Some of the common neck injuries which VA will cover include the following: Disc Injuries These are injuries that affect the discs between vertebrae in the spine. Forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or. 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. 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, Diagnostic Code 5238 Cervical Spine Stenosis The spinal canal narrowing for one reason or another, Diagnostic Code 5242 Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine Pain from the degeneration of the cervical vertebrae. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. ), Disabling spinal contours like being hunchback or kyphosis. 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! When the VA rates IVDS, they rate it based on incapacitating episodes. 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%. What is the Cervicalgia VA Rating? Here's 3 Ways to Get a VA Disability yet assertive representation for our clients. Unfavorable Ankylosis does bring in higher VA Ratings than favorable. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. #16. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. The problem that develops later, though, is that the rest of your vertebrae are picking up the slack and absorbing more shock. Those nerves can also affect your digestive system, bowels, the whole bit down there. 2023 by JVDS. If you believe you deserve a higher rating than the VA has given you, you have the right to appeal their decision. This condition can be diagnosed by a medical professional. VA Disability Rating For Spinal Fusion (2023 Guide) Other back issues are rating according to different criteria. . 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. The main determining factor is how much of a Range Of Motion (ROM) you have. VA Ratings for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome - Hill & Ponton, P.A. Youll be measured at your C&P exam to see how much you can bend at the waist and at the neck. You're not alone. The quick and intense movement can traumatize the surrounding muscles and tendons, resulting in cervical strain. Spinal fusion may help stabilize the spine after the removal of a damaged (herniated) disk. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! 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. You have virtually no range of motion. The VA rating for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine is 40%. The VA rates Cervicalgia under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, General Rating Formula for the Spine as follows. It can show up between multiple vertebrae, so your doctor can split up your diagnosis into multiple regions. #20. Of course, a limited range of motion is not the only way to get VA disability for back problems. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. That extra wear and tear on your other discs will make them deteriorate faster and require more future care. What is the Reasonable Doubt Rule for Neck and Shoulder Pain? The VA only gives a 50% rating if you have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. What Should I Expect at a C&P Exam for Neck Pain? 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. Successful spinal fusion results in the stoppage of motion at these places with the potential use of plates, rods, and screws, providing the patient with stability and back pain relief. Can You Get Disability for Degenerative Disc Disease and IVDS? The #1 best way to increase your VA disability rating for neck and shoulder pain is to have objective medical evidence (X-Ray or MRI results) to show your symptoms have worsened over time. It can provide significant relief for the patient. This erases the need for an official opinion from a medical professional. Well address that elsewhere, but for the purposes of this article, well focus only on the back. When in doubt, the benefit is ALWAYS given to the veteran. They both refer to your back being stuck in a way that you cant move around. Since that time, we have provided compassionate The highest scheduler rating for severe neck pain is 100%, which means your entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. Cervical Fusion - Veterans Benefits Network Asthma secondary to Anxiety. As they fail, the nerves they protect can cause numbness, pain, or paralysis in your hands and feet. Updated: October 24, 2022. Substantially gainful employment is any non-temporary, non-seasonal job that provides enough money for an individual to live a certain quality of life. Veterans who have had spinal fusion surgery are potentially eligible for VA benefits relating to the spinal fusion. Your backbones might be fused together or about to be because of ankylosis, but you at least look normal when you stand or sit. If this is the case, the veteran may be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, or TDIU. 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. 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. Many of the angles in the chart above relate to forward flexion. 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! How to Get VA to Grant a Spinal Fusion Disability Rating #3. As your backbones bang together, pieces can chip off and cause even more pain and problems. 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. VA ratings for back pain require an accurate Range of Motion (ROM) test of the flexion extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the spine. Flexion is how they add up your degrees of movement, as you can see in the diagram below. 50. They will review your records to see if you have any other impairments contributing to your overall condition. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. This is Favorable or Unfavorable Ankylosis. VA Ratings for Neck Painrange from 10 percent to 100 percent, with breaks at 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, and 50 percent. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Does the veteran have radicular pain or any other signs or symptoms due to radiculopathy? 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. Neck muscle injuries. You can enlist the help of an attorney or disability advocate. 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. The following are a list of common questions asked at a C&P exam for Neck Pain: #1. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine due. 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. 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. Fill out the short form below to contact us. First, You will need a current diagnosis for a spinal condition that necessitates spinal fusion as treatment. They will also test your range of motion at different angles to get an accurate picture of your condition. VA disability will not be awarded to those who cannot prove they have long-lasting or recurring issues. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. you have shown that there is was an incident in service and that you have a current disability. VA Claims Insider Submits Statement to Senate VA Committee: How to Protect Veterans From Financial Exploitation of Their VA Benefits. 50% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. #8. Combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or. It also means that every few years you should check with the VA to see if you can get an increased rating. Foraminal Stenosis This is a form of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) that involves the tightening of foramen between bones in the spine. Twisting at the hips is also counted in your movement as part of your thoracolumbar spine. You need to see your doctor at least yearly to check on your back. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. 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. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 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. 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. Disability Benefits by Percentage Rating and Dependent Status (As of 2020) Causes of Spinal Stenosis Causes can include herniated or bulging spinal discs. 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. Does the veteran use any assistive devices as a normal mode of locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be possible? Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Other people are bent over frontwards with a hunchback type of posture. Muscle guarding can happen to resist pain or other signals from the sensory nerves in your back. Abnormal contours can cause problems in digestion, breathing, circulation, bowel movements, and more. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 If you add in the rest of your back, so that your entire back is fused in an unfavorable position, youll be eligible for 100%. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or. #19. Spinal weakness or instability. 1115) Expand Table Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. It may take four to six weeks to get back to doing simple activities of daily living. 100. When, after careful consideration of all evidence, a reasonable doubt arises regarding service origin, the degree of disability, or any other point, such doubt will be resolved in favor of the claimant. It is common for secondary conditions to occur from orthopedic disabilities. Whiplash Whiplash happens when the neck experiences a forceful back and forth motion that causes lasting pain. While we still have our home base in Florida, 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. 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. VA uses 38 CFR 4.71a, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to evaluate most neck pain conditions. If the veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition, indicate the side, and identify the assistive device used for each 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. VA disability ratings for spinal fusion determine the degree of spine movement possible without intolerable pain. 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. What Are the VA Ratings for Ankylosis, Favorable or Unfavorable? The highest scheduler rating for neck pain is 100 percent, which means your entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. Each direction, forward, backward, left, and right will get an angle of flexion measurement. Asthma secondary to GERD (acid reflux or heartburn) Asthma secondary to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. When you hurt or feel numb, tell your doctor that youve reached the limit. Additionally, they must keep you from working for at least 12 months. Veterans are exposed to numerous events which can cause lasting neck injuries. If your VA claim is denied and you believe a mistake was made, you are allowed to appeal the decision. VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Fusion - Woods and Woods, LLC They may also need to wear a back brace. If you cannot work or earn a living due to your condition, you may be eligible for a 100% disability rating. VA ratings for neck pain require an accurate Range of Motion (ROM) test of the flexion extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the head. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Unlike other disabilities recognized by VA, service connection for neck pain does not necessarily require a current diagnosis. Neck pain can also be caused by pinching from disc compression or the growth of osteophytes. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Due to the veterans cervical spine condition, is there functional impairment of an extremity such that no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis? VA disability ratings for back pain go from 10% to 100% depending on how severe your symptoms are, including your range of motion and pain frequency and level. Once they have your records, a doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They will also consider your age, education, and employment history. There are a lot of things like falls, impacts, heavy lifting, and other activities that can be service-connected to your injury. 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. Lumbar and Cervical Radiculopathy VA Benefits - Woods and Woods, LLC Some veterans are bent over sideways but can still walk around with a cane. The temporary 100% rating may continue for 1 to 3 monthsdepending on your unique case. Is Favorable Ankylosis Better than Unfavorable Ankylosis? The VA is required to give you the highest rating you deserve for your symptoms, so if a 50% Sacroiliac injury looks the same as a 30% rheumatoid arthritis claim, they are required to give you the 50%. 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. Neck Pain is the #5 most claimed VA disability. Additionally, this disability classification requires evidence of muscle spasms or guarding severe enough to cause impaired gait or an abnormal contour of the spine. We guide our clients through the most difficult times in their lives with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. That is considered normal. 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. 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. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). Symptoms often get worse over time and are caused by an individual performing the same action over and over again. 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! 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%. For a 20% VA Disability rating, you have to have less than 120 degrees of combined flexion in your thoracolumbar spine. Both of these conditions can contribute to the accelerated aging of your cervical spine. When reviewing claims for spinal fusions, the VA will look at things like X-rays, MRIs, medical records, and independent medical opinions from treating physicians. You might wonder whether or not a veteran can get increased disability benefits from the VA due to spinal fusion surgery. There is another level to VA disability if the veteran experiences secondary conditions. They are very knowledgeable. Additionally, thoracolumbar combined movement should be less than 120, and cervical combined movement should measure less than 170. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. If you are a veteran with a spinal fusion, you may wonder if you can get a service connection for your disability. It may take six months to a year to fully recover from the surgery. When determining your rating, the VA will consider your entire medical history, not just your spinal fusion surgery. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. 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. If yes, document the Veterans description of functional loss or functional impairment in his/her own words. Okay, lets explore how to get a VA Rating for Neck Pain as well as what you can expect at a C&P exam for your neck and shoulder. Specifically, VA uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine as follows: 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine Does the veteran have a diagnosis of a neck condition? The difference is almost $2,700 per year! (Authority: 38 U.S.C. This means your mid and upper back is frozen in an unfavorable position. As with most back disabilities, the VA puts a lot on the level of flexion you have. C&P exams are typically carried about by a VA physician or other VA-approved health professional. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the cervical spine? Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. 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. 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. Any injury that is documented while an individual is enlisted is eligible for service connection. The good news is that veterans with spinal fusions may qualify for a VA disability rating for spinal fusion. One part of my claim that is 8 years old which is on remand is just what your saying total fusion of the spine. #2. After you have filed your claim for VA disability benefits and the VA adjudicators have decoded that your disability is service connected, the, For some veterans, the objective criteria in the disability rating schedule may not accurately reflect their true level of disability. This device accurately assesses how far individuals are capable of bending or moving their joints. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain and Spinal Arthritis We can look them over to see what other options you have. Muscle guarding gone wrong can cause a number of disorders in your back. You can see that IVDS ratings are all riding on the number of time your back pain is so severe that you are laid out. VA ratings for neck problems go up fast because so much goes on inside your cervical spine. You will, however, be eligible for these monthly compensation rates: Those with higher ratings will receive modified rates based on their dependents. You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.WE CAN HELP. Other Conditions That Come With Fused Vertebrae. VA Disability for Spinal Fusion - Vet Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones (vertebrae) that are separated by intervertebral discs. Youll bend forward and backward as well as side to side, and every measurement matters. 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%. 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). The goal of spinal fusion surgery is to relieve the pain that these veterans are experiencing. However, you must show that your symptoms are severe. Regardless of the cause, VA disability for neck pain is awarded to those injured while serving. We have recovered entitlements for clients after the VA made a wrong decision decades ago! Cervical spine forward flexion of 15 or less or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (this will be on both lists! VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Stenosis - Hill & Ponton, P.A. 20% VA Disability Rating for Cervicalgia: Can I Get a Secondary VA Rating to Neck and Back Conditions? 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. How VA Disability Ratings for Neck Injuries Work. 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.
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