This guide covers everything you need to know about Bulging Disc VA disability rating, including eligibility, the VA’s rating criteria, and tips for filing a strong claim.
Bulging discs are a common condition that can significantly impact veterans’ quality of life, causing chronic pain and mobility issues. For veterans whose bulging disc is connected to military service, the VA offers disability compensation based on the severity of symptoms.
Understanding a Bulging Disc and Its Impact on Veterans
A bulging disc occurs when a spinal disc extends beyond its normal space, often compressing nearby nerves. This can lead to chronic pain, limited range of motion, and, in severe cases, nerve-related symptoms radiating through the limbs. Veterans frequently experience bulging discs due to the physical demands of service, including heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or traumatic injuries.
Beyond the primary pain and mobility limitations, a bulging disc can lead to additional secondary conditions, such as radiculopathy and other complications. Addressing both the bulging disc and any secondary conditions in a VA claim is essential for receiving a fair bulging disc VA disability rating that reflects the full extent of the disability.
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Understanding Radiculopathy as a Secondary Condition
One of the most significant secondary conditions related to a bulging disc is radiculopathy. When a bulging disc compresses nearby nerves, it can cause shooting pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the limbs. For example:
- Lumbar radiculopathy affects the lower back and often causes pain or weakness that travels down one or both legs.
- Cervical radiculopathy affects the neck, with symptoms radiating down one or both arms.
Radiculopathy can seriously impact daily activities, causing difficulty with walking, sitting, or even grasping objects. Veterans can receive a separate VA disability rating for radiculopathy in addition to their bulging disc rating. Including radiculopathy and other related conditions in the VA claim ensures the rating accurately reflects the full extent of the disability.
Primary VA Disability Ratings for Bulging Disc
The bulging disc VA disability rating system follows the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Ratings typically range from 10% to 100%, depending on the degree of spinal impact, range of motion limitations, and other criteria.
The C&P practitioner will likely measure the angle of which you can bend forward (reference angles below)
General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (Codes 5235–5243)
- 100% Rating: Assigned when there is unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, resulting in complete immobility and significant physical limitations. Ankylosis is a condition where a joint becomes stiff and immobile due to the abnormal fusion of the bones in the joint. It can affect many joints in the body, including the ankle, elbow, knee, shoulder, finger, or jawbone.
- 50% Rating: Given for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine (mid and lower back), which severely restricts movement and impacts other functions, such as breathing or nerve function.
- 40% Rating: Applies if there is unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- 30% Rating: Assigned for forward flexion of the cervical spine of 15 degrees or less or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.
- 20% Rating: Given when:
- Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is greater than 30 degrees but not more than 60 degrees.
- Forward flexion of the cervical spine is greater than 15 degrees but not more than 30 degrees.
- Combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine is 120 degrees or less, or cervical spine is 170 degrees or less.
- Severe muscle spasm or guarding causes abnormal gait or spinal curvature.
- 10% Rating: Assigned for mild conditions where:
- Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is between 60 and 85 degrees or cervical spine between 30 and 40 degrees.
- Combined range of motion limitations are slight.
- Muscle spasm or tenderness does not alter gait or posture.
Alternative Rating for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
In cases of Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) associated with a bulging disc, the VA provides an alternative rating formula based on incapacitating episodes:
- 60% Rating: Given for incapacitating episodes lasting 6 weeks or more in the past 12 months.
- 40% Rating: For episodes totaling 4 to 6 weeks over the past year.
- 20% Rating: Applies for episodes lasting 2 to 4 weeks in the past 12 months.
- 10% Rating: Given for episodes lasting 1 to 2 weeks within the past year.
Note: To qualify, an incapacitating episode must involve bed rest and physician-prescribed treatment. Veterans with frequent incapacitating episodes may find that this alternative formula provides a higher bulging disc VA disability rating.
Secondary Conditions Related to Bulging Discs
A bulging disc can have widespread effects, especially if it compresses nearby nerves. Secondary conditions like radiculopathy frequently develop, impacting the arms, legs, and overall functionality. Secondary conditions can be filed for if you also have these — this means that the primary issue (bulging disc) caused the other issues.
Radiculopathy as a Secondary Condition
Radiculopathy is a common secondary condition associated with a bulging disc. When a disc compresses spinal nerves, symptoms can radiate from the spine to other parts of the body, causing:
- Sharp, radiating pain down the arms (cervical radiculopathy) or legs (lumbar radiculopathy).
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities, often worsened by certain movements or prolonged positions.
- Muscle weakness in the affected area, impacting daily activities like lifting, walking, or gripping.
The VA provides a separate rating for radiculopathy, based on severity. Ratings for radiculopathy can range from 10% to 60%. Including radiculopathy in a VA disability for bulging disc claim ensures that the overall bulging disc VA disability rating reflects the full impact on daily life.
Additional Secondary Conditions
Other secondary complications from a bulging disc can include:
- Muscle Weakness and Atrophy: Chronic nerve compression can reduce muscle function, leading to atrophy.
- Gait Abnormalities: Pain and weakness may alter a veteran’s gait, especially if lumbar radiculopathy affects one or both legs.
- Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: In severe cases, nerve compression may result in bladder or bowel control issues.
- Psychological Impact: Chronic pain and mobility limitations may contribute to anxiety or depression, adding another layer to the bulging disc VA disability rating.
Filing a Comprehensive VA Disability Claim for Bulging Disc
A successful VA disability for bulging disc claim requires thorough documentation demonstrating both primary and secondary impacts. Here’s what to include in the claim:
1. Medical Records
Submit complete medical records, including imaging (X-rays, MRIs) that show the bulging disc, physician assessments, and documentation of any treatments like physical therapy, pain management, or surgery.
2. Service Medical Records
If the bulging disc or related symptoms began during active duty, service records are essential. Include records that note back injuries, pain complaints, or treatments received while in service.
3. Personal Statements and Lay Evidence
Veterans should provide a personal statement detailing the daily impact of the bulging disc and any limitations or pain experienced. Statements from family, friends, or coworkers can illustrate how the condition affects the veteran’s life.
4. Documentation of Secondary Symptoms
Ensure that secondary conditions, especially radiculopathy, are documented. Include any assessments describing secondary symptoms and their effect on movement, muscle strength, and functionality.
Requesting an Increased Bulging Disc VA Disability Rating
If a veteran’s symptoms worsen, they may qualify for a higher bulging disc VA disability rating. Here are steps to request an increase:
- Gather Updated Medical Documentation: Include recent imaging, treatment records, and any new symptoms or complications like radiculopathy.
- Complete VA Form 21-526EZ online: To File a VA disability claim online you just create a va.gov profile, and go to the VA website to file. This form is used to request an increased rating. Describe symptom progression and how it impacts daily life.
- Request a VA Reexamination: The VA may require a new physical exam to assess symptom changes. During the exam, describe pain levels, limitations, and the effect of any secondary symptoms.
- Consult a Veterans Service Officer (VSO): VSOs can provide valuable support in preparing a comprehensive claim, ensuring the highest possible rating.
