal arachnoiditis which causes inflammation of one of the nervous systems membranes which means you need to reposition yourself at least every two hours. 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. If you are suffering from the effects of cervical degenerative disc disease you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The intent of the schedule is to recognize painful motion with joint or periarticular pathology as productive of disability. 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. These cases are classified as higher in severity. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. However, getting these benefits is often challenging. Some injuries to the spine might cause weakness in areas such as the arms, shoulders, or hips. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. 38 CFR 4.71a - Schedule of ratings - musculoskeletal system. The pain severity and frequency, as well as the individuals age and occupation, all play an important role in determining its severity. To be eligible for disability benefits for a herniated disc, you must have a current diagnosis of the condition and meet the eligibility criteria for VA disability benefits. 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. Our attorneys answer this question and more in the following text. Degenerative disc disease symptoms vary depending on the person. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Instead, many Veterans start to deal with more severe symptoms of DDD years after they have retired from the military. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. The term degenerative disc disease is used to describe spinal disc changes that occur over time as one ages. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. VA determines a disability rating based on the severity of symptoms, but anatomical damage and functional loss are also considered. 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. To achieve the full disability rating, you must complete all of the steps. 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. This is where a VA-approved medical professional will perform a comprehensive physical and verbal examination then write their opinion on your condition. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It Where there are additional disabilities rated 50% or 100%, or anatomical or loss of use of a third extremity see 38 CFR 3.350 (f) (3), (4) or (5). The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. Code O-2 ( 38 CFR 3.350 (e) (2)). List of Common Veterans Administration Abbreviations, CIGNA / New York Life Disability Insurance, Disability and Life Insurance Claims FAQs, VA Service Connected Disability Claims FAQ, Life Insurance and Accidental Dismemberment FAQs, process of recovering VA disability benefits, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, The VA TDIU Approval Rate and Claim Appeal Options. Read Also: Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Additionally, the rating criteria does not take other symptoms or daily limitations into account, such as difficulty sitting, standing, lifting, or bending. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. 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. Find Out How To Qualify for Disability with Degenerative Disc Disease Five bones fused into atriangular shape, form the sacrum. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. To help the VA determine VA disability ratings for back pain, a compensation and pension exam is usually required. DEgenerative disc disease is typically rated as a 20% disability by the VA. It sounds like this may have been an interpretation of an MRI that you had. 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. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? 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. 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 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 is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. Our attorneys will use our expertise to help you fight for your benefits. The last lumbar vertebra articulates with thesacrum. DOC 4 - Veterans Affairs They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Furthermore, Depression is one of the most common comorbidities in veterans with chronic low back pain. It is often hard to get disability for degenerative disc disease. 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. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. 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 discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact from the daily activities and movements of your body. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . This condition is rather common and typically interferes with the way mucus drains, causing your nose to be stuffy. 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. In reality, there is no such thing as a cure for everything. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] 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). This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. Extraschedular Disability Ratings Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. We have helped thousands of clients nationwide fight for the disability benefits they deserve. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? 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?