Youll be measured at your C&P exam to see how much you can bend at the waist and at the neck. For example, if you also have arthritis, the VA might factor that into your rating. As with most back disabilities, the VA puts a lot on the level of flexion you have. 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. 40. Theyll also look at whether or not youre still experiencing pain despite having undergone surgery. You need to see your doctor at least yearly to check on your back. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! 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. Whiplash Whiplash happens when the neck experiences a forceful back and forth motion that causes lasting pain. Does the veteran have muscle atrophy? Neck pain refers to the top seven vertebrae of the cervical spine. That extra wear and tear on your other discs will make them deteriorate faster and require more future care. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices Combined Range of Motion vs Flexion of 60%, Muscle Guarding and Abnormal Curves of the Spine, We know VA Disability Law can be a Pain in the Neck, More about VA Disability for Spine and Back Pain, 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of ratings musculoskeletal system, Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your. Is the veteran being examined during a flare-up? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. C&P exams are typically carried about by a VA physician or other VA-approved health professional. Does the veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a cervical spine condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)? Each of these veterans benefits have different eligibility criteria so be VA Disability Rating for Cervicalgia: Basic Eligibility Criteria. The following are a list of common questions asked at a C&P exam for Neck Pain: #1. VA disability will not be awarded to those who cannot prove they have long-lasting or recurring issues. Dealing with back and spine ailments are hugely detrimental to ones quality of life, and spinal fusion could be a potential solution to some of those symptoms. To start the Social Security disability application, you can go online at www.SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. 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. Combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or. A favorable C&P decision will support a service connection for your disability, while an unfavorable decision will negatively affect your chances of proving a service connection. 2023 by JVDS. Lumbosacral, Cervical Strain, or Cervicalgia are the medical terms used to describe Neck Pain.. This level is basically less flexion: 30-60 of flexion for the lower to the middle back and 15-30 for your neck. (cervical) part of the . Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. That means everything from the middle of your backpack and bra strap down. Spinal fusion can happen naturally or surgically. This Firm is So Good at what they do! 40% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or, forward flexion of the . Favorable ankylosis is when the spinal fusion does not result in changes to posture or standing/sitting form. It also means that every few years you should check with the VA to see if you can get an increased rating. OR the combined range of motion at 120-235 degrees for thoracolumbar or 170-335 degrees for cervical. 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. To receive compensation for a neck injury disability, veterans must be able to prove that their neck pain was caused or aggravated by their time in the military. Back Pain VA Rating: A Guide to Spinal Injuries - Hill & Ponton, P.A. Military records that explain an activity or incident which may have led to neck pain can also help establish a relationship between service and the neck condition. This is because the VA will only pay benefits for injuries that occurred during or as a result of military service. Under 38 CFR 4.73, injuries to neck muscles are compensated differently depending on the severity of the impairment and the muscles affected. 10% - forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees. Second, youll need evidence that the spinal fusion is caused by your back condition that is related to your service. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain: Cervical Spine, Neck Arthritis, Radiculopathy and Cervicalgia VA. When judging the veterans range of motion, doctors measure the maximum angle of movement before you experience pain. To receive a 100% rating, youll need to prove that your condition is completely disabling and that you cannot work or earn a living in any capacity. You have nothing to risk except knowing that you had professionals working hard on your case. Although the diagnosis might matter when it comes to conditions that deteriorate with age, such as problems with spinal discs or variations of arthritis, VA typically focuses on symptoms when assigning ratings. Currently, VA rates neck pain severity on the following values: 0% rating Forward flexion of the cervical spine over 40 degrees, 10 % rating Forward flexion of the cervical spine over 30 degrees, but less than or equal to 40 degrees; or a combined range of motion of the cervical spine above 170 degrees but not causing abnormal spine contour or abnormal gait, 20% rating Forward flexion of the cervical spine over 15 degrees, but less than or equal to 30 degrees; or a combined range of motion of the cervical spine above 170 degrees, 30% rating Forward flexion of the cervical spine less than or equal to 15 degrees; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, which occurs when the spine is stuck, but in a position that does not heavily interfere with an individuals daily activities, 40% rating Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, which occurs when the spine is stuck in a position that makes daily activities extremely difficult, 50% rating NOT APPLICABLE to the cervical spine, only assigned to individuals with unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, 100% rating Unfavorable ankylosis of the ENTIRE spine. Regardless of the cause, VA disability for neck pain is awarded to those injured while serving. Injuries such as radiculopathy dont depend so much on the pain in your back as they depend on the paralysis in your hands and feet. This is done to decrease the damage, pain, and discomfort that a disease or injury causes. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Muscle guarding gone wrong can cause a number of disorders in your back. Spinal stenosis (diagnostic code 5238): Spinal stenosis is when the spaces in the spine are narrowed and . Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that involves joining two or more vertebrae together. When you hurt or feel numb, tell your doctor that youve reached the limit. or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; . Contact Us Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. 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. 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. A current diagnosis for a spinal condition that necessitates spinal fusion as treatment, Evidence that the injury or accident that caused the condition that necessitates the spinal fusion occurred while on duty, A documented medical nexus or link between the diagnosed condition and the service-related injury or event, Information regarding the incident that led to your injuries, Any evidence that supports your statements of what happened. 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. Unfavorable ankylosis is when your stuck bent over in any direction. Pain in the neckor cervicalgiais recognized by VA as a disability that should be compensated if caused by military service. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. You have no range of motion. What Does Your VA Disability Rating Mean? Veteran with child only (no spouse or parents). Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation. It is better for your health to be diagnosed with favorable ankylosis but if you are diagnosed with unfavorable ankylosis, youll get more money to help you out. You may be owed compensation. #12. VA Disability Rating For Spinal Fusion (2023 Guide) Spinal weakness or instability. A Federal Circuit court ruling in April of 2018 decided that VA can award disability benefits for undiagnosed pain if it is linked to an injury, symptom, or in-service event. This article will detail how spinal fusions factor into VA disability ratings and how you can get benefits for your service-related spinal fusion injury. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain and Spinal Arthritis The VA only gives a 50% rating if you have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Sometimes VA accepts your claim but assigns a lower rating than you may have hoped for. ), Disabling spinal contours like being hunchback or kyphosis. Neck Conditions: How To Get VA Disability - The Veterans Law Office Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. VA ratings for neck problems go up fast because so much goes on inside your cervical spine. There are several different kinds of back disabilities that can earn a VA disability rating. For example, as a veteran begins to develop arthritis in the neck, old neck injuries from the military can start to cause more pain. Other Conditions That Come With Fused Vertebrae The quick and intense movement can traumatize the surrounding muscles and tendons, resulting in cervical strain. Asthma secondary to Anxiety. Substantially gainful employment is any non-temporary, non-seasonal job that provides enough money for an individual to live a certain quality of life. VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Stenosis | CCK Law Degenerative Disc Disease is a normal part of aging for a huge percentage of the population, so youll have to prove your back injuries are service-connected. Every back pain claim should be reviewed as a possible TDIU claim. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. The courts further likened the reasonable doubt rule as akin to the principle in baseball that the tie goes to the runner.. They will review your records to see if you have any other impairments contributing to your overall condition. Does the veteran use any assistive devices as a normal mode of locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be possible? 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. #16. You actually cant get VA Disability for DDD. One type of surgery that is becoming increasingly common is spinal fusion. In such cases, the VA is able to consider certain, Once the VA has acknowledged that your disability is related to servicei.e. The ratings range from 10% (minor afflictions) to 100% (significant impairment of the entire spine). VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Fusion - Woods and Woods, LLC VA disability ratings for spinal fusion determine the degree of spine movement possible without intolerable pain. The veteran continues to prove service connection by submitting evidence that proves their neck pain interferes with their daily life. It can show up between multiple vertebrae, so your doctor can split up your diagnosis into multiple regions. A C&P exam for Cervicalgia (Neck Pain) involves a series of questions, to include a physical examination, diagnostic testing (X-Ray, if none have been performed), and a Range of Motion (ROM) test with a Goniometer. In most cases, the spinal cord is damaged but still intact so the individual merely loses some However, the spinal cord can sometimes be severed completely or traumatized by gunshot wounds, serious falls, and car accidents. Gathering all of your medical documents that detail the development of your pain and symptoms should be your first step. Surgeries, such as spinal fusion, discectomy, and laminectomy; . Learn what youve been missingso you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE! 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. 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. They are very knowledgeable. The VA rates Cervicalgia under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, General Rating Formula for the Spine as follows. However, that injury may accelerate the aging of your neck. There is another level to VA disability if the veteran experiences secondary conditions. Spinal fusion can be used to restore spinal stability. Some veterans are bent over sideways but can still walk around with a cane. 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. This device accurately assesses how far individuals are capable of bending or moving their joints. 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. All Rights Reserved. Veterans are not awarded compensation for neck issues that were present at one time but have since healed or gone away. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. Is Favorable Ankylosis Better than Unfavorable Ankylosis? Lay statements come from family members or the veteran themselves, and simply detail more information about how the veterans daily life is affected by the disability. What is VA rating for cervicalgia ? VA disability rating for neck pain VA Disability Claims (General) > Cervical Fusion. 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. However, its important to remember that the VA will not automatically award a rating just because youve had spinal fusion surgery. TDIU benefits are equivalent to those of a 100% disability rating and are awarded when one or more disabilities render a veteran unable to secure and keep substantially gainful employment. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Most neck injuries follow the same diagnostic criteria. There must be clear evidence that the veterans pain causes functional impairment or loss. is that most veterans that dont add up have one or two directions of flexion that are OK and two other directions that are impossible. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. In this article, well explain how the VA rates spinal fusion surgery for disability benefits and what you need to do to apply. They may also need to wear a back brace. 100. 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. Its also helpful to have a private medical provider conduct a physical examination of your spine to document any new Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM) and Pain Level (1-10). Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. Repetitive Strains These injuries can cause aching, cramping, pain, throbbing, and tingling in the upper back. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Since that time, we have provided compassionate Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Range of motion and functional limitations will be evaluated. General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuiries of the Spine.

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