Va Rating For Degenerative Arthritis Of The Spine

Whichever will result in the highest evaluation is the method you will receive.

Va rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine. This rating schedule considers factors like range of motion when awarding a specific percent rating. If your doctor orders bedrest the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Check out our Spine Conditions Ratings page for the exact codes and ratings. Degenerative arthritis in the back is typically given a rating of 10-20 depending on how many other joints are affected.

Entitlement to an initial compensable rating a right foot bunion is remanded. The spine is rated by either ROM or incapacitating episodes. 1155 5107 2012. 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.

Because there are technically two diagnostic codes associated with one condition you would see the condition listed on rating decisions as 5242-5003. VA rates degenerative disc disease under 38 CFR 471a Schedule of Ratings Musculoskeletal System Diagnostic Code 5242. 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. Spine conditions are usually rated based upon how limited your back or neck range of motion is.

The VA official site states that 20 and 10 ratings mentioned above cannot be combined with ratings based on limitation of motion. The VA uses ankylosis in providing ratings for the following conditions. The VA uses the rules of the VASRD to rate spine conditions based on pain limited motion damage to the bones diseases like arthritis etc. 40- incapacitating episodes occur more than 3 times per year plus there is a notable decrease in health.

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. Otherwise the VA ratings for arthritis are as follows. 60- severe incapacitating episodes occur more than 6 times per year. The bad news is spinal injuries often receive lower disability ratings even though they are debilitating.

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. 20- if you experience less than 3 incapacitating episodes per year. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as Diagnostic Code 5003 which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. Can it qualify for VA disability.

5003 Arthritis degenerative hypertrophic or osteoarthritis. The VA requires that the examiner measure the maximal flexion and extension of the joints using a Geniometer. Back injuries are common after service in the military. 423 are rated as 70 percent disabling.

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. The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. VA Ratings for Arthritis. 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.

Important Information On Combined Ratings For The Degenerative Arthritis Condition. My back condition wasnt diagnosed until after I was discharged. 3102 43 47 421 440 445 459 471a Diagnostic Codes 5235-5242 5243 2018. The VA still uses this classification for most disabilities affecting the joints and for evaluation of degenerative joint disease of the spine.

VA ratings for Radiculopathy of the left lower and right lower extremities are typically rated under diagnostic code 8620. The VA generally rates DDD between 10 and 20 depending on the number of joints affected. Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim or a secondary service. Good Day to All.

The VA policy in this area includes a prohibition on combining ratings. From October 29 2013 the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent for service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis intervertebral disc syndrome IVDS and degenerative disc disease DDD have not been met. 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. 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.

The VA will classify degenerative disc disease as a musculoskeletal disorder of your spine. For example the specific code for degenerative arthritis of the spine is 5242. Technically the highest VA rating for a thoracolumbar spinal disability is 50 percent. So individuals with a low range of motion and other severe symptoms will receive a higher VA disability rating for DDD.

The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to rate musculoskeletal conditions which includes back conditions like degenerative arthritis.