Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition that impacts the spine, causing chronic pain, limited mobility, and other complications. For veterans who suffer from this condition, understanding how the VA degenerative disc disease claim process works is crucial.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers disability ratings based on the severity of the condition, which can vary depending on the affected area of the spine and the limitations caused by the disease. In this guide, we will break down how the VA evaluates degenerative disc disease disability ratings and what veterans need to know when filing a claim.
** See all of our VA Disability Claims Process Articles here **
What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?
Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition where the intervertebral discs in the spine wear down over time, causing pain, discomfort, and sometimes nerve damage. While DDD is often associated with aging, it can also be caused or exacerbated by injuries or repetitive stress, making it a condition commonly seen in veterans.
The VA disability for degenerative disk disease covers cases where DDD is service-connected. Veterans who develop this condition due to their military service may be eligible for compensation if they can prove that the condition is linked to their time in the service.
AI Powered Chatbot for VA Disability Claims
Learn more about the VA Disability process and get help with our VA Disability Claim Chatbot programmed and trained by AI
VA Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease: Eligibility and Filing a Claim
To qualify for VA disability for DDD, veterans must provide medical evidence that their condition is linked to their military service. This often includes documentation of back pain or spine injuries sustained during active duty, as well as current medical records that diagnose DDD. Veterans will need to file a degenerative disc disease VA claim to begin the process, which involves completing the necessary forms and submitting medical evidence to the VA.
VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease
The VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease is based on the severity of the condition and its impact on a veteran’s daily life. The VA typically uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine for VA disability ratings for back pain, which assigns ratings based on the range of motion limitations, pain, and functional impairments. The ratings can range from 10% to 60%, depending on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the veteran’s mobility.
- 10% Rating: Minimal loss of range of motion with pain during movement, but no significant impact on daily activities.
- 20-30% Rating: Moderate loss of range of motion, pain, and some difficulty performing daily tasks or maintaining employment.
- 40% Rating: Severe limitations in range of motion and significant impact on daily life, with possible complications such as nerve pain or weakness.
- 50-60% Rating: Pronounced limitations with major impacts on mobility, nerve function, and possibly complete loss of certain motor functions due to spinal damage.
The degenerative disk disease disability rating depends on where the disease is affecting the spine, whether it’s the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions. Veterans should ensure their condition is fully documented to receive the appropriate rating.
When you file a VA disability claim for degenerative disc disease (DDD), the VA will assess how much your condition limits your ability to move your spine. This is called range of motion (ROM). The less you can move because of pain or stiffness, the higher your VA disability rating may be.
What is Range of Motion?
Range of motion is how far you can move a part of your body, like bending forward or twisting your back. For DDD, the VA looks at how well you can move your spine in different directions, including:
- Bending forward (flexion)
- Leaning backward (extension)
- Bending side-to-side (lateral flexion)
- Twisting (rotation)
How is It Measured?
During your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, a doctor will use a tool called a goniometer to measure the degrees of movement in your spine. For example, normal bending forward for your lower back is about 90 degrees. If you can only bend 30 degrees before experiencing pain, that limitation will be recorded.
Pain and Flare-ups
Even if you can technically move, the VA also considers how pain affects your movement. If pain starts early during the motion, or if you have flare-ups that make your condition worse at times, this can lead to a higher disability rating. And you want to indicate when you have pain.
Why Does it Matter?
The VA uses your range of motion to decide how severe your condition is and to assign a disability rating. A more restricted range of motion usually results in a higher rating, which means more compensation.
VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease Cervical Spine
If DDD affects the cervical spine (neck region), the VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease cervical spine is based on how much the neck’s range of motion is limited, as well as any associated neurological symptoms, such as pain or weakness in the arms. Cervical DDD can have a major impact on a veteran’s ability to perform tasks that involve head and neck movement.
The cervical degenerative disc disease VA rating typically follows the same guidelines as the general spine rating system but focuses on neck function and related symptoms. Pain, stiffness, and reduced neck mobility are key factors in determining the rating. Veterans with significant nerve damage may receive a higher rating, especially if they experience tingling or numbness in the arms or hands.
VA Disability Rating for Neck Degenerative Disc Disease
The VA disability rating for neck degenerative disc disease falls under the same evaluation criteria used for cervical spine issues. The VA will assess the range of motion, severity of symptoms, and how the condition affects the veteran’s overall functioning. In some cases, the va disability rating for DDD may increase if complications such as nerve compression are present.
Veterans with cervical DDD should be mindful that neck conditions can sometimes lead to secondary conditions, such as headaches or radiculopathy, which may warrant additional ratings. It is essential to document any related symptoms when filing a claim.
Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating
For veterans who suffer from DDD in the lower back, the lumbar degenerative disc disease VA rating will consider how much the lower spine’s function is limited. Pain, weakness, and mobility issues are common symptoms that contribute to the disability rating.
- Mild Lumbar DDD: A rating of 10% or 20% may be assigned if the veteran experiences mild to moderate pain and some difficulty with bending, standing, or walking.
- Severe Lumbar DDD: If the veteran experiences severe back pain, muscle weakness, or has trouble with basic mobility functions such as walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged periods, a higher rating, up to 40%, may be warranted.
Severe cases may also involve nerve pain that radiates down the legs, known as radiculopathy. Veterans with these symptoms may receive additional compensation if they can prove the symptoms are related to their lumbar DDD.
VA Disability Rating for DDD: Range of Motion and Functional Limitations
The degenerative disc disease disability rating is heavily influenced by the veteran’s range of motion. The VA measures forward flexion (bending), extension (leaning back), and lateral movement (side-to-side motion). A restricted range of motion due to pain, stiffness, or other limitations will lead to higher disability ratings.
For example, if a veteran’s ability to bend forward is limited to 60 degrees or less, this would likely result in a rating of 20% or higher. Veterans who are unable to move their spine more than a few degrees in any direction could receive a rating of 40% or more.
Common Issues and Challenges with Degenerative Disc Disease VA Claims
Many veterans face challenges when filing a degenerative disc disease VA claim. One common issue is proving that the DDD is service-connected. Since DDD can develop over time, it may be difficult to establish a clear link between military service and the condition unless medical records from active duty explicitly document back pain or injury.
Additionally, veterans often struggle with getting the proper degenerative disc disease VA rating if their symptoms fluctuate or if they are not adequately documented by medical providers. Ensuring that a doctor provides a detailed report that highlights the severity of the condition is crucial for obtaining the correct rating.
