Already working with us? 20 percent disability rating: $327.99 per month. Stenosis is most common in the cervical area (the neck) and the lower back (lumbar) area, with lumbar stenosis being the most common form of this condition. Prosthetic replacement of knee joint: For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis 100 The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 Its possible for rheumatoid arthritis to be rated under diagnostic code 5003 like degenerative and traumatic arthritis. If your spine is locked, but its in a favorable condition, your disability rating may be as low as 30% or 40%. You may also qualify for a 100% rating if your back injury renders you. In a February 2007 rating decision, the RO granted service connection for spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Rheumatoid arthritis is rated under its own rating system. If two or more major OR minor groups are affected a 20% rating will be assigned if the arthritis is occasionally incapacitating. If your spine is frozen due to spinal stenosis, meaning that you have no Range Of Motion, you may qualify for a relatively high VA disability rating. However, generally speaking, symptoms may include the following: Most often, spinal stenosis is caused by overuse or general wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to osteoarthritis. This test results in six measurements taken while moving the neck for the cervical spine and six measurements taken while moving the back for the lumbar spine. Yes, you can. which may qualify you for a higher rating. Over time, you will attend additional annual exams at an area SCI Center. Technically, the highest VA rating for a thoracolumbar spinal disability is 50 percent. In many cases, symptoms resolve themselves with rest, physical therapy, exercise, and anti-inflammatories. A single veteran with no dependents and a total disability rating of 40% would receive $627.61 per month, as of 2020. VA uses 38 CFR 4.71a, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to evaluate most neck pain conditions. Registration is FREE of charge! Full eligibility requirements It will also help if someone else in your division remembers what happened. If the condition is not severe enough to meet the above criteria, then the VA rating for back pain / arthritis will be based on specific symptoms. you may be able to get a higher rating due to incapacitating episodes. Degenerative arthritis of the spine, sometimes referred to as facet joint osteoarthritis, causes a breakdown of the cartilage between the facet joints in the back of the spine. If there is decreased range of motion of the cervical or thoracolumbar spine, the condition would be rated according to the general rating formula for the spine that is based off of range of motion measurements. These types of lawyers have experience dealing with the laws and rules that govern the VA and may have ideas and suggestions for increasing or challenging your VA disability rating. Fill out the short form below to contact us. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. A 2019 Inspector General report found that the VA processed the majority of the 62,500 spinal injury claims decided in the first half of 2018. Degenerative arthritis is the chronic breakdown of the cartilage surrounding the joints. However, the VA still rates degenerative arthritis of the spine under the criteria listed for diagnostic code 5003. However, the VA disability rating for spinal stenosis is calculated exactly the same as other spinal diseases and injuries. These are periods of acute pain severe enough for a doctor to proscribe bed rest. The SSA has a specific disability listing for lumbar stenosis. This means that the effects of spinal stenosis are not limited to the back. Va rating of 60%. Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. After recovery, the VA will re-evaluate their condition. If there is painful motion, a 10% rating will be assigned. An increase at this point for a spine disability requires additional loss of range of motion, ankylosis, or . For instance, which pages you go to most. If a doctor doesnt use a goniometer to measure your ROM, the VA will not consider the results. Yes No Does applicant expect to be out of work for at least 12 months? More importantly, when both the lumbar spine and cervical spine are affected by spinal stenosis, the two may be separately rated unless both are frozen in an unfavorable position. Spinal stenosis is a degenerative disc disease that occurs when there is pressure placed on the nerves in your spine. The VA disability rating system for spinal stenosis is the same general formula as for other similar spinal conditions, including: If the VA determines your spinal stenosis is service-connected, you will receive a disability rating between 0% and 100%. The VA assigns rating percentages based on the frequency of incapacitating episodes. An unfavorable position means your spine is locked in a position that is something other than vertical. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Disability benefits are paid for service-connected disabilities. The diagnostic code for traumatic arthritis is 5010. In severe cases, it can lead to myelopathy, paralysis, bladder and bowel incontinence or retention, headaches, and other debilitating symptoms. The general rating formula for spinal stenosis and the other spinal conditions listed above is as follows: General Rating Formula Spinal Stenosis and Select Spinal Conditions. VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Stenosis, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Call 800-544-9144 today for a free case evaluation or contact us here. 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. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your. If severe enough, anxiety and depression arising from a service-related condition may also qualify for an additional disability rating. As mentioned above, many different joints are rated under the rating criteria for degenerative arthritis. A TDIU is an award of increased compensation. VA Disability Claims List: What Conditions Can Veterans Claim? Under the IVDS schedule, a VA disability rating can be obtained based on the number and frequency of incapacitated episodes in which bed rest is ordered by a physician. For example, fractured and/or dislocated vertebrae can lead to pain and weakness in the arms, hips, shoulders, etc. In order to be granted a VA disability rating for spinal stenosis at 30%, you must meet either of these conditions: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, or Favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, where your spine is fixed in place but at a neutral position at 0 degrees. Lack of cartilage causes pain and limitation of motion. Other causes include tumors and lesions, enlargement of facet joints, thickened ligaments, injuries that cause displacement of vertebrae, vertebral fractures, and rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause bone spurs. THE ISSUE. The total ROM measurement is merely the sum of the individual ROM measurements for each of the spine segments. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the stenosis and which nerves are affected. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Veterans looking to receive VA disability for spinal stenosis often develop the disability due to an injury to the spine. 100% VA disability rating for spinal cancer. The VA will use a series of diagnostic codes for areas of the spine. According to Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center, spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space where the nerves run through your spine, causing pain by putting extra pressure on these spinal nerves. If left untreated, spinal stenosis may cause permanent numbness, weakness, balance problems, incontinence, and/or paralysis. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. The effects of spinal stenosis, whether they manifest themselves in the back or elsewhere, can be the basis of a VA disability rating for spinal stenosis. As the foramen close in, it can lead to those nerves becoming pinched. The disability rating is the highest rating produced by the rating tables. 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 This rating criterion is primarily based on a range of motion measurements. Appellant represented by: Disabled American Veterans. Canes range from $25 to $100 and walkers can be more than $200. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Examples of a few disability ratings for spinal stenosis are: 20%: A 20% disability rating for spinal stenosis means you have more than 30 degrees forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine, but not greater than 60 . Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. This guide will break down how the VA rates back pain and spinal disabilities, so you can take the first steps toward making a claim. Specifically, VA rates spinal stenosis according to its General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, outlined below: 100% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine This metric is used in calculating your VA disability rating. Back braces or corsets are $200 or more. As with most medical conditions, the VA disability rating for back pain depends on a variety of factors. Thus, when a bulging or herniated disc in the cervical spine region causes six weeks of incapacitating episodes per year, you would be eligible for a 60% VA disability rating for neck pain. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. But it can also be a result of a spinal injury. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. VA Disability Rating for Spinal Stenosis Depends on Range of Motion Spinal stenosis can arise from both degenerative conditions (such as arthritis, bulging discs, and herniated discs) and physical injury, such as bone fragments, dislocated vertebrae, or swollen tissues. Favorable position means your spine is locked but more or less vertical, so you can still sit at a desk chair, for example. The rating will largely depend on whether you have lost range of motion as a result of stenosis. One common cause of foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy is a bulging or herniated disc. Want to know if you qu. Some of the most common disabilities Veterans have are the result of injuries to their back, especially those related to the spine. 4.71a Schedule of ratings - musculoskeletal system. At these exams, you can expect your doctor to ask you questions about your background and medical history, evaluate your symptoms and range of motion. Please register to post comments. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? Depending on what joint is affected, there will be an identifying diagnostic code assigned to the condition. These complications of stenosis are called. Entire cervical spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. The latter two will show whether soft tissue may be impinging or invading the spinal cord area. 4.30 Convalescent ratings. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. This narrowing can be caused by physical injury or degeneration of the spine. Vertebral fractures and dislocations (diagnostic code 5235). Schedule an MRI consultation today! The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense guidelines are based upon the best information available at the time of publication. Our monthly newsletter features about important and up-to-date veterans' law news, keeping you informed about the changes that matter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My name is [K.S]. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? With this in mind, its important to know which spinal conditions are not rated under the general rating formula. This includes the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee ankle, fingers, toes, spine, and the sacroiliac joint. One of the most common conditions secondary to spinal conditions is radiculopathy. It is the problems that may be CAUSED by Spinal Stenosis that are rateable. It is rated under another diagnostic group. Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine leads to neck pain, back pain, and sometimes, 60% if there are severe incapacitating episodes that occur 4 or more times per year, 40% if there are incapacitating episodes that occur 3 or more times per year if there is a definite (but not necessarily significant) decrease in health, 20% if there are less than 3 incapacitating episodes per year. Examples of secondary conditions that may arise as complications of stenosis include radiculopathy, neurogenic bladder, and knee and hip problems caused by walking difficulties due to stenosis. You must have a positive imaging test (MRI, . bulging, herniated, or degenerated disc and request a re-calculation, Get Our Team Started Reviewing Your Case for Free Today, you should talk to a VA Disability law attorney first, Nervous System Conditions VA Disability Articles, Woods and Woods fought hard for this Army Veteran. Some joints are referred to as major joints, while others are referred to as minor joints. There are two types of arthritis that are rated under the same rating system; degenerative arthritis, and traumatic arthritis. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine leads to neck pain, back pain, and sometimes causes pain to radiate into the arms and legs. The VA has a separate rating system for these conditions. Any injuries or disabilities that are the result of military service are eligible for compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If your spine is locked in an unfavorable position, you may qualify for a relatively high disability rating as high as 100%. Spinal stenosis Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety And more. Often, spinal stenosis is caused by the formation of bone spurs that grow into your spinal canal. If your spinal stenosis was caused by another service-connected disability, you can apply for secondary service connection. Pocket Card . This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. Berry Law gets Veterans the disability compensation they earned. Getting Veterans (VA) Disability for Spinal Injuries, Radiculopathy VA Disability Ratings and Benefits, VA Disability Ratings for Neck Pain Explained. Spinal stenosis will cause pain in different areas of the body including the neck, lower and middle back, your buttocks and legs. Call 512-454-4000 for help today. An. Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in compromise of the cauda equina 1.17 Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint 1.18 Abnormality of a major joint(s) in any extremity . In that case, a lumbar spine and cervical spine frozen in an unfavorable position is given a VA disability rating of 100%. During the months after surgery, veterans are entitled to a 100% disability rating so they can recover from the procedure. While these codes may seem important, the rating formula is the same whether you suffer from spinal stenosis, intervertebral disc syndrome, vertebral dislocation or fracture or another condition. There must be x-ray evidence of arthritis in the cervical or thoracolumbar joints for the VA to rate a spinal condition under the code for degenerative arthritis. Pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of motor control are some of the symptoms of the condition. These are periods of acute pain severe enough for a doctor to proscribe bed rest. For example, if your spinal stenosis is caused by a bulging disc, dislocated vertebrae, or bone fragments, you may be able to identify an accidental fall, vehicle collision, or any other physical injury incurred during your military service that worsened your condition. Contact Berry Law today if you need assistance appealing your VA decision. For example: Suppose you were diagnosed with whiplash as a result of a Humvee accident while you were in the service. If your back is not frozen, VA doctors will base their assessment on how much range of motion you have left, which they will measure with a goniometer. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Your spinal stenosis may be accompanied by other back conditions, including degenerative disc disease, arthritis, ankylosis or ankylosing spondylitis. To qualify for disability because of spinal stenosis, you must meet several requirements: The stenosis must be in your lumbar region. Other causes of spinal stenosis may include: Arguably the most important part of the VA disability claims process is establishing service connection. However, military doctors and corpsmen may be reluctant to order an x-ray or MRI if they think a diagnosis can be made without one. Flexion measures 30 degrees or less, OR entire thoracolumbar spine is frozen in a favorable position. For example, if rheumatoid arthritis of the spine results in pain with motion, the condition will be rated according to the criteria set forth in 5003 as described above. The rating assigned under the rating criteria for degenerative arthritis depends on how many joint groups are affected and whether there is painful motion. The VA not only makes, Both degenerative arthritis and traumatic arthritis, regardless of the joint affected, are rated under diagnostic code 5003. A favorable position means the ROM measurement for flexion or extension is 0 degrees. You can file a disability claim for any secondary symptoms or conditions caused by your service-connected degenerative disc disease.