Is degenerative disc disease a VA disability?

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease is currently rated as 40 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5242 (for rating degenerative arthritis of the spine) and the general rating formula for rating diseases and injuries of the spine.

How do you prove degenerative disc disease?

How is degenerative disc disease diagnosed? A diagnosis is based on a medical history and a physical examination, as well as the symptoms and the circumstances where the pain started. Magnetic resonance imaging can show damage to discs, but it alone cannot confirm degenerative disc disease.

Does degenerative disc disease fall under disability?

Degenerative Disc Disease, or DDD, is among the most common impairments for which the Social Security Administration (SSA) receives disability applications. While it is a qualifying disability under certain circumstances, proving your condition meets the SSA's duration and severity level requirements can be difficult.

Can degenerative disc disease be caused by military service?

Degenerative disc disease and/or degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was not incurred in or aggravated by service, cannot be presumed to have been so, and is not secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. 38 U.S.C.A. §§ 1110, 1112, 5102, 5103, 5103A, 5107 (West 2002 & Supp.

How does 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 VA generally rates degenerative disc disease between 10 and 20%, depending on the number of joints affected.

Most Common Back Pain VA Claims and Ratings Among Veterans

How much disability can I get for degenerative disc disease?

The rating for degenerative disc disease is usually 20%, independently of how severe your condition may be.

What type of disability is degenerative disc disease?

Under the new SSA listing, degenerative disc disease is categorized under 1.15, – Disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in compromise of a nerve root(s). The medical criteria that must be met are now different from the old SSA listing, which was 1.04 – Disorder of the spine.

Is degenerative disc disease permanent?

Will DDD go away? Unfortunately, DDD does not go away. Just like aging, once your discs begin to degenerate, you can't reverse the process. However, the pain caused by DDD can be treated.

What back conditions automatically qualify for disability?

What Back Conditions Qualify for Disability? The spine disorders that qualify for disability include herniated discs, nerve root compression, degenerative disc disease.

What is the VA rating for back pain?

What is the average VA disability rating for back pain? VA disability ratings for back pain can range from 10% to 100%, depending on the severity of the pain, the range of motion the veteran is left with, and the frequency of the pain.

How hard is it to get disability for back problems?

Back problems are one of the most common reasons people apply for Social Security disability benefits. However, getting approved for disability due to back pain is difficult because most back pain claims are based largely on pain.

What are the top 10 disabilities?

How many stages are there to degenerative disc disease?

The Four Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease

They can result in pain, degenerative scoliosis, and loss of mobility. These four stages are the Dysfunction Stage, the Dehydration Stage, the Stabilization Stage, and the Collapsing Stage.

What stage is moderate degenerative disc disease?

Stage 2: In this stage, you may witness increased postural changes as the degeneration is greater. It has been projected that by age 40, about 78% of men and women exhibit moderate disc degeneration. During this phase, a person is much more likely to feel intermittent aches and pains as well as tiredness.

What does pain from degenerative disc disease feel like?

Painful aches at the site of a damaged disc is the most common symptom of a degenerative disc. Pain may spread to the buttocks, groin, and upper thighs. This pain typically feels achy, dull, and can range from mild to severe. Occasional pain flare-ups.

What is the VA rating for degenerative arthritis?

Degenerative Arthritis (Diagnostic Code 5003)

Degenerative arthritis will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. VA requires that limitation of motion be confirmed by observations such as swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion.

How much VA disability will I get for arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis, as an active condition, may receive a 100% VA disability rating if you experience constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement and is totally incapacitating.

Can degenerative disc cause fatigue?

While symptoms vary, they generally include pain along the cervical spine, neck, lumbar spine, or lower back. The pain often radiates throughout the arms, buttocks, and extremities. Fatigue can increase with prolonged periods of sitting, standing or walking.

Is degenerative disc disease a form of arthritis?

Yes. The phrase "degenerative changes" in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Doctors may also refer to it as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease.

Is degenerative disc disease a pre existing condition?

When the MRI reveals degenerative disc changes, the doctors usually find that the wreck aggravated the pre-existing condition and made it symptomatic. As we age, our spines undergo a gradual but persistent process of degeneration.

What is the most approved disability?

1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.

What are 4 hidden disabilities?

What is the number one disability?

The most common disability type, mobility, affects 1 in 7 adults. With age, disability becomes more common, affecting about 2 in 5 adults age 65 and older.

Can you get disability for bulging discs?

If your herniated disc causes you continuous, long-lasting pain, then you may be eligible for monthly financial assistance through the Social Security disability benefits program. Herniated discs in the neck and back can qualify for benefits if your symptoms are severe enough.

What back and neck problems qualify for disability?

Among those neck problems that qualify for disability per the SSA guidelines are degenerative disc disease (DDD), herniated discs, arthritis, whiplash, cervical spondylolisthesis, cervical retrolistheses, pinched nerves, cervical lordosis, and cancer.