Va Rating Degenerative Arthritis Of The Spine

Degenerative arthritis established by X-ray findings will be rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved DC 5200 etc.

Va rating degenerative arthritis of the spine. How the VA Decides Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease The VA classifies degenerative disc disease as a musculoskeletal disorder of the spine. The VA generally rates DDD between 10 and 20 depending on the number of joints affected. Entitlement to an initial compensable rating a right foot bunion is remanded. Whichever will result in the highest evaluation is the method you will receive.

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. 20- if you experience less than 3 incapacitating episodes per year. VA Ratings for Arthritis. Degenerative arthritis in the back is typically given a rating of 10-20 depending on how many other joints are affected.

This is the official guide from the VA about measurements of normal Range of Motion ROM for the cervical spine area which includes the neck. 40- incapacitating episodes occur more than 3 times per year plus there is a notable decrease in health. Conditions of the Back and Spine. 5003 Arthritis degenerative hypertrophic or osteoarthritis.

Degenerative joint disease of the spine is one of the most common claims made by Veterans for service-connected disability. For example the specific code for degenerative arthritis of the spine is 5242. Back injuries are common after service in the military. If the VA Rater has been provided a claim with MRIX-Ray evidence of Degenerative Arthritis Osteoarthritis of the knees for example is a CP Exam for range of motion still required or can the rater assign a rating of 10 or 20 percent without a CP Exam.

For instance my spine is rated at 60 for IVDS incapacitating episodes They rolled my sciatica arthritis and other issues into that rating to achieve the 60. The VA will classify degenerative disc disease as a musculoskeletal disorder of your spine. Technically the highest VA rating for a thoracolumbar spinal disability is 50 percent. The present VA ratings assigned for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities when combined See 38 CFR.

Back injuries are a common complaint after military service. The bad news is spinal injuries often receive lower disability ratings even though they are debilitating. The Department of Veterans Affairs says of this condition that when established via X-rays the VA disability rating will be made on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved. 423 are rated as 70 percent disabling.

Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. To receive a 20 percent rating for arthritis of the back X-ray evidence must show that two or more major joints or two or more groups of minor joints have degenerative arthritis of the back and produce occasional incapacitating episodes. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as Diagnostic Code 5003 which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. The spine is rated by either ROM or incapacitating episodes.

Arthritis of the Spine. This rating schedule considers factors like range of motion when awarding a specific percent rating. To be rated at 10 percent for arthritis of the spine veterans must have X-ray evidence revealing two or more major joints or two or more groups of minor joints are afflicted by degenerative arthritis of the back. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating.

The Sacroiliac and Lumbosacral Joints. If your doctor orders bedrest the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Depending on what joint is affected there will be an identifying diagnostic code assigned to the condition. VA rates degenerative disc disease under 38 CFR 471a Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System Diagnostic Code 5242.

Spinal Conditions rated on the General Rating Formula. 60- severe incapacitating episodes occur more than 6 times per year. Otherwise the VA ratings for arthritis are as follows. However the VA still rates degenerative arthritis of the spine under the criteria listed for diagnostic code 5003.

The VASRD offers a General Rating Formula for the majority of conditions of the Spine that is based primarily on limited motion of the Spine. VA ratings for Radiculopathy of the left lower and right lower extremities are typically rated under diagnostic code 8620. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to rate musculoskeletal conditions which includes back conditions like degenerative arthritis. Good Day to All.

So individuals with a low range of motion and other severe symptoms will receive a higher VA disability rating for DDD. Unfortunately spinal injuries tend to receive low disability ratings despite the fact that they can be quite debilitating. That is because back injury is so common during military service. It is possible to receive a 100 compensation rating from the VA for arthritis in the back if you are completely incapacitated and stuck in bed.