Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine up to 85 or of the cervical spine up to 40 OR the combined range of motion at 120-235 for thoracolumbar or 170-335 for cervical. 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. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. yet assertive representation for our clients. Your backbones might be fused together or about to be because of ankylosis, but you at least look normal when you stand or sit. Your diagnosis and rating may not be permanent, since you may be able to gain movement again with physical therapy or surgery, but you can at least get awarded for 5-10 years before being called for a review. This means that a 10% VA disability rating for spinal stenosis plus 60% VA disability rating for peripheral nerve disability in an arm will produce an overall VA disability rating of 60%. 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! As your backbones bang together, pieces can chip off and cause even more pain and problems. 50. Disability rates for the 70% to 100% ratings differ a bit from the 30-60% ratings in how bonuses are allocated based on dependents. 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. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Its crucial to note any discomfort or pain in the area that may have existed before your enrollment because your service may have significantly worsened or reinjured a prior injury. You can enlist the help of an attorney or disability advocate. 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. The tiers work their way up from 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% and then jump all of the way up to 100%. Without it, your claim will be automatically denied. We advocate for the disabled. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. 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. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine due. They will also test your range of motion at different angles to get an accurate picture of your condition. How VA Disability Ratings for Neck Injuries Work. 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. I am now going to have three . Its no secret that many veterans suffer back pain from spinal injuries. ), Disabling spinal contours like being hunchback or kyphosis. While we still have our home base in Florida, 40. If yes, document the Veterans description of the flare-ups he/she experiences, including the frequency, duration, characteristics, precipitating and alleviating factors, severity, and/or extent of functional impairment he/she experiences during a flare-up of symptoms. However, its important to remember that the VA will not automatically award a rating just because youve had spinal fusion surgery. 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. 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. 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. Many natural conditions are also accelerated by time spent in the service. You may be owed compensation. When you hurt or feel numb, tell your doctor that youve reached the limit. #11. They keep you informed. 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? As they fail, the nerves they protect can cause numbness, pain, or paralysis in your hands and feet. Spinal stenosis (diagnostic code 5238): Spinal stenosis is when the spaces in the spine are narrowed and . VA Disability Claims (General) > Cervical Fusion. . According to Spine Health, signs and symptoms of Neck Pain include: To be eligible for a VA rating for neck and shoulder pain, a veteran must meet three (3) criteria by law: If you think you have a neck condition, but dont have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA health facility nearest youto make an appointment right away! You get the rating for other conditions that fall under that category based on pain, restricted movement, or the nervous system problems mentioned above. It may take four to six weeks to get back to doing simple activities of daily living. VA ratings for back pain require an accurate Range of Motion (ROM) test of the flexion extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the spine. If this is the case, the veteran may be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, or TDIU. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 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. 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 . Click HERE for the C&P Examiners Guide to Spine Examinations. When determining your rating, the VA will consider your entire medical history, not just your spinal fusion surgery. Unfavorable ankylosis can result in symptoms such as: Veterans may find themselves dealing with back pain during their enlistment, or it could develop months to years after their separation from the armed forces. 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. 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. 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. Lower to mid-back flexion is limited to between 30 and 60, and the range in your neck is 15-30. #Evidence #VAClaims #VAAppeals #Tips #VADisability #Veterans #VARating #vadecision #VAClaim. The goal of spinal fusion surgery is to relieve the pain that these veterans are experiencing. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. VA disability will not be awarded to those who cannot prove they have long-lasting or recurring issues. When a veteran files a claim for their disability, they must establish a primary service connectionwith or without a diagnosis. Spinal weakness or instability. 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. The older the veteran gets, the more of these they will have. Veteran with child only (no spouse or parents). 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. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. Any injury that is documented while an individual is enlisted is eligible for service connection. There are a lot of things like falls, impacts, heavy lifting, and other activities that can be service-connected to your injury. Only individuals with chronic neck pain will be eligible for VA benefits. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. This occurs when a veteran is unable to perform with the same strength and endurance as before the condition. Some examples of cervical conditions that are rated under this code include the following: Diagnostic Code 5237 Cervical Strain A torn tendon or muscle in the neck This can all be amplified by long caravans on bumpy roads, carrying 100 pounds of the worlds lightest equipment every day. The VA rating for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine is 40%. The rules of the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) are used to assign rating percentages to conditions. Does the veteran use any assistive devices as a normal mode of locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be possible? #17. 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. 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. Yes, sort of. It can also be difficult if there is no record of the injury you received. IVDS can cause chronic pain in the back, usually made worse by prolonged sitting or bending. Hill & Ponton P.A. If abnormal ROM, does the range of motion itself contribute to a functional loss? Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation. Unfavorable ankylosis is when your stuck bent over in any direction. At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process, so you can get the rating and compensation youre owed by law. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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. If you are a veteran with a spinal fusion, you may wonder if you can get a service connection for your disability. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Favorable means that your stuck standing straight up. Neck injuries can even be caused by sitting still for too long. Veterans nowadays may have to sit for multiple hours a day. #19. Range of motion and functional limitations will be evaluated. Cervicalgia (Neck Pain) with or without symptoms such as radiating pain, stiffness, or aching around the spine affected by residuals of injury or disease to the neck and shoulder: Unfavorable ankylosis is a condition in which the entire cervical spine (neck), the entire thoracolumbar spine (mid to upper back), or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following symptoms: Pro Tip: The thoracolumbar and cervical spine segments are evaluated separately, except when there is unfavorable ankylosis of both segments, which will be rated as a single disability. If youve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low ratingor youre unsure how to get startedreach out to us! Below we're sharing the VA range of motion chart used to rate back . These physical demands take their toll on the spine, and it is not uncommon for our veterans to find themselves dealing with back pain that hinders their quality of life. Obtaining Cervicalgia VA Disability Ratings. Youll be measured at your C&P exam to see how much you can bend at the waist and at the neck. Fill out the short form below to contact us. . 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. There is another level to VA disability if the veteran experiences secondary conditions. 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. Unfavorable Ankylosis does bring in higher VA Ratings than favorable. Each of those additional problems might carry their own VA rating, so get ready for some VA math! 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. You want to see a doctor with a good knowledge of VA disability ratings. What Are the VA Ratings for Ankylosis, Favorable or Unfavorable? Lateral flexion is leaning right and left but rotation is also measured. The VASRD gives rating rules for conditions based on their symptoms, treatment options, and the resulting level of disability they cause. This rating criterion is primarily based on a range of motion measurements. 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. 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. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. The VA rates Neck Pain under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5237, Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain. If yes, document the Veterans description of functional loss or functional impairment in his/her own words. 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. Essentially, the more limited you are, the higher your rating will be. Doctors are currently disagreeing about bed rest and IVDS, but here is how the VA rates those times you are put flat on your back from IVDS pain. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. This level can also have muscle spasms, muscle guarding, and pain without abnormal gait or curves. To receive the highest possible disability rating, you must provide the proper evidence to support your claim. You have virtually no range of motion. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the cervical spine? Its usually performed when other treatment options, like medication and physical therapy, have failed to provide relief. These cervical bone spurs can cause neck pain and weakness in the shoulders and arms. (cervical) part of the . #2. Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Extraschedular Ratings for VA Disability Claims, Establishing a Service-related Connection to Spinal Fusion, Spinal Fusion VA Disability Rating 30-60%, Spinal Fusion VA Disability Rating 70-100%. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. One part of my claim that is 8 years old which is on remand is just what your saying total fusion of the spine. 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. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 You might wonder whether or not a veteran can get increased disability benefits from the VA due to spinal fusion surgery. 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. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. Whiplash Whiplash happens when the neck experiences a forceful back and forth motion that causes lasting pain. Abnormal contours can cause problems in digestion, breathing, circulation, bowel movements, and more. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. If you believe you can make an argument to change VAs mind, it may be worthwhile to pursue a different decision. 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. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. #21. VA ratings for neck problems go up fast because so much goes on inside your cervical spine. Those nerves can also affect your digestive system, bowels, the whole bit down there. If youre a veteran who has undergone spinal fusion surgery, you may wonder how the VA will determine your disability rating. The highest scheduler rating for severe neck pain is 100%, which means your entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. This device accurately assesses how far individuals are capable of bending or moving their joints. Combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or. Does the veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a cervical spine condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)? #10. First, You will need a current diagnosis for a spinal condition that necessitates spinal fusion as treatment. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. This level can also have muscle spasms, muscle guarding, and pain without abnormal gait or curves. You will also need a copy of your operative report from the surgeon who performed your spinal fusion surgery. The problem that develops later, though, is that the rest of your vertebrae are picking up the slack and absorbing more shock. 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. 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. 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. The VA rating for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine is 40%. Similar to VA compensation for most other conditions, service connection requires three separate pieces of evidence. Well address that elsewhere, but for the purposes of this article, well focus only on the back. In this article, well explain how the VA rates spinal fusion surgery for disability benefits and what you need to do to apply. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. If the shock absorbers are removed you wont have space to pinch nerves. A cervicalgia VA rating will be decided based on the severity of symptoms and how much they limit an individuals movement or range of motion. 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. Once the VA granted a service connection, a percentage rating will be assigned. Brain and Spinal Cord Disabilities (38 CFR 4.124a). Claims involving both the cervical spine and the thoracolumbar spine are rated under the same general rating formula. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Spinal fusion is when two or more vertebrae in the spine are fused together as a surgical technique. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Disability Benefits by Percentage Rating and Dependent Status (As of 2020) Causes of Spinal Stenosis Causes can include herniated or bulging spinal discs. Several disabling back conditions can qualify a veteran for VA disability benefits. Veterans who have had spinal fusion surgery are potentially eligible for VA benefits relating to the spinal fusion. 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 veteran's Degenerative Disc Disease VA disability can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. A Goniometer should be used at your C&P exam to measure Range of Motion (ROM) of your spine; each measurement is rounded to the nearest five degrees. Veterans are eligible for VA benefits if they had a neck condition prior to their time in the service that was aggravated by an event or continuous stressors. Another common secondary disability is Radiculopathy secondary to Back and Neck Pain. 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. C&P exams are typically carried about by a VA physician or other VA-approved health professional. Spinal fusion can be used to restore spinal stability. However, you must show that your symptoms are severe. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices What is the history (including onset and course) of the veterans cervical spine condition? Even after you get your rating decision, run it by some certified VA lawyers to catch any mistakes the VA made with your records. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 These synthetic substances help promote bone growth and speed the fusion of the vertebrae. The difference is almost $2,700 per year! You always have other options. Does the veteran have imaging evidence of a cervical vertebral fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of height? 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. 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. 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. Neck Pain is the #5 most claimed VA disability. The good news is that veterans with spinal fusions may qualify for a VA disability rating for spinal fusion. 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. 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. Asthma secondary to Depression. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine area. This Firm is So Good at what they do! Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. At VA Claims Insider, were here to walk you through everything you need to know, including how to file your VA claims. There must be clear evidence that the veterans pain causes functional impairment or loss. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 We hope this guide has been helpful. 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. 20% VA Disability Rating for Cervicalgia: Can I Get a Secondary VA Rating to Neck and Back Conditions? You can also apply in person at your nearest Social Security office. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. Some examples of cervical conditions that are rated under this code include the following: Diagnostic Code 5237 Cervical Strain A torn tendon or muscle in the neck. But if you cant bend over the normal 90 or bend back the normal 30, you are already getting close to that 120 total.
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va disability rating for cervical spine fusion