VA ratings for neck problems go up fast because so much goes on inside your cervical spine. The Ultimate Guide to VA Disability Ratings for Neck Pain #Evidence #VAClaims #VAAppeals #Tips #VADisability #Veterans #VARating #vadecision #VAClaim. Each direction, forward, backward, left, and right will get an angle of flexion measurement. The following are a list of common questions asked at a C&P exam for Neck Pain: #1. link) between the current, diagnosed back condition and the in-service event, injury, or illness. 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. While not all of these are exclusive back pains, they can all point to conditions in the spine that would warrant a higher VA rating. The more educated and prepared you are with your claim and getting the right evidence to submit a fully developed claim, the better your chances of getting the benefits you deserve. For instance, the VA rating for favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine is 30%. This level is basically less flexion: 30-60 degrees of flexion for the lower to middle back and 15-30 degrees for your neck. They keep you informed. A C&P exam for Cervicalgia (Neck Pain) involves a series of questions, to include a physical examination, diagnostic testing (X-Ray, if none have been performed), and a Range of Motion (ROM) test with a Goniometer. Spinal Fusion VA Disability Rating - Hill & Ponton, P.A. The difference is almost $2,700 per year! Youll bend forward and backward as well as side to side, and every measurement matters. Does the veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a cervical spine condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)? Foraminal Stenosis This is a form of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) that involves the tightening of foramen between bones in the spine. With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. 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. They must cause problems doing normal activities. Herniated disk. As they fail, the nerves they protect can cause numbness, pain, or paralysis in your hands and feet. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 They may also need to wear a back brace. Asthma secondary to Depression. Veterans must prove secondary service connection if their first service-connected condition causes a different disability or makes an existing disability worse. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 If you are a veteran with a spinal fusion, you may wonder if you can get a service connection for your disability. If the veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition, indicate the side, and identify the assistive device used for each condition. What is VA rating for cervicalgia ? VA disability rating for neck pain To receive a 100% rating, youll need to prove that your condition is completely disabling and that you cannot work or earn a living in any capacity. 50% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The VA rates Cervicalgia under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, DC 5237, Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain (Neck Pain). The main determining factor is how much of a Range Of Motion (ROM) you have. This level can also have muscle spasms, muscle guarding, and pain without abnormal gait or curves. 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. 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.)? Neck arthritis can also spread to affect other parts of the body. 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 . 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. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 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. Does procured evidence (statements from the veteran) suggest pain, fatigability, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination which significantly limits functional ability with repeated use over time? Unfortunately, constant changes to regulations have resulted in a process that can be confusing to many former service members. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. If the shock absorbers are removed you wont have space to pinch nerves. Disc injuries like herniated discs cause weakness, pain, and numbness. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain and Spinal Arthritis During the C&P exam, the practitioner will ask questions about the condition to see how it has changed over time. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 We hope this guide has been helpful. The VA assigns a rating to spinal fusion in the same way it rates other diseases of the spine, basing their rating on a veteran's range of motion as defined by 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings - Musculoskeletal System (Diagnostic Code 5241). Sometimes VA accepts your claim but assigns a lower rating than you may have hoped for. #6. Your spinal discs are critical to the padding between your vertebrae. To start the Social Security disability application, you can go online at www.SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! VA Disability Benefits for Spondylosis | CCK Law Unlike other disabilities recognized by VA, service connection for neck pain does not necessarily require a current diagnosis. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) and VA Disability 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. The VA rates Cervicalgia under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, General Rating Formula for the Spine as follows. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 ), Disabling spinal contours like being hunchback or kyphosis. Other Conditions That Come With Fused Vertebrae It also means that every few years you should check with the VA to see if you can get an increased rating. 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. eCFR :: 38 CFR 4.71a -- Schedule of ratings - eCFR :: Home Asthma secondary to Nasal polyps. Twisting at the hips is also counted in your movement as part of your thoracolumbar 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. For example, if you also have arthritis, the VA might factor that into your rating. At VA Claims Insider, were here to walk you through everything you need to know, including how to file your VA claims. Your backbones might be fused together or about to be because of ankylosis, but you at least look normal when you stand or sit. The combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or. 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. Its also helpful to have a private medical provider conduct a physical examination of your spine to document any new Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM) and Pain Level (1-10). 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%. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. Your final VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease depends upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of symptoms, including Painful Motion, Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM), and Functional Loss or Impairment. The combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or. Since symptoms can improve and worsen over time, veterans are encouraged to have their rating re-evaluated every couple of years as ratings are not permanent. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine due. Function: Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine. Lower to mid-back flexion is limited to between 30 and 60, and the range in your neck is 15-30. 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. When the discs between your vertebrae wear out and cause all of these problems, sometimes a surgeon will fuse two or more of your vertebrae together. we represent clients nationwide. 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. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. If you experience back or neck pain from sitting in a chair for too long, you shouldnt be embarrassed to apply for VA benefits. 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.
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