It can affect one side or the other, and be different levels on both sides. What Is My VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? In addition to longer spinous processes, rib attachments add the cervical or lumbar regions. The final determining factor on if the extraschedular rating is necessary is determined by the Director of Compensation Service or the VA Undersecretary for Benefits. VA then assigns a rating based on the levels of functioning and severity, and the affected nerve group. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? The sacrum is the region of the back that connects to your hips and pelvis. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. These includethe following: These happen if a disc ruptures. A higher rating than those currently assigned is only Different groups will have different diagnostic codes. If you want a permanent disability rating for your joint pain, youll need a diagnosis and a clear measurement of your range of motion. Each of these veterans benefits have different eligibility criteria so be What is Radiculopathy for VA Disability Rating Purposes? These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. The call and the advice we give you on that call are all free. Medical diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records) #2. Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? What You Need to Know about Military Related DDD, Conditions Related to Degenerative Disc Disease, How Degenerative Disc Disease is Rated for Military Disability Benefits, The Secondary Service Connection and Degenerative Disc Disease, Requirements for a 100% Disability Rating. When it comes to your C&P Exam, you dont want to tough it out. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Complete paralysis of the upper radicular group, with all Some veterans may not even realize that their DDD has been service rated. the neck (cervical spine). These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Call today. For rating purposes, the VA is required to use whichever scale yields the highest combined rating for the veteran when their disabilities are evaluated together. The last lumbar vertebra (L5) articulates (moves) with the It should include related factors that interfere with regular employment and frequent time spent in the hospital. This region consists of seven vertebrae, which are 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). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. You can download the questionnaire right here to see what kind of questions they are going to ask about your back. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. to diagnose radiculopathy: Many veterans suffer from various service connected back conditions, This condition is commonly caused byback conditionssuch as herniated discs, stenosis, and bone spurs. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. substantially less than the type picture for complete paralysis given with each Click the button below to start for FREE. The symptoms and location can vary, and the particular area and nerve affected can impact a veterans VA disability rating for radiculopathy. Secondary conditions are rated in the same manner as primary service-connected conditions, using the same rating schedules. The initial ratings for the Veteran's upper extremity radiculopathy are part and parcel of his claim for an increased initial rating for his cervical spine disability and are, thus, properly before the Board. These make it impractical for a regular schedular rating to be assigned. These are the parts of the spine that experience the most strain and motion over a persons lifetime. The sciatic nerve is rated under diagnostic codes 8520, 8620, and 8720. The diagnostic code used to rate a veterans radiculopathy depends on which of the veterans nerves are impacted and their level of functioning. Bone spurs are areas of extra bone growth and they can form In addition, the rib cage and ligament systems limit the Others develop a more serious condition DDD (degenerative disc disease), which is a lifelong condition that has the potential to cause significant disability. If you experience any pain in the movement, or if those moves cause your arms or hands to go numb or burn, tell the doctor. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. connected, to include Radiculopathy. To be eligible for VA benefits, veterans must have a doctor confirm that they have the condition and that it is causing them problems. This condition causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their proper cushioning, fragment, and herniate. Grab your free copy of "The Veteran Benefits Bible" right now. shoulder and elbow movements lost or severely affected and hand and wrist When radiculopathy occurs in the lower back, it is known as The VA will classify degenerative disc disease as a musculoskeletal disorder of your spine. Aggravation ratings work slightly differently than primary and secondary service connection ratings, depending on the initial severity of the condition compared to the present level of severity. disabling. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Ambassadors having gone through our programs. Radiculopathy VA Disability Ratings and Benefits, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. The final determination on whether an extraschedular rating is warranted must be made by the VA Undersecretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation Service. All Rights Reserved. Thank. Lumbar is the region of your lower back all the way down to your tailbone. Otherwise, VA should not rely on it for adjudication purposes. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Thoracic radiculopathy refers to a compressed nerve root in Youll need evidence of trouble at work if you want to move this claim closer to a 100% TDIU rating. With determining a disability rating based on the severity of your symptoms, the VA has to consider the functional loss and the anatomical damage present. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. -Degenerative disc disease-Foraminal stenosis/central stenosis-Intervertebral disc syndrome-Radiculopathy (often occurs as a secondary condition to another impairment) . When assigning a rating for radiculopathy, the VA will take into account which nerve is affected, as well as whether the radiculopathy affects the dominant hand or leg and the severity of the symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, sensory . Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. 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. degenerative conditions. You bend side to side and then rotate at the hips for the final measurements. (b) Complete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) and consequent, footdrop, accompanied by characteristic organic changes including trophic and circulatory disturbances and other concomitants confirmatory of complete paralysis of this nerve, will be taken as loss of use of the foot. 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. Someveterans and active duty militarymembers suffer from spinal or back pain after being discharged or while still serving. If your degenerative disc disease develops over time, you can file a claim for secondary service connection when necessary. The examiner will also often ask about the pain levels associated with your condition and what symptoms you experience. turn. At this point, the examiner is going to assign a rating based on the assessment from the doctor along with other evidence that supports the application. Military service puts a lot of stress on your body. Given that radiculopathy is commonly caused by back conditions, it is typically service-connected on a secondary basis. If there is a big bad disability that will get you more money per month, youd want that instead. pinched disc or sciatica) Bulging Disc Spinal Fusion Stenosis Peripheral Neuropathy While not all of these are exclusive back pains, they can all point to conditions in the spine that would warrant a higher VA rating. You may be owed compensation. There are several conditions that are related to degenerative disc disease you should know about. If you are unable to work because of Degenerative Disc Disease, you should talk to our case-workers about TDIU benefits. It gives the same amount as a 100% rating, but does not require the full 100%. Another possible cause of radiculopathy that may lead to For example, if you blew out your knee and that causes you to favor one side when you are walking, you may have an altered or abnormal gait. These vertebrae protect the brain stem and the spinal cord, These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Right & Left Upper Extremity Radiculopathy [DENIED], Degenerative Disc Disease of Cervical Spine & Lumbar Spine [DENIED], Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy [GRANTED] Citation Nr: 18900004 - VAClaims.org ~ A Non-Profit Non Governmental Agency To receive the extraschedular disability rating, there are certain requirements that must be met. However, consider your time in service. Your flexion for the thoracic and lumbar areas are grouped together into the Thoracolumbar tests. If your degenerative disc disease is severe enough, the ultimategoal is to receive a 100% disability rating. Degenerative disc disease is often accompanied by varying levels of pain. A veterans VA disability rating for Radiculopathy depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms, meaning the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating for Radiculopathy. thoracic spines range of motion and protect many vital organs. The spine consists of four (4) primary regions from your The bad news is, spinal injuries often receive lower disability ratings even though they are debilitating. The pinched nerve can occur at different areas along the spine (cervical, thoracic or lumbar). Youll also need to show that your disabilities prevent you from getting or keeping a job. The neck region of the spine is known as the Cervical Spine. the Atlas. A preexisting condition is presumed aggravated if the condition: A veteran does not need to show that a certain incident during service aggravated the disabilityonly that it became worse during service. >> Click

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