When applying for neck pain veterans disability benefits, do not forget to list the specific conditions that you have. While there are many different types of Arthritis, the most common types are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. 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). Until we win, we dont charge you a thing. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. The Ultimate Guide to VA Disability Ratings for Neck Pain Standard cellular rates will apply and the caller may utilize an automated dialing system. While its a tough case to make, pain alone can be found to be a qualifying disability if it is service-connected. The Back and Spine - Military Disability Made Easy Depending on your disability and the documentation, you can even use the same doctors reports and former employer statements in your VA case. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. In fact, injuries that occur on leave may qualify. Generally, Arthritis, including Osteoarthritis, is rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5003, Degenerative Arthritis, with VA ratings of either 10% or 20%, depending on the number of joints impacted and whether there are occasional incapacitating episodes. 4.17 - Total Disability Ratings for Pension Based on Unemployability and Age of the Individual . When you call us, we go through an in-depth interview during your free phone calls to make sure we dont leave any money on the table for the VA. Talk to Us About Your Claim:(866) 232-5777, Have you been denied a VA disability rating for cervical spine pain, whiplash, or degenerative disc disease? ), Weakened movement (due to muscle injury, disease or injury of peripheral nerves, divided or lengthened tendons, etc. In the absence of a diagnosis, veterans will need to show VA that there was an in-service event, injury, or symptom that caused their pain, and provide a medical nexus linking their pain to that in-service incident or symptom. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. This can cause a lot of pain because the natural shock-absorber between the joints is also not working. It is like not having enough cushion around your joints. We have updated our Privacy Policy. Impacts with other vehicles, driving into holes, explosions, off-road hazards, and worse can really jar your neck. 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 If your military service worsened your neck pain, then you may be eligible. The pain comes on during the night, which is going to cause insomnia or symptoms similar to sleep apnea. Osteoarthritis is not going to spread. What Are the Requirements for Veterans Disability Compensation? if you got sick or suffered the injury while serving in the military. What might first be back pain can be a signal about other illnesses. VA Disability for Arthritis in the Neck and Back. The VA awards disability compensation for each Back and Spine condition that is service-connected.The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty.For Reservists, the condition must have occurred in or resulted from an injury in the Line of Duty to qualify.. Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. However, both are still rated under the musculoskeletal system conditions. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. A total disability rating (100 percent) will be assigned without regard to other provisions of the rating schedule when it is established by report at hospital discharge (regular discharge or release to non-bed care) or outpatient release that entitlement is warranted under paragraph (a) (1), or of this section . Other injuries that may have happened in the service can bug you for years but fortunately wont get worse over time. These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. 10 CAVC Cases Every Veteran Should Know Part 2, Cervical strain (Diagnostic Code 5237) stretched or torn muscle or tendon in the neck, Cervical spine stenosis (Diagnostic Code 5238) narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. Pro Tip: There must be x-ray evidence of Arthritis in the joints to rate under DC 5003. The diagnosis of your actual back condition is generally not all too important in how it is rated. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! The Ultimate Guide to VA Disability Ratings for Neck Pain. Where there are additional disabilities rated 50% or 100%, or anatomical or loss of use of a third extremity see 38 CFR 3.350 (f) (3), (4) or (5). In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. An X-Ray or MRI can help prove your case for an injury, but many forms of arthritis dont show up on X-Rays or MRIs. 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. together, so we dont know what percentage of these disabilities are neck-related. The courts further likened the reasonable doubt rule as akin to the principle in baseball that the tie goes to the runner.. Why Hire CCK for Your VA Disability Appeal? Arthritis VA Rating: Types of Arthritis and VA Disability Please complete this form to send us your message. If youre uncertain about whether you may qualify for VA disability benefits based on a service-connected neck injury, need help putting together a solid application, or are appealing a denial of benefits, an experienced veterans disability benefits advocate can help you determine the best next steps. VA disability ratings for back pain can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Does the veteran have a diagnosis of Arthritis? Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Simply aging with that injury can lead to a pinched nerve causing radiculopathy. You can see in this picture from CFR 38 Section 4.71a that they are still measuring it the same way they were measuring it 20 years ago. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. Its worth working through the process with a certified VA disability lawyer to get the full benefits and compensation you deserve. Sometimes back pain is caused by osteophytes or bone spurs bony projections that form along the edges of your joints. Depending on how your injury occurred, your service records may already contain evidence. Dont do it! The VA uses a general rating formula called the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities to determine the specific percent rating. You can even download the form they use to review it all right here. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5260 (leg, limitation of flexion) and 5261 (leg, limitation of extension) for the same joint. Using this website or contacting us does not constitute a business relationship. 17. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. You can also submit a statement from past employers about what kinds of special concessions needed to be made for you and your back pain. Your Arthritis May Progress as Fast as your VA Claim, Get Reports from Your Doctor about Changes in Your Symptoms, VA Benefits for Various Back Injuries and Conditions, How Arthritis in the Spine is Rated by Veterans Affairs, VA Ratings for Spine Issues are Based on Movement, Pain, and X-Rays, Different Types of Arthritis Can Get Different VA Ratings, Bone Spurs Cause Burning or Tingling in Your Hands or Feet, Dont Wait Until Arthritis and Back Pain is Unbearable, Get a Free Consultation from our Certified VA Lawyer Team. If you are already getting social security disability for arthritis in your back and you are a veteran, you can also get VA benefits for the same injury. No. The cyst and the arthritis would all be rated together under code 5003, degenerative arthritis, on how they affect the motion of the knees. VA Disability Rating 40% Condition Arthritis rheumatoid (atrophic) as an active process with "less than criteria for 100% but with weight loss and anemia" with one or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis. A drone pilot sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day could have back pain for being sedentary just as a calvary scout could have a jammed sciatic nerve from sliding down the side of a rock hill in Afghanistan. Arthritis caused by an accident or injury (post trauma). Have imaging studies been performed in conjunction with this examination? Your doctor is the best source of information about the likely causes of your neck problems. The VA groups lumbosacral strain and cervical strain. eCFR :: 38 CFR Part 4 -- Schedule for Rating Disabilities However, your disability rating may not be so straightforward or may change over time. If VA determines that your service-connected arthritis at least as likely as not caused your depression, then secondary service connection will be awarded. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I am thankful for being referred to Woods and Woods. Wear and tear of carrying a 50-pound pack for 3 years uphill both ways can wear out joints and trigger osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica. So, if you got in a car accident on base while you were off duty or slipped and fell in the mess hall and sustained a neck injury, your condition may still be service-connected. VA Disability for Arthritis in the Neck and Back You have nothing to lose. Neurological disorders and bowel or bladder disorders fall into this category. Most neck-only conditions that qualify for a VA disability . I understand my consent does not require me to purchase anything and my number will not be stored or called for any other purpose. Arthritis is a musculoskeletal disorder most often rated under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5003, Degenerative Arthritis. Pending Case Could Increase VA Ratings for Neck / Back | PTSD Lawyers Several rating criteria affect the total rating decision. In all events, the veterans pain must cause functional impairment or loss, defined as the inability to perform the working movements of the body with normal strength, speed, coordination, and endurance. Neck pain has many different causes and can range from stiffness or an occasional ache to a condition that seriously limits the range of motion and may cause other symptoms. The lumbosacral articulation and both sacroiliac joints are considered to be a group of minor joints, ratable on disturbance of lumbar spine functions. Here one of our VA disability lawyers goes over the questions Woods and Woods, The Veterans Firm, is often asked about veterans disability claims and appeals. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Dealing with that VA requires an expertise that many of us do not possess.2. This is done based upon the Veteran's neck (cervical spine) or rest of the back (thoracolumbar spine). In the VA rating system, orthopedic conditions affecting the spine are separated into neck conditions and back conditions. VA Disability Ratings for Neck Pain Explained, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School. ), Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly. The examiner may ask questions about the condition or time in service, as well as physically examine the veteran.
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