Va Disability Rating For Bulging Disc In Back

The reason for this low rating is based on the history of disability rating.

Va disability rating for bulging disc in back. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as Diagnostic Code 5003 which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. If you go to a CP examination for your herniated disc the doctor will likely have you bend or twist in multiple directions to determine how limited your range of motion is. So individuals with a low range of motion and other severe symptoms will receive a higher VA disability rating for DDD. VA Disability Rating for Bulging Disc.

However be aware that these VA disability percentages for a bulging disc are subject to VA math. VA rates degenerative disc disease under 38 CFR 471a Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System Diagnostic Code 5242. It is thus surprising that Veterans receive disability ratings of 10 to 20 for back injury but receive much higher ratings and unemployability for conditions like depression or cardiac disease. The highest possible VA disability rating for Radiculopathy across all radicular groups with complete paralysis is 90.

According to the VA flexibility must be fairly limited to even get a 20 percent disability rating. 60 with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months. While the VA diagnostic code has a maximum rating of 50 it is possible to get a greater rating if you can prove how your spinal condition limits your function and your life. In 2020 VA ratings for Radiculopathy typically range from 0 to 70 depending upon the severity of your symptoms.

Meaning that if you are significantly limited in your ability to bend at the waist you might qualify for the 20 percent rating. Disability Benefits for a Herniated or Bulging Disc. Technically the highest VA rating for a thoracolumbar spinal disability is 50 percent. If the forward flexion of your lumbar spine is between 30-60 degrees however you could see a rating of just 20 percent.

Spinal surgery can also repair some herniated discs. In order to qualify for disability benefits due to disc bulge there should be diagnostic records suggesting disc bulge is resulting in compromise of the nerve root or the spinal cord along with evidence of neuro-anatomic distribution of pain limited of motion of spine motor loss associated with muscle weakness and positive straight leg raise test in case of low back pain. As with most medical conditions the VA disability rating for back pain depends on a variety of factors. This guide will break down how the VA rates back pain and spinal disabilities so you can take the first steps toward making a claim.

Understanding Back Pain VA Ratings. This will be determined on whether there is forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees. First to be considered for Social Security disability benefits your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least one year. Depending on how many incapacitating episodes occurred within a one-year time frame the VA may give you a disability rating for IVDS ranging from 10 to 60.

Back injuries are a common complaint after military service. Rather according to the VAs calculations you would be entitled to 50 disability for two 30 ratings. The VA generally rates DDD between 10 and 20 depending on the number of joints affected. For Reservists the condition must have occurred in or resulted from an injury in the Line of Duty to qualify.

Disability Benefits for Herniated or Bulging Discs. For spinal injury ratings your range of motion is taken into consideration. People with a herniated or bulging disc often suffer from debilitating pain in the back and hips either temporarily or chronically. This severe condition causes many Veterans to be unable to work.

For example if you have forward flexion of the lumbar spine at 30 degrees or less your spine condition will be rated at 40 percent. How the VA Decides Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease The VA classifies degenerative disc disease as a musculoskeletal disorder of the spine. To qualify for a 50 percent rating a veteran would need to have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine Because of that qualifying for a 50 percent rating for a thoracolumbar spine disability is very difficult. The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty.

This means that a 30 rating for a lumbar disc and a 30 rating for a cervical disc will not result in 60 disability. Unfortunately spinal injuries tend to receive low disability ratings despite the fact that they can be quite debilitating. The VA awards disability compensation for each Back and Spine condition that is service-connected. However a VA rating for Sciatica can range from 10 to 80 depending upon the severity of symptoms.

While the VA often uses range of motion testing to give a disability rating for bulging discs your condition may instead be evaluated under the diagnostic code for intervertebral disc syndrome IBS if certain criteria are met. A herniated disc also known as a bulging disc ruptured disc or slipped disc is when one of the rubbery discs located in-between the vertebrae that are designed to absorb shock and allow flexibility of the spine becomes damaged by bulging or breaking open. About Herniated and Bulging Discs. In severe cases a bulging disc can cause muscle weakness loss of reflexes and numbness and tingling.