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.

What is the average VA rating for lower back pain?

VA generally rates low back pain as follows: ”100% – unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. 50% – unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

What type of back problems qualify for VA disability?

VA claims for a back condition

Common back conditions include spinal stenosis, a cervical strain, segmental instability, a vertebral fracture, or ankylosing spondylitis. Some of these disabilities are injuries, while others are degenerative conditions, but they can all receive a medical diagnosis from your doctor.

Is chronic back pain a VA disability?

This is because the VA does not have a specific diagnostic code for chronic pain. So, veterans don't receive a VA disability rating for chronic pain specifically. In order to receive VA disability compensation for chronic pain, the symptoms caused by the chronic pain disorder must be ratable.

How does the VA check for back pain?

VA will determine the severity of a veteran's back condition based on the range of motion measurements provided by the examiner. However, the C&P examiner should also take into account the functional loss caused by the veteran's back condition, as evidenced by pain during motion.

VA Disability Rating for Lower Back Pain

What should you not say at C&P exam?

Don't Lie or Stretch the Truth. This is a big one. Don't ever lie or stretch the truth when it comes to your VA disability claim. At your C&P exam, you should think, look, act, and speak as you would on a normal day.

How much is back disability?

The average individual with back pain who has health insurance pays out anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 per year for treatment.

What is the VA rating for bulging disc?

40% – with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months. 20% – with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months.

What is the average VA rating for 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.

What are the easiest things to claim for VA disability?

How does the VA rate lumbar strain?

VA rates lumbosacral and cervical strain under Diagnostic Code 5237, with ratings ranging from 10 to 100 percent. The ratings from 10 to 40 are based, at least in part, on forward flexion and range of motion. The ratings from 50 to 100 percent are based on the amount of unfavorable ankyloses present.

How do you get service connected for back pain?

Documentation of an explosion, exposure to enemy fire, or even the date when you first complained of the pain to a medic or doctor can establish an event in service which may lead to qualifying for entitlement to service connection. Follow-up care in the VA after discharge can also help prove this connection.

What is the VA rating for arthritis?

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.

Is it hard to get disability for degenerative disc disease?

While the neck or back pain that DDD causes can make life miserable and can make it very difficult to continue working, it's not easy to get disability benefits for the condition, especially for individuals younger than fifty (and particularly for individuals under the age of forty).

What is the VA rating for nerve damage?

All VA ratings for peripheral neuropathy range from between 10% and 40% maximum. Ratings are determined based on the severity of the Veteran's displayed and recorded symptoms. However, a Veteran may be entitled to a maximum rating of 40% disability benefits for each extremity affected.

Can you claim herniated discs as a disability?

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.

How does the VA calculate back pay?

The amount of VA disability back pay you're owed is based on your VA disability rating and the number of months between the effective date of your rating and the VA's decision to award you a rating or increase your rating. Usually, the higher your VA rating, the more back pay you'll receive.

What is a favorable C&P exam?

An accurate and complete mental health C&P examination should take a minimum of 30 minutes, with some initial exams lasting 2-3 hours. A non-mental health exam could take 15 minutes or so and still be adequate for rating purposes.

Can you fail a C&P exam?

One of the most important things to remember about a C&P Exams is that they're mandatory. If you fail to attend a C&P Exams, the VA will likely deny your claim. However, if you can't make it to an exam and let the VA know in advance, they can often reschedule you for a better time.

How do I know if my C&P went well?

The best, and often only, way to tell if a C&P exam went well for the veteran is to read the exam report. However, VA does not issue the veteran a copy of the report unless they specifically request it. To do this, veterans can send a letter requesting a copy of their exam report to their Regional Office.

How Much Does VA pay for joint pain?

Under the VA rating schedule, there is a standard 20% disability rating if there is x-ray evidence of involvement of two or more major joints, or minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations.

How does the VA rate back arthritis?

Arthritis of the back 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 limitations of motion be confirmed by observations such as swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion.

Is degenerative arthritis a permanent VA disability?

Both rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis are considered chronic diseases that are subject to presumptive service connection. Veterans may receive a 10% VA disability rating if arthritic symptoms appear within one year of service discharge.

Can you get VA disability for bulging disc in back?

If you developed a bulging disc due to your time in the military, you're entitled to disability compensation. If you suffered an injury in service that led to your spinal problems, you can receive bulging disc VA disability compensation.

How do I pass the VA C&P exam?