Va Rating Degenerative Disc Disease

VA disability ratings for back pain range dramatically depending upon the area of the back injury and the severityThe higher the rating the greater the amount of compensation.

Va rating degenerative disc disease. 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 common after service in the military. Some develop degenerative disc disease DDD a painful and lifelong condition that can lead to significant disability. To increase a degenerative disc disease VA rating its essential to consider the secondary conditions that arose as a result of the degenerative disc disease.

Paraplegia and quadriplegia due to a spinal cord injury or disorder are rated in terms of the loss of function and their effect on the veterans ability to earn a living wage. An initial disability rating greater than 10 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome of the sciatic nerve S1 left lower extremity is denied. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. VA rates degenerative disc disease under 38 CFR 471a Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System Diagnostic Code 5242.

The rules of the VAs Schedule for Rating Disabilities VASRD are used to assign rating percentages to conditions. Functional loss may be due to deformity improper nerve function defective innervation adhesions atrophy or pain. VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is.

The VA will classify degenerative disc disease as a musculoskeletal disorder of your spine. The VASRD gives rating rules for conditions based on their symptoms treatment options and the resulting level of disability they cause. Degenerative Disc Disease VA Disability Rating Military service can place an incredible amount of stress on the body. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as Diagnostic Code 5003 which is used to rate degenerative arthritis.

How does the VA Rate Degenerative Disc Disease. So individuals with a low range of motion and other severe symptoms will receive a higher VA disability rating for DDD. The bad news is spinal injuries often receive lower disability ratings even though they are debilitating. If your doctor orders bedrest the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating.

Applying for benefits and receiving them can be aggravating but well worth the effort. This rating schedule considers factors like range of motion when awarding a specific percent rating. The VA rating for degenerative disc disease typically is 20 despite how much pain the condition may cause. When I retired in 1999 I claimed back issues and VA rated me at 0 but service connected for Degenerative Joint Disease and Lumbar Spine.

My back conditions have worsened. And continuous worsening of my condition I had a one level Spinal Fusion at L-5S-1 and double Laminectomy at L-4. Disability due to diseases such as arthritis degenerative joint or disc disease or osteoporosis that were incurred in or are the result of military service may be compensated as well. How Degenerative Disc Disease is Rated for Military Disability Benefits.

How do I increase my rating percentages. In 2010 due to back pain sciatica etc. When a Veterans advocate sees a rating for degenerative joint disease of the spine he should first make sure that the rating was not based on the rating code listed above but rather on the rating for intervertebral disc syndrome IVDS 5293. Veterans often suffer from back and spinal pain after discharge.

There was evidence of treatment in my medical files.