#13. If yes, is degenerative or post-traumatic arthritis documented? Flexion is how they add up your degrees of movement, as you can see in the diagram below. I have SC for degenerative disc disease in my cervical and lumbar spine, rated at 20% each. For example, the following Diagnostic Codes (DC) from 38 CFR, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities apply: These six neck and back conditions can often lead to pinched or damaged nerve roots, which can cause significant pain known as Radiculopathy. Spinal fusion is when two or more vertebrae in the spine are fused together as a surgical technique. After all these assessments, the test practitioner will send VA an opinion about whether or not they believe your condition is related to your time in the military. Although cervical spondylosis is just a term to explain aging, if it happens faster than its supposed to, you may be eligible for VA compensation. You always have other options. In general, the more supporting evidence you can provide, the better. The goal of the surgery is to stabilize the spine and relieve pain. Spinal weakness or instability. VA disability will not be awarded to those who cannot prove they have long-lasting or recurring issues. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine (T10 to L2). A Goniometer should be used at your C&P exam to measure Range of Motion (ROM) of your spine; each measurement is rounded to the nearest five degrees. See a doctor familiar with VA disability to explore your symptoms more fully. Spinal fusion can be used to restore spinal stability. Ankylosis is what this is called when the bones do it themselves. This means your mid and upper back is frozen in an unfavorable position. When the discs between your vertebrae wear out and cause all of these problems, sometimes a surgeon will fuse two or more of your vertebrae together. Spinal Cord Injuries These are very serious injuries that can result in a loss of motion or feeling in the body. 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. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Doctors are currently disagreeing about bed rest and IVDS, but here is how the VA rates those times you are put flat on your back from IVDS pain. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? This prevents pinched nerves, slipped discs, and other IVDS problems. Cervicalgia (Neck Pain) with or without symptoms such as radiating pain, stiffness, or aching around the spine affected by residuals of injury or disease to the neck and shoulder: Unfavorable ankylosis is a condition in which the entire cervical spine (neck), the entire thoracolumbar spine (mid to upper back), or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following symptoms: Pro Tip: The thoracolumbar and cervical spine segments are evaluated separately, except when there is unfavorable ankylosis of both segments, which will be rated as a single disability. General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuiries of the Spine. The Ultimate Guide to VA Disability Ratings for Neck Pain For a 20% VA Disability rating, you have to have less than 120 degrees of combined flexion in your thoracolumbar spine. Combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or. Spinal stenosis (diagnostic code 5238): Spinal stenosis is when the spaces in the spine are narrowed and . That means, depending on your pain and other symptoms, you can have full movement without rotation in your lower back and still be eligible for a 10% VA rating. Once they have your records, a doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 #21. However, you must show that your symptoms are severe. Pain in the neckor cervicalgiais recognized by VA as a disability that should be compensated if caused by military service. Neck muscles can become strained from poor posture, carrying heavy things, military training exercises, high-intensity physical training, deployments, or long hours hunched over a computer. Your final rating for spinal conditions (neck, upper back, mid back, lower back) depends upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of symptoms to include Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM) and Painful Motion. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. In this article, well explain how the VA rates spinal fusion surgery for disability benefits and what you need to do to apply. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! If there is no diagnosis, a veteran will still need to show VA that connection. VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Stenosis - Hill & Ponton, P.A. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 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. Youll be measured at your C&P exam to see how much you can bend at the waist and at the neck. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts.

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