va disability rating for cervical spine fusion va disability rating for cervical spine fusion

If there is no diagnosis, a veteran will still need to show VA that connection. 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. Asthma secondary to Allergies. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Ankylosis can be diagnosed with X-Rays and no other symptoms of pain or tenderness. VA Claims Insider Submits Statement to Senate VA Committee: How to Protect Veterans From Financial Exploitation of Their VA Benefits. 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! The surrounding muscles, bones, and tendons can cause muscle weakness, sharp pain, and numbness. This is Favorable or Unfavorable Ankylosis. Veterans must present a current diagnosis, a document detailing an in-service event, and a medical nexus that connects the current diagnosis to the in-service event or cause. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. 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. They must cause problems doing normal activities. Disc injuries like herniated discs cause weakness, pain, and numbness. VA disability will not be awarded to those who cannot prove they have long-lasting or recurring issues. The important part is that the veteran proves the pain is not merely subjective. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. 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. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 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. This erases the need for an official opinion from a medical professional. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. 17 posts . 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. It can show up between multiple vertebrae, so your doctor can split up your diagnosis into multiple regions. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. 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. As of this writing, a total of 1,129,931 disabled veterans are service connected for neck conditions. 1115) Expand Table Amputations: Upper Extremity 1 Entitled to special monthly compensation. If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date, and results (brief summary). 40% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or, forward flexion of the . You might be able to lean right and left 30 just fine. 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. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. How the VA Rates Spinal Fusions VA ratings for spinal fusion follow the same process as other spinal conditions and are based on the range of motion defined in 38 CFR 4.71a. Each of these veterans benefits have different eligibility criteria so be VA Disability Rating for Cervicalgia: Basic Eligibility Criteria. 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. 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. . Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 Learn what youve been missingso you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE! you have shown that there is was an incident in service and that you have a current disability. They keep you informed. This rating criterion is primarily based on a range of motion measurements. 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 favorable or unfavorable part refers to what position you are stuck in. 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. Neck pain is known to cause migraines, sleep issues, and radiculopathy. 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. In this article, well explain how the VA rates spinal fusion surgery for disability benefits and what you need to do to apply. 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. Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine. 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. Other back issues are rating according to different criteria. Although its not always fast, sometimes it can spread within just a few months. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. I am now going to have three . The difference is almost $2,700 per year! It also means that every few years you should check with the VA to see if you can get an increased rating. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 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. They may also need to wear a back brace. 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. Disability rates for the 70% to 100% ratings differ a bit from the 30-60% ratings in how bonuses are allocated based on dependents. Recovery time from either a surgery or the immobilization of a joint by a cast without surgery requires a temporary 100% disability rating for a service-connected disability. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 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. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) is a disability in which parts of your spine break or move and put your nerves or other parts of your spine in the wrong spot. It can provide significant relief for the patient. 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. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. They are very knowledgeable. If youre applying for VA disability benefits and youve had spinal fusion surgery, you should definitely include that information in your claim. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Does the veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a cervical spine condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)? Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. Cervical spondylosis, or cervical osteoarthritis, is another serious medical condition that veterans suffer from. But if you cant bend over the normal 90 or bend back the normal 30, you are already getting close to that 120 total. 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. My back conditions have worsened. 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. 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. However, you must show that your symptoms are severe. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that involves joining two or more vertebrae together. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. VA Ratings for Neck Painrange from 10 percent to 100 percent, with breaks at 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, and 50 percent. Share with: Link: Copy link. Is Favorable Ankylosis Better than Unfavorable Ankylosis? 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. In such cases, the VA is able to consider certain, Once the VA has acknowledged that your disability is related to servicei.e. These injuries can be caused by a variety of factors. Neck conditions typically affect the cervical spine, which consists of seven bones (vertebrae) that are separated by intervertebral discs. When the VA rates IVDS, they rate it based on incapacitating episodes. VA ratings for spinal fusion follow the same process as other spinal conditions and are based on the range of motion defined in 38 CFR 4.71a. #3. Repetitive Strains These injuries can cause aching, cramping, pain, throbbing, and tingling in the upper back. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Applying for VA Benefits Years After Service: Is It Allowed? Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine (T10 to L2). 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%. We advocate for the disabled. The more you are immobilized, the more your VA rating will increase. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! we represent clients nationwide. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! They will also consider your age, education, and employment history. From a VA disability perspective, this can help you get a permanent rating. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. 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. 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. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Surgeries, such as spinal fusion, discectomy, and laminectomy; . Note that a veteran is eligible to be rated for both a neck condition, back condition, and Radiculopathy secondary to multipole extremities. yet assertive representation for our clients. You will, however, be eligible for these monthly compensation rates: Those with higher ratings will receive modified rates based on their dependents. 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. You have virtually no range of motion. When you hurt or feel numb, tell your doctor that youve reached the limit. When determining your rating, the VA will consider your entire medical history, not just your spinal fusion surgery. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the cervical spine? Yes it is. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Spinal fusion helps correct spinal deformities like a sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis). Foramen are the openings between discs. TDIU benefits are equivalent to those of a 100% disability rating and are awarded when one or more disabilities render a veteran unable to secure and keep substantially gainful employment. What Are the VA Ratings for Ankylosis, Favorable or Unfavorable? Muscle guarding gone wrong can cause a number of disorders in your back. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. Theyll need to see evidence that the spinal fusion is caused by your back condition and is related to your service. 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. Asthma secondary to Nasal polyps. Share. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Receiving a 20% disability rating for spinal fusion means that your range of motion is significantly reduced. There must be clear evidence that the veterans pain causes functional impairment or loss. The highest scheduler rating for neck pain is 100 percent, which means your entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. Is the veteran being examined during a flare-up? 50. Spinal fusion is when two or more vertebrae in the spine are fused together as a surgical technique. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. 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. The courts further likened the reasonable doubt rule as akin to the principle in baseball that the tie goes to the runner.. You have nothing to risk except knowing that you had professionals working hard on your case. This article will detail how spinal fusions factor into VA disability ratings and how you can get benefits for your service-related spinal fusion injury. #4. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It can include your diagnosis, independent medical opinion, medical records, and written statements from friends or family members. Unfavorable Ankylosis does bring in higher VA Ratings than favorable. 100. If yes, is degenerative or post-traumatic arthritis documented? These cervical bone spurs can cause neck pain and weakness in the shoulders and arms. 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. 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. Yes, sort of. Unfavorable ankylosis occurs when spinal fusion causes posture changes such as hunched back or leaning to the side. The VA rates Neck Pain under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5237, Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain. A number of them require surgery to correct the problem. 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 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. VA ratings for neck problems go up fast because so much goes on inside your cervical spine. 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. This occurs when a veteran is unable to perform with the same strength and endurance as before the condition. Symptoms often get worse over time and are caused by an individual performing the same action over and over again. The VA will evaluate your condition based on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the extent of your disability, and your ability to perform daily activities. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. 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. Spinal stenosis (diagnostic code 5238): Spinal stenosis is when the spaces in the spine are narrowed and . #10. The good news is that the VA has a very specific process for evaluating Veterans who have had this type of surgery. We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. The combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or. 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.)? 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. At VA Claims Insider, were here to walk you through everything you need to know, including how to file your VA claims. Herniated disk. While we still have our home base in Florida, You can also apply in person at your nearest Social Security office. 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. 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. Veterans are exposed to numerous events which can cause lasting neck injuries. This condition can be diagnosed by a medical professional. 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). Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or. This is because the VA will only pay benefits for injuries that occurred during or as a result of military service. However, that injury may accelerate the aging of your neck. Lateral flexion is leaning right and left but rotation is also measured. 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. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! The quick and intense movement can traumatize the surrounding muscles and tendons, resulting in cervical strain. Other Conditions That Come With Fused Vertebrae All Rights Reserved. The tiers work their way up from 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% and then jump all of the way up to 100%. The answer is that it depends. VA Disability Claims (General) > Cervical Fusion. Most veterans with ankylosis dont get much over 50%. 50% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar 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. Pain in the neckor cervicalgiais recognized by VA as a disability that should be compensated if caused by military service. 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. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. Neck muscles can become strained from poor posture, carrying heavy things, military training exercises, high-intensity physical training, deployments, or long hours hunched over a computer. Unfavorable ankylosis is when your stuck bent over in any direction. Youll be measured at your C&P exam to see how much you can bend at the waist and at the neck. This process starts with the veteran submitting evidence that they experience chronic neck pain. Substantially gainful employment is any non-temporary, non-seasonal job that provides enough money for an individual to live a certain quality of life. It is better for your health to be diagnosed with favorable ankylosis but if you are diagnosed with unfavorable ankylosis, you'll get more money to help you out. Rather, they are added using VA math. Updated: October 24, 2022. Intervertebral Disc Diseases Similar to generative disc disease, these conditions affect the discs between vertebrae, causing pain in the back, arms, neck, and legs. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. 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. Spinal Cord Injuries These are very serious injuries that can result in a loss of motion or feeling in the body. That means everything from the middle of your backpack and bra strap down. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine due. If yes, document the Veterans description of functional loss or functional impairment in his/her own words. The general minimum for undiagnosed back pain veterans' disability benefits is 10%. 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). VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain Explained, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease, pick-up the phone and call the VA health facility nearest you, CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim. Additionally, thoracolumbar combined movement should be less than 120, and cervical combined movement should measure less than 170. You will also need a copy of your operative report from the surgeon who performed your spinal fusion surgery. Certain conditions can cause lasting issues that dont get worse over time. Ankylosis is what this is called when the bones do it themselves. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By joining the vertebrae, the surgeon can stabilize the spine and take pressure off the nerves. 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. 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. You can also appeal this decision to fight for a higher VA disability rating for your neck pain.