Well address that elsewhere, but for the purposes of this article, well focus only on the back. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. 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. If youre a veteran who has undergone spinal fusion surgery, you may wonder how the VA will determine your disability rating. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. If the shock absorbers are removed you wont have space to pinch nerves. If you have a limitation of motion that only applies to how you can twist, note that if you have full thoracolumbar motion forward, sideways, and backward, that is only going to add up to 180 of total motion without some rotation. The goal of the surgery is to stabilize the spine and relieve pain. Without it, your claim will be automatically denied. Spondylosis is rated as a back condition, meaning it can be rated using any diagnostic code between Diagnostic Code 5235 and Diagnostic Code 5243. . Neck Pain is the #5 most claimed VA disability. Fused pieces or loose pieces of bone in your back can all affect your ability to twist around. Lumbosacral, Cervical Strain, or Cervicalgia are the medical terms used to describe Neck Pain.. Combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or. Combined thoracolumbar less than 120 or cervical combined less than 170 or muscle spasms or guarding enough to cause abnormal gait or an abnormal contour of your spine. The main determining factor is how much of a Range Of Motion (ROM) you have. You need to see your doctor at least yearly to check on your back. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Every back pain claim should be reviewed as a possible TDIU claim. The VA can give you a rating for unfavorable ankylosis of the thumb and any finger. Rating. These synthetic substances help promote bone growth and speed the fusion of the vertebrae. This prevents pinched nerves, slipped discs, and other IVDS problems. Additionally, thoracolumbar combined movement should be less than 120, and cervical combined movement should measure less than 170. #5. For example, if you also have arthritis, the VA might factor that into your rating. These all involve the back bending in ways that it shouldnt. If you arent using a certified VA disability lawyer like Woods and Woods, make sure you, your VSO, or your friend at the American Legion dont overlook that point. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Updated: October 24, 2022. If youve had a spinal fusion, you may wonder if youre eligible for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 50% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Flexion is how they add up your degrees of movement, as you can see in the diagram below. 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. Muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or, vertebral body fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of the height. Its imperative to understand these ratings as they determine the benefits you are entitled to. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 It also means that every few years you should check with the VA to see if you can get an increased rating. Veterans who have had spinal fusion surgery are potentially eligible for VA benefits relating to the spinal fusion. Ankylosis can occur anywhere in your body where there is a joint. Back surgery will cause your rating to increase temporarily, but the permanent or even total rating will help you not have to go back to work. If youre seeking a VA disability rating for spinal fusion as a result of spinal fusion surgery, you will need to provide certain pieces of evidence to support your claim. You get the rating for other conditions that fall under that category based on pain, restricted movement, or the nervous system problems mentioned above. While many conditions can be caused by cervical strain or neck pain alone, its important to check with a doctor because other conditions may also be linked to more serious health issues. Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)so you can increase your rating FAST! 1115) Expand Table Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. VA Disability ratings concerning your back fall into a few different groups: Your rating and diagnosis will depend on what is affected, your full measure of symptoms, and what affects your daily life the most. A current diagnosis of a back condition that necessitates a spinal fusion, A medical nexus (i.e. In selected cases, some surgeons use a synthetic substance instead of bone grafts. 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. IVDS can cause chronic pain in the back, usually made worse by prolonged sitting or bending. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 This is a common side effect of severe arthritis in the spine. Theyll need to see evidence that the spinal fusion is caused by your back condition and is related to your service. If you receive a rating of 20% or below, you will not be eligible for a higher rate if you have a dependent, spouse, or child in the way you would with a 30% or higher rating. At VA Claims Insider, were here to walk you through everything you need to know, including how to file your VA claims. VA Ratings for Back Pain range from 10 percent to 100 percent, with breaks at 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, and 50 percent. Degenerative Disc Diseases This degeneration happens when the discs between spinal vertebrae break down over time, which can cause pain in the back, arms, neck, and legs. Spinal fusion may help stabilize the spine after the removal of a damaged (herniated) disk. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. First, you need to know that the VA will not automatically give you a 100% disability rating just because youve had spinal fusion surgery. How Do I Increase My VA Rating for Neck Pain? They must cause problems doing normal activities. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) views conditions of the spine through two main categoriesneck and back. Bone spurs or osteophytes can grow on bones and cause joints to enlarge. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 The highest scheduler rating for neck pain is 100 percent, which means your entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. 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. The quick and intense movement can traumatize the surrounding muscles and tendons, resulting in cervical strain. This injury can even require surgery to relieve the pain. Yes, sort of. Neck arthritis can also spread to affect other parts of the body. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. They keep you informed. This level can also have muscle spasms, muscle guarding, and pain without abnormal gait or curves. The VA rates Back Pain under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Asthma secondary to Allergies. The VASRD gives rating rules for conditions based on their symptoms, treatment options, and the resulting level of disability they cause. #8. 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. 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. Regardless of the veterans current employment status, do the conditions listed in the diagnosis section impact his/her ability to perform any type of occupational task (such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, etc.)? 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. VA Claims Insider Submits Statement to Senate VA Committee: How to Protect Veterans From Financial Exploitation of Their VA Benefits, Top 72 Federal Veteran Benefits From A to Z (2024 Edition). San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. A 10% disability rating for spinal fusion is granted when forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not This is how much you can bend over forward. 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. Does the veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a cervical spine condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)? Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 What is the Reasonable Doubt Rule for Neck and Shoulder Pain? These include degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs, among others. Obtaining Cervicalgia VA Disability Ratings. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. Each of these veterans benefits have different eligibility criteria so be VA Disability Rating for Cervicalgia: Basic Eligibility Criteria. The combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or. Although this benefits some veterans, it also increases the amount of evidence required to link the pain to the in-service event. Does the veteran have muscle atrophy? VA disability ratings for spinal fusion determine the degree of spine movement possible without intolerable pain. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. If youre only 45 years old but it feels as though your neck is 80, it may be beneficial to speak with a doctor about applying for a VA disability rating. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! The good news is that veterans with spinal fusions may qualify for a VA disability rating for spinal fusion. A soldier who has Cervicalgia may be able to get compensation from the VA in one of these ways: If a normal spine rating indicates a grade of 10 percent, 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, or 100 percent, and neck discomfort (neck pain) is classed as a secondary service link, the patient . Neck pain is known to cause migraines, sleep issues, and radiculopathy. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! If the veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition, indicate the side, and identify the assistive device used for each condition. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Note that a veteran is eligible to be rated for both a neck condition, back condition, and Radiculopathy secondary to multipole extremities. Current and former members of the armed forces have to engage in a variety of activities that could result in lower back injuries, such as carrying and lifting heavy equipment, extended periods of standing and repetitive motions, rifle training, combat, and parachuting from aircraft. Surgeries, such as spinal fusion, discectomy, and laminectomy; . Spinal weakness or instability. 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. The older the veteran gets, the more of these they will have. The favorable or unfavorable part refers to what position you are stuck in. The VA calculates the amount of disability compensation according to how significantly a spine condition affects the range of motion. The good news is you can get VA disability benefits for neck and shoulder pain if your condition was caused or made worse by your military service. This means your mid and upper back is frozen in an unfavorable position. Foramen are the openings between discs. Getting TDIU for neck pain is often difficult because most of the rating tiers fall below 50%. This can all be amplified by long caravans on bumpy roads, carrying 100 pounds of the worlds lightest equipment every day. Getting Disability for Cervical Neck Fusion You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits for your cervical neck fusion or impairments. Applying for VA Benefits Years After Service: Is It Allowed? Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. Other Conditions That Come With Fused Vertebrae You dont want to miss out on the full benefit that you deserve. The rules of the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) are used to assign rating percentages to conditions. Those who have this condition will usually find that it is made . This rating criterion is primarily based on a range of motion measurements. VA ratings for neck problems go up fast because so much goes on inside your cervical spine. This level is basically less flexion: 30-60 degrees of flexion for the lower to middle back and 15-30 degrees for your neck. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Spinal fusion can happen naturally or surgically. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Whiplash Whiplash happens when the neck experiences a forceful back and forth motion that causes lasting pain. Lateral flexion is leaning right and left but rotation is also measured. #2. An injury or being in a long-term sedentary state can aggravate your joints and make them fuse together. Other Conditions That Come With Fused Vertebrae. #13. VA disability will not be awarded to those who cannot prove they have long-lasting or recurring issues. Your final VA Disability Rating for Neck and Shoulder Pain depends upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of symptoms to include Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM) and Painful Motion. Once they have your records, a doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms. When the doctor measures your flexion, he or she is going to measure your angle of movement before you experience pain. #17. . Brain and Spinal Cord Disabilities (38 CFR 4.124a). Asthma secondary to Anxiety. 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. Contact us today for a free review of your case to make sure you are getting treated fairly by the VA. Well foot the bill for our fees and only charge part of your back pay and the fees after we win your case. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. There is another level to VA disability if the veteran experiences secondary conditions. What is the history (including onset and course) of the veterans cervical spine condition? Is Favorable Ankylosis Better than Unfavorable Ankylosis? Twisting at the hips is also counted in your movement as part of your thoracolumbar spine. The problem that develops later, though, is that the rest of your vertebrae are picking up the slack and absorbing more shock. Sometimes VA accepts your claim but assigns a lower rating than you may have hoped for. You will, however, be eligible for these monthly compensation rates: Those with higher ratings will receive modified rates based on their dependents. These secondary conditions can be claimed for additional benefits if the veteran is able to prove that they resulted from the primary condition. The VA rating for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine is 40%. 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. You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.WE CAN HELP. Does the veteran have a diagnosis of a neck condition? Just like driving a truck with bad shocks, that bumpy ride on your back wears out the equipment really quick. Combat and deployment do not factor into this decision, so even car wrecks that happen on leave are considered viable. Call us and well send you self-addressed, postage-paid envelopes to send in your decision letters. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. 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. The VA requires the following to establish an injurys connection to military service: You will need to ensure that you have the medical nexus as it is absolutely necessary to establish the connection. Second, youll need evidence that the spinal fusion is caused by your back condition that is related to your service. Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. If this is the case, the veteran may be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, or TDIU. Does the Veteran report having any functional loss or functional impairment of the joint or extremity being evaluated on this questionnaire, including but not limited to after repeated use over time? Favorable ankylosis is when the spinal fusion does not result in changes to posture or standing/sitting form. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. VA Claims Insider Submits Statement to Senate VA Committee: How to Protect Veterans From Financial Exploitation of Their VA Benefits. Both of these conditions can contribute to the accelerated aging of your cervical spine. Service connection is a way for the VA to determine if a veterans disability is related to their military service. 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. Contact us today for a free review of your case to make sure you are getting treated fairly by the VA. Getting the Highest VA Rating for Arthritis, VA Disability for Arthritis in the Neck and Back, Nervous System Conditions VA Disability Articles, With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months, With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months, With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months, With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least one week but less than 2 weeks during the past 12 months. 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. The combined range of motion, however, is found by adding your degree of flexion in all four directions. Neck pain can also be caused by pinching from disc compression or the growth of osteophytes. Finally, you will need an independent medical opinion from your surgeon attesting that your current condition is directly related to the original injury or condition that led to your need for spinal fusion surgery. Pain in the neckor cervicalgiais recognized by VA as a disability that should be compensated if caused by military service. Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. VA Ratings for Spondylosis. What Does Your VA Disability Rating Mean? This level can also have muscle spasms, muscle guarding, and pain without abnormal gait or curves. As they fail, the nerves they protect can cause numbness, pain, or paralysis in your hands and feet. 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. The general minimum for undiagnosed back pain veterans' disability benefits is 10%. ), Disabling spinal contours like being hunchback or kyphosis. VA Disability Ratings for Neck and Shoulder Pain range from 10% to 100%, with breaks at 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or. Veterans must prove secondary service connection if their first service-connected condition causes a different disability or makes an existing disability worse. Most veterans with ankylosis dont get much over 50%. When the VA rates IVDS, they rate it based on incapacitating episodes. 40. 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. Remember, if you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us for support. During the C&P exam, the practitioner will ask questions about the condition to see how it has changed over time.