Va Rating For Degenerative Arthritis Of The Cervical Spine

For example the specific code for degenerative arthritis of the spine is 5242.

Va rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. 8510 8511 8512 Paralysis of Upper Middle and Lower Radicular Groups. The diagnosis of CDD or OA of the Cervical Spine requires the presence of symptoms eg neck pain radicular symptoms. The rating systems used for arthritis of the spine is the second most common rating system for spine conditions. The diagnosis of Cervical Disc Disease CDD or Osteoarthritis OA of the Cervical Spine cannot be made on the basis of degenerative changes on imaging studies alone eg X-ray CT or MRI.

The Veteran has current cervical spine disability diagnosed as cervical spondylosis arthritis and cervical degenerative disc disease and competent probative medical evidence on the question of whether the Veterans cervical spine disability is related to service is at least in relative equipoise. This rating schedule considers factors like range of motion when awarding a specific percent rating. 20 forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees. The Back and Spine Overview.

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. This article will only focus on the portion of that formula that relates to the thoracolumbar spine. The Musculoskeletal System is vast and. Degenerative arthritis in the back is typically given a rating of 10-20 depending on how many other joints are affected.

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. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. How the VA Decides Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease.

Depending on what joint is affected there will be an identifying diagnostic code assigned to the condition. Degenerative arthritis of the back is the accelerated wear and tear of the spine due to service-related activities or injuries. The VA generally rates DDD between 10 and 20 depending on the number of joints affected. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to rate musculoskeletal conditions which includes back conditions like degenerative arthritis.

Arthritis degenerative hypertrophic or osteoarthritis. 30 Mild. The VA has a separate rating system for these conditions. If degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray findings the veterans condition will be rated based on limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved.

The VA classifies degenerative disc disease as a musculoskeletal disorder of the spine. That formula actually covers both the cervical and thoracolumbar parts of the spine. Finally it is also possible to get benefits for osteoarthritis in the back. 40 Moderate.

Cervical Spondylosis VA Ratings Cervical spondylosis also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis is a serious medical condition for many veterans. Some of the conditions included in this category are degenerative arthritis traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Or forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees. But in cases where the limitation of motion of the specific joint or.

All shoulder and elbow movements lost or severely affected hand and wrist movements not affected. Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less. However the VA still rates degenerative arthritis of the spine under the criteria listed for diagnostic code 5003. VA Rating for Cervical Radiculopathy.

The VA awards disability compensation for each Back and Spine condition that is service-connectedThe DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for DutyFor Reservists the condition must have occurred in or resulted from an injury in the Line of Duty to qualify. FINDING OF FACT The Veterans degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is a chronic disability presumed to be related to her active duty service. Or the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees. Or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal spine contour such as scoliosis reversed.

Entitlement to an initial compensable rating a right foot bunion is remanded. As your age your joints wear out. A lawyer can help you gather the documentation you need to get a fair rating. The thing is it is an official medical term for getting older.

If your doctor orders bedrest the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as Diagnostic Code 5003 which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. Getting the appropriate disability rating to reflect the severity of your condition is essential. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same.

Or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine30 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. This relatively new classification allows a rating of 60 which enables the Veteran to file for unemployability.