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. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should befor the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. The spine can affect every other part of your body. 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. It may cause back and neck pain and sometimes impact nerve function. 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). AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. 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. Are you a veteran suffering from degenerative disc disease? Va Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. 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. Military activities, like repeated heavy lifting, can result in degenerative disc disease over time. 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. Some veterans and active duty military members suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. Government disability programs, no matter how well-intended, miss the mark in approving thousands of legitimate disability claims for degenerative disc disease. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. Just fill out the form and we will forward what benefits the VA is paying for the allergic rhinitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. Water loss and disc damage gradually leads to thinner and weaker discs that cannot effectively cushion the vertebrae. Determining Your Degenerative Disc Disease Disability Rating. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. The Spine Institute of Nevada can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for back pain. 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. Schedule a Free Consultation. Many Veterans may not even realize that their degenerative disc disease is service-related. Sometimes degenerative disc disease is accompanied by varying levels of pain. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service-connected radiculopathy rating. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. 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. VAs own clinical guidelines advise VA physicians to encourage patients with low back pain to remain active, and that remaining active is more effective than resting in bed for patients with low back pain. 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. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. It all depends on how far along your DDD is and if the spinal fusion was done as surgery to fix it. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. This can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and wheezing when you breathe out, as well as shortness of breath. Another secondary condition that can develop is spinal stenosis. Let us prove to you that no one will work harder to win your case than Tucker Disability Law. It is determined in each case whether or not an extraschedular disability rating should be given. 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. With age or trauma, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, leaving the discs more prone to tearing or damage. 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. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. 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. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. You will need to provide medical evidence that your retrolisthesis meets the SSA's definition of severe and will . Review your medical records with a doctor familiar with VA law to get the best rating. The average VA rating for degenerative disc disease is 30%. Sciatic neuritis is not uncommonly caused by arthritis of the spine. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! hay fever). This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. #1. What is the Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating? Rhinitis also is present with the common cold, which is a temporary condition, so make sure to empahsize allergic rhinitis. 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. Degenerative Disc Disease is a painful spinal disorder caused by the steady degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which are the pads that cushion the bones in the vertebrae of your spine. 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. Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled. This occurs when your level of disability is beyond what the rating criteria typically reflects. 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 This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. 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. If that same veteran has limited ROM to rate for 10% in the low back and the cervical spine is this 10% or 20%, because 10% for low back and 10% for cervical ROM. If you have received a VA disability claim denial, the attorneys at Tucker Disability Law can step in to help you appeal your claim.