Your back can even go into an abnormal contour, which simply means its bending in ways it isnt supposed to. IVDS is one of the more difficult, while radiculopathy or ankylosis is easier. If youre still experiencing pain, that could warrant a higher disability rating. VA Disability Benefits for Spondylosis | CCK Law Medical records could also be included such as X-rays or MRIs. VA rates spinal fusion according to 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System (Diagnostic Code 5241) and the criteria is based largely on a veteran's range of motion. Applying for VA Benefits Years After Service: Is It Allowed? How to Protect Veterans From Financial Exploitation of Their VA Benefits April 26, 2023 Dear Chairman Tester and Ranking Member Moran, A veteran disabled in the service of our country Today,Brian Reesethe VA Claims Insider reveals and explains the 72 Best Federal Veteran Benefits from A to Z. HIRE THEM! These physical demands take their toll on the spine, and it is not uncommon for our veterans to find themselves dealing with back pain that hinders their quality of life. There is another level to VA disability if the veteran experiences secondary conditions. Several disabling back conditions can qualify a veteran for VA disability benefits. Disability rates for the 70% to 100% ratings differ a bit from the 30-60% ratings in how bonuses are allocated based on dependents. To start the Social Security disability application, you can go online at www.SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Your spinal discs are critical to the padding between your vertebrae. Theyll need to see evidence that the spinal fusion is caused by your back condition and is related to your service. The VA only gives a 50% rating if you have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. (cervical) part of the . His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. Yes, sort of. The difference is almost $2,700 per year! Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Foramen are the openings between discs. The Ultimate Guide to VA Disability Ratings for Neck Pain How to Get Disability for Spinal Fusion (Updated for 2023) Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones (vertebrae) that are separated by intervertebral discs. If youve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low ratingor youre unsure how to get startedreach out to us! It may take four to six weeks to get back to doing simple activities of daily living. Its no secret that many veterans suffer back pain from spinal injuries. There are a lot of other ailments that are classified under IVDS, and you may have better luck getting one of those service-connected instead of general IVDS. Additionally, they must keep you from working for at least 12 months. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation. The ratings range from 10% (minor afflictions) to 100% (significant impairment of the entire spine). If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide. VA disability ratings for back pain go from 10% to 100% depending on how severe your symptoms are, including your range of motion and pain frequency and level. If youre a veteran who has undergone spinal fusion surgery, you may wonder how the VA will determine your disability rating. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) is a back condition in which an intervertebral disc or disc fragments are displaced at any level of the spine: lumbar, cervical, or thoracic. Well look through your medical records to see any history that points to your back injury. These include degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs, among others. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim The VA will evaluate your condition based on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the extent of your disability, and your ability to perform daily activities. You may be owed compensation. The VA is required to give you the highest rating you deserve for your symptoms, so if a 50% Sacroiliac injury looks the same as a 30% rheumatoid arthritis claim, they are required to give you the 50%. VA disability ratings for spinal fusion determine the degree of spine movement possible without intolerable pain. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on October 15, 2019 by Neil Woods Last Updated on January 10, 2023. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). Does the veteran have localized tenderness, guarding or muscle spasm of the cervical spine? Youll bend forward and backward as well as side to side, and every measurement matters. The highest scheduler rating for severe neck pain is 100%, which means your entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. Click HERE for the C&P Examiners Guide to Spine Examinations. It can provide significant relief for the patient. Veterans are not awarded compensation for neck issues that were present at one time but have since healed or gone away. Does the veteran have radicular pain or any other signs or symptoms due to radiculopathy? You have nothing to risk except knowing that you had professionals working hard on your case. What is the history (including onset and course) of the veterans cervical spine condition? Neck pain refers to the top seven vertebrae of the cervical spine. The main determining factor is how much of a Range Of Motion (ROM) you have. Other Conditions That Come With Fused Vertebrae. In general, the more supporting evidence you can provide, the better. Lower to mid-back flexion is limited to between 30 and 60, and the range in your neck is 15-30. Common ailments that may necessitate spinal fusion include: Before understanding how VA ratings for spinal fusion work, you will first need to understand how to connect the spinal fusion to a service-related injury to be eligible for VA benefits. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine (T10 to L2). Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. We hope this guide has been helpful. It is common for secondary conditions to occur from orthopedic disabilities. What Does Your VA Disability Rating Mean? #9. Function: Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine. If youve been diagnosed with any of these conditions and your doctor has recommended spinal fusion surgery, you may be eligible for a VA disability rating. Call us and well send you self-addressed, postage-paid envelopes to send in your decision letters. Essentially, the more limited you are, the higher your rating will be. While not all of these are exclusive back pains, they can all point to conditions in the spine that would warrant a higher VA rating. Spinal fusion may help stabilize the spine after the removal of a damaged (herniated) disk. Similar to VA compensation for most other conditions, service connection requires three separate pieces of evidence. These synthetic substances help promote bone growth and speed the fusion of the vertebrae. Forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or. Asthma secondary to Depression. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine area. What Should I Expect at a C&P Exam for Neck Pain? Regardless of the cause, VA disability for neck pain is awarded to those injured while serving. Neck injuries can even be caused by sitting still for too long. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. This is Favorable or Unfavorable Ankylosis. This occurs when a veteran is unable to perform with the same strength and endurance as before the condition. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. Another common secondary disability is Radiculopathy secondary to Back and Neck Pain. Although its not always fast, sometimes it can spread within just a few months. Your spine may become unstable if theres abnormal (or excessive) motion between two vertebrae. Veterans are exposed to numerous events which can cause lasting neck injuries. When, after careful consideration of all evidence, a reasonable doubt arises regarding service origin, the degree of disability, or any other point, such doubt will be resolved in favor of the claimant. The VA rating for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine is 40%. Each of these veterans benefits have different eligibility criteria so be VA Disability Rating for Cervicalgia: Basic Eligibility Criteria. Does the veteran have imaging evidence of a cervical vertebral fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of height? This rating is a figure between 10% and 100%with a 100% rating being the worst possible determination that means that the individual has almost no capability to move any part of their spinal column. Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. This can all be amplified by long caravans on bumpy roads, carrying 100 pounds of the worlds lightest equipment every day. To establish service connection for spinal fusion, the VA requires the following three elements: Service connection can be granted for a disability resulting from an injury during service, an incident during service that aggravated an existing condition, or exposure to a known hazard during service. The combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or. Fused pieces or loose pieces of bone in your back can all affect your ability to twist around. This prevents pinched nerves, slipped discs, and other IVDS problems. They will then remove any damaged or diseased tissue between the vertebrae. Obtaining Cervicalgia VA Disability Ratings. The disability ratings for spinal diseases range from 10% for minor conditions to 100% for . Difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision, Restricted opening of the mouth and trouble chewing, Gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the, Dyspnea (shortness of breath) or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), Other neurological symptoms caused by nerve root stretching. This level can also have muscle spasms, muscle guarding, and pain without abnormal gait or curves. Twisting at the hips is also counted in your movement as part of your thoracolumbar spine. Your final VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease depends upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of symptoms, including Painful Motion, Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM), and Functional Loss or Impairment. Is Favorable Ankylosis Better than Unfavorable Ankylosis? How the VA Rates Spinal Fusions VA ratings for spinal fusion follow the same process as other spinal conditions and are based on the range of motion defined in 38 CFR 4.71a. The highest scheduler rating for neck pain is 100 percent, which means your entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. If you cannot work or earn a living due to your condition, you may be eligible for a 100% disability rating. 50. link) between the current, diagnosed back condition and the in-service event, injury, or illness. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. If you believe you deserve a higher rating than the VA has given you, you have the right to appeal their decision. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Independent providers and C&P examiners must consider and give weight to the veterans self-reported symptoms when completing their physical evaluations and DBQ for Neck Conditions. Successful spinal fusion results in the stoppage of motion at these places with the potential use of plates, rods, and screws, providing the patient with stability and back pain relief. In this guide, well explore how to get a Cervicalgia VA Rating (Neck Pain) even if youve already filed or been denied VA benefits in the past. This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. But if you cant bend over the normal 90 or bend back the normal 30, you are already getting close to that 120 total. Additionally, this disability classification requires evidence of muscle spasms or guarding severe enough to cause impaired gait or an abnormal contour of the spine. The good news is that the VA has a very specific process for evaluating Veterans who have had this type of surgery. Lumbosacral, Cervical Strain, or Cervicalgia are the medical terms used to describe Neck Pain.. Does the veteran have muscle atrophy? This report should detail what kind of procedure was performed, what level(s) of the spine was involved, and any complications that occurred during or after the surgery. The veteran continues to prove service connection by submitting evidence that proves their neck pain interferes with their daily life. Foraminal Stenosis This is a form of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) that involves the tightening of foramen between bones in the spine. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. If you add in the rest of your back, so that your entire back is fused in an unfavorable position, youll be eligible for 100%. Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or. Learn what youve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation youve earned for your service. VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease Explained (The We advocate for the disabled. VA Ratings for Spondylosis. Yes, many veterans suffer from service connected neck and shoulder conditions, which can affect your back, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. The combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or. The quick and intense movement can traumatize the surrounding muscles and tendons, resulting in cervical strain. Contact Us Getting Disability for Cervical Neck Fusion You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits for your cervical neck fusion or impairments. This Firm is So Good at what they do! Spinal fusion can be used to restore spinal stability. Range of motion and functional limitations will be evaluated. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. Does the veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a cervical spine condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)? VA Disability for Spinal Fusion - Vet Pro Tip:In accordance with the Painful Motion principle, if you have pain upon flexion or extension of your neck or shoulder, the VA is required to award the minimum compensable rating for the condition, which is 10%. However, if you can work or perform some daily activities, the VA will assign a disability rating based on how severely your condition impacts your ability to function, according to the rating criteria. Does the veteran have a diagnosis of a neck condition? Those symptoms can also point to diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, or arthritis, so youll need some X-Rays and CT scans on your back to see what is going on in there. 100+ Most Common VA Disability List of Secondary Conditions (2022) Anxiety secondary to Tinnitus. Combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or. The problem is when this happens just by walking, sitting, or moving around normally. The more educated and prepared you are with your claim and getting the right evidence to submit a fully developed claim, the better your chances of getting the benefits you deserve. The surgery begins with the surgeon making an incision in the patients back. Veteran with child only (no spouse or parents). Back Pain VA Rating: A Guide to Spinal Injuries - Hill & Ponton, P.A. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The #1 best way to increase your VA disability rating for neck and shoulder pain is to have objective medical evidence (X-Ray or MRI results) to show your symptoms have worsened over time. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. VA ratings for neck pain require an accurate Range of Motion (ROM) test of the flexion extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the head. Yes! Combat and deployment do not factor into this decision, so even car wrecks that happen on leave are considered viable. They must cause problems doing normal activities. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. If you are a veteran with a spinal fusion, you may wonder if you can get a service connection for your disability. Sometimes a veteran will not receive a 100% VA disability rating due to diagnostic criteria, but the conditions they have will prevent them from working. You always have other options. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. Asthma secondary to Allergies. The good news is that veterans with spinal fusions may qualify for a VA disability rating for spinal fusion. These secondary conditions can be claimed for additional benefits if the veteran is able to prove that they resulted from the primary condition. Its imperative to understand these ratings as they determine the benefits you are entitled to. Well address that elsewhere, but for the purposes of this article, well focus only on the back. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. yet assertive representation for our clients. They are very knowledgeable. . Hill & Ponton P.A. These cervical bone spurs can cause neck pain and weakness in the shoulders and arms. You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.WE CAN HELP. Share with: Link: Copy link. The Back and Spine - Military Disability Made Easy A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. Other Conditions That Come With Fused Vertebrae The range is determined based on forward, backward, left, and right angles of movement. It may take six months to a year to fully recover from the surgery. Sometimes neck injuries do not cause a problem at the time of the incident. If youve had a spinal fusion, you may wonder if youre eligible for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or. You can enlist the help of an attorney or disability advocate. At VA Claims Insider, were here to walk you through everything you need to know, including how to file your VA claims. You have virtually no range of motion. When you hurt or feel numb, tell your doctor that youve reached the limit. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim. Although this benefits some veterans, it also increases the amount of evidence required to link the pain to the in-service event.
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