Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. If youve been diagnosed with any of these conditions and your doctor has recommended spinal fusion surgery, you may be eligible for a VA disability rating. Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. To establish service connection for spinal fusion, the VA requires the following three elements: Service connection can be granted for a disability resulting from an injury during service, an incident during service that aggravated an existing condition, or exposure to a known hazard during service. Difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision, Restricted opening of the mouth and trouble chewing, Gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the, Dyspnea (shortness of breath) or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), Other neurological symptoms caused by nerve root stretching. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 Spinal muscles: Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions). A veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. If you experience back or neck pain from sitting in a chair for too long, you shouldnt be embarrassed to apply for VA benefits. Cervical spondylosis, or cervical osteoarthritis, is another serious medical condition that veterans suffer from. As your backbones bang together, pieces can chip off and cause even more pain and problems. VA ratings for neck problems go up fast because so much goes on inside your cervical spine. They are very knowledgeable. Any sorts of spine surgery while in the service, injuries that affected your back like falls or impacts, and events like car wrecks can all point to spine and back service-connected injuries. Learn what youve been missingso you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE! This rating criterion is primarily based on a range of motion measurements. The problem that develops later, though, is that the rest of your vertebrae are picking up the slack and absorbing more shock. The following spinal conditions are all rated under the same general rating formula: Lumbosacral or cervical strain (diagnostic code 5237): This would be the diagnostic code assigned to a Veteran experiencing pain in their neck or back. For a specific example, if you have 120 of combined range of motion in your thoracolumbar spine (everything from the middle of your back down), you will receive a rating of 20%. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain Criteria VA uses 38 CFR 4.71a, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to evaluate most neck pain conditions. Flexion is how they add up your degrees of movement, as you can see in the diagram below. The highest scheduler rating for severe neck pain is 100%, which means your entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. Ankylosis can be diagnosed with X-Rays and no other symptoms of pain or tenderness. Yes! 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. That is considered normal. Because so much goes on inside of your neck, the ratings for neck problems go up fast. yet assertive representation for our clients. Repetitive Strains These injuries can cause aching, cramping, pain, throbbing, and tingling in the upper back. I am now going to have three . The VA calculates the amount of disability compensation according to how significantly a spine condition affects the range of motion. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. The examiner should provide the estimated range of motion based on a review of all procurable information to include the Veterans statement on examination, case-specific evidence (to include medical treatment records when applicable and lay evidence), and the examiners medical expertise. 50% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. They will also test your range of motion at different angles to get an accurate picture of your condition. However, you must show that your symptoms are severe. 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. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. #18. Spinal Cord Injuries These are very serious injuries that can result in a loss of motion or feeling in the body. If you believe you can make an argument to change VAs mind, it may be worthwhile to pursue a different decision. What is the history (including onset and course) of the veterans cervical spine condition? 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. Sometimes neck injuries do not cause a problem at the time of the incident. You might be able to lean right and left 30 just fine. These secondary conditions can be claimed for additional benefits if the veteran is able to prove that they resulted from the primary condition. Neck pain is known to cause migraines, sleep issues, and radiculopathy. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Theyll also look at whether or not youre still experiencing pain despite having undergone surgery. The examiner will also test physical range of motion using a goniometer. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. VA uses 38 CFR 4.71a, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to evaluate most neck pain conditions. Rather, they are added using VA math. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. 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 can enlist the help of an attorney or disability advocate. They keep you informed. This level is basically less flexion: 30-60 of flexion for the lower to the middle back and 15-30 for your neck. Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition in which the shock absorbers between your vertebrae the bones in your back wear out due to age, wear and tear, or other illness. The goal of spinal fusion surgery is to relieve the pain that these veterans are experiencing. #13. To assess a veterans neck pain and the potential connection to an in-service event, VA is allowed to request a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. Veterans who have had spinal fusion surgery are potentially eligible for VA benefits relating to the spinal fusion. 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. #14. They can be diagnosed and proven with X-Rays and MRIs long before you show any incapacitating symptoms. Other people are bent over frontwards with a hunchback type of posture. It may take six months to a year to fully recover from the surgery. Lateral flexion is leaning right and left but rotation is also measured. Pro Tip:In accordance with the Painful Motion principle, if you have pain upon flexion or extension of your neck or shoulder, the VA is required to award the minimum compensable rating for the condition, which is 10%. His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. you have shown that there is was an incident in service and that you have a current disability. Yes, many veterans suffer from service connected neck and shoulder conditions, which can affect your back, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. 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. Forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or. You have virtually no range of motion. Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or. Similar to VA compensation for most other conditions, service connection requires three separate pieces of evidence. Does the veteran have localized tenderness, guarding or muscle spasm of the cervical spine? Several disabling back conditions can qualify a veteran for VA disability benefits. In this article, well explain how the VA rates spinal fusion surgery for disability benefits and what you need to do to apply. You have no range of motion. VA Disability Ratings for Neck and Shoulder Pain range from 10% to 100%, with breaks at 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Its important to ensure that your ratings are accurate, especially if they worsen, as an increase as small as 10% is the difference between thousands of dollars a year. If you believe you deserve a higher rating than the VA has given you, you have the right to appeal their decision. The difference is almost $2,700 per year! Essentially, the more limited you are, the higher your rating will be. Disability rates for the 70% to 100% ratings differ a bit from the 30-60% ratings in how bonuses are allocated based on dependents. We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. ), Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (here it is again! Expand Table Amputations: Lower Extremity The more you are immobilized, the more your VA rating will increase. 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 greater than 235 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or, 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. 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. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. 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. One part of my claim that is 8 years old which is on remand is just what your saying total fusion of the spine. Muscle guarding is a reflex of your muscles to tense up in anticipation of something. Second, youll need evidence that the spinal fusion is caused by your back condition that is related to your service. I have SC for degenerative disc disease in my cervical and lumbar spine, rated at 20% each. Favorable ankylosis is when the spinal fusion does not result in changes to posture or standing/sitting form. Whiplash Whiplash happens when the neck experiences a forceful back and forth motion that causes lasting pain. Combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or. VA Ratings for Back Pain range from 10 percent to 100 percent, with breaks at 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, and 50 percent. Like your legs tense up when youre about to land from a parachute jump, or the way your stomach tenses when a truck or an airplane is about to land. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide. It depends on several factors, including the specifics of your surgery, your post-operative course, and whether you have any other disabling conditions that contribute to your overall disability rating. We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. The difference is almost $2,700 per year! Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. What is the Reasonable Doubt Rule for Neck and Shoulder Pain? For instance, the VA rating for favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine is 30%. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. Spinal fusion may help stabilize the spine after the removal of a damaged (herniated) disk. For a 20% VA Disability rating, you have to have less than 120 degrees of combined flexion in your thoracolumbar spine. You might wonder whether or not a veteran can get increased disability benefits from the VA due to spinal fusion surgery. Call us and well send you self-addressed, postage-paid envelopes to send in your decision letters. 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. Asthma secondary to Depression. VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain: Cervical Spine, Neck Arthritis, Radiculopathy and Cervicalgia VA. 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. Each direction, forward, backward, left, and right will get an angle of flexion measurement. 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. Nerve Pinches This condition occurs when too much pressure is applied on a nerve. Muscle guarding can happen to resist pain or other signals from the sensory nerves in your back. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 100+ Most Common VA Disability List of Secondary Conditions (2022) Anxiety secondary to Tinnitus. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. 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. VA ratings for neck pain require an accurate Range of Motion (ROM) test of the flexion extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the head. Additionally, thoracolumbar combined movement should be less than 120, and cervical combined movement should measure less than 170. If abnormal ROM, does the range of motion itself contribute to a functional loss? 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. Just like driving a truck with bad shocks, that bumpy ride on your back wears out the equipment really quick. Below we're sharing the VA range of motion chart used to rate back . Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. First, You will need a current diagnosis for a spinal condition that necessitates spinal fusion as treatment. If the shock absorbers are removed you wont have space to pinch nerves. In selected cases, some surgeons use a synthetic substance instead of bone grafts. or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; . Spinal fusion can be used to restore spinal stability. When judging the veterans range of motion, doctors measure the maximum angle of movement before you experience pain. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Many natural conditions are also accelerated by time spent in the service. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on October 15, 2019 by Neil Woods Last Updated on January 10, 2023. The surgery begins with the surgeon making an incision in the patients back. In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. If youre a veteran who has undergone spinal fusion surgery, you may wonder how the VA will determine your disability rating. The VA rating for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine is 40%. In such cases, the VA is able to consider certain, Once the VA has acknowledged that your disability is related to servicei.e. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. VA uses 38 CFR 4.71a, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to evaluate most neck pain conditions. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. 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. 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. Learn what youve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation youve earned for your service. Under 38 CFR 4.73, injuries to neck muscles are compensated differently depending on the severity of the impairment and the muscles affected. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 At VA Claims Insider, were here to walk you through everything you need to know, including how to file your VA claims. We advocate for the disabled. Sometimes a veteran will not receive a 100% VA disability rating due to diagnostic criteria, but the conditions they have will prevent them from working. Your backbones might be fused together or about to be because of ankylosis, but you at least look normal when you stand or sit. It can show up between multiple vertebrae, so your doctor can split up your diagnosis into multiple regions. Brain and Spinal Cord Disabilities (38 CFR 4.124a). The goal of the surgery is to stabilize the spine and relieve pain. 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. This condition can be diagnosed by a medical professional. This is a common side effect of severe arthritis in the spine. 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. If the veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition, indicate the side, and identify the assistive device used for each condition. Most veterans with ankylosis dont get much over 50%. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Contact Us First, you need to know that the VA will not automatically give you a 100% disability rating just because youve had spinal fusion surgery. Spinal fusion surgery can treat a range of disabilities including: Spinal fusion surgery can be performed on any part of the spine, but its most commonly done on the lower back. Fill out the short form below to contact us. 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. Does the veteran have radicular pain or any other signs or symptoms due to radiculopathy? The disability ratings for spinal diseases range from 10% for minor conditions to 100% for . #21. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine (T10 to L2). HIRE THEM! Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. This occurs when a veteran is unable to perform with the same strength and endurance as before the condition. 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. Many of the angles in the chart above relate to forward flexion. Neck injuries can even be caused by sitting still for too long. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. Veterans nowadays may have to sit for multiple hours a day. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones (vertebrae) that are separated by intervertebral discs. One type of surgery that is becoming increasingly common is spinal fusion. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Unfavorable Ankylosis does bring in higher VA Ratings than favorable. This injury can even require surgery to relieve the pain. An injury or being in a long-term sedentary state can aggravate your joints and make them fuse together. 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. Is the veteran being examined during a flare-up? Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 1115) Expand Table Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. 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. 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. The good news is that veterans with spinal fusions may qualify for a VA disability rating for spinal fusion. C&P exams are typically carried about by a VA physician or other VA-approved health professional. You can also appeal this decision to fight for a higher VA disability rating for your neck pain. Its usually performed when other treatment options, like medication and physical therapy, have failed to provide relief. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 40. The Relationship Between Spinal Fusion and Veterans, How Spinal Fusion Can Increase Your VA Disability Benefits, Conditions That Qualify for VA Disability Benefits, Qualifying for a Spinal Fusion VA Disability Rating, How the VA Determines Disability Rating for Spinal Fusion Surgery.
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