Va Disability Rating For Bulging Disc In Lower Back

VA Disability Rating for Bulging Disc.

Va disability rating for bulging disc in lower back. The Back and Spine Overview. Many herniated or bulging discs either resolve themselves within a year or are repaired by surgery such as spinal fusion or laminectomy or discectomy so this requirement can be tough to meet. The highest possible VA disability rating for Radiculopathy across all radicular groups with complete paralysis is 90. 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.

Therefore during the flare-up the veterans spinal fusion becomes much more disabling than 10 percent. VA rates degenerative disc disease under 38 CFR 471a Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System Diagnostic Code 5242. VA disability for mechanical back pain can be due to a loss of flexibility caused by wear on the back and is often a type of arthritis called osteoarthritis. The inability to keep gainful employment.

When the disability arises from degenerated bulging or herniated discs the VA will apply its rating criteria for both general spine injuries and IVDS. Generally VA disability ratings for back pain range from 10 to 100 and depend upon the frequency severity and duration of symptoms including Painful Motion Limitation of Range of Motion ROM and Functional Loss or Impairment. VA rates lumbosacral and cervical strain under Diagnostic Code 5237 with ratings ranging from 10 to 100 percent. However when experiencing a flare-up the veteran is unable to bend forward more than 30 degrees.

Back injuries are one of the most common injuries Veterans face. Meaning that if you are significantly limited in your ability to bend at the waist you might qualify for the 20 percent rating. VA disability ratings for degenerative disc disease can be directly related to mechanical back pain. The reason for this low rating is based on the history of disability rating.

This will be determined on whether there is forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees. 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. The ratings from 10 to 40 are based at least in part on forward flexion and range of motion. 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.

Have a minimum of one service-connected disability with a 60 rating. 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. On most days the veteran is unable to bend forward more than 60 degrees. 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.

However a VA rating for Sciatica can range from 10 to 80 depending upon the severity of symptoms. Bulging discs are rated based on the number of incapacitating episodes that have occurred due to the disability. Disability Benefits for Herniated or Bulging Discs First to be considered for Social Security disability benefits your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least one year. 60 with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months.

This severe condition causes many Veterans to be unable to work. It is important to note that for bulging disc VA may also consider an evaluation under intervertebral disc syndrome if the veteran meets the criteria outlined below. The Musculoskeletal System is vast and. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as Diagnostic Code 5003 which is used to rate degenerative arthritis.

Technically the highest VA rating for a thoracolumbar spinal disability is 50 percent. Have two or more service-connected disabilities with one having an individual rating of 40 and a combined rating of 70 or more. For example a veteran is receiving a 10 percent disability rating. 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.

The ratings from 50 to 100 percent are based on the amount of unfavorable ankyloses present. If you developed a herniated disc while in service or exacerbated your injury while in the military you are entitled to herniated disc VA disability compensation. However back injuries especially any injury to the spine can be very seriousHerniated discs are a prevalent type of spinal injury. According to the VA flexibility must be fairly limited to even get a 20 percent disability rating.

To receive a VA disability rating for a bulging disc you need both a diagnosis of a deformed disc and medical testing to establish the severity of the disc problem. 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.