Disc injuries like herniated discs cause weakness, pain, and numbness. Share with: Link: Copy link. How to Apply for Benefits After a Spinal Fusion. If any limitation of motion is specifically attributable to pain, weakness, fatigability, incoordination, or other; please note the degree(s) in which limitation of motion is specifically attributable to the factors identified and describe. Back pain typically refers to injuries in the lower half of the spine or the thoracolumbar section. 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. 40% - unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or, forward flexion of the . 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. The same veteran with a 100% disability rating would receive $3,106.04. The highest scheduler rating for neck pain is 100 percent, which means your entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. #19. You may be owed compensation. 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. 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. Is Favorable Ankylosis Better than Unfavorable Ankylosis? You have virtually no range of motion. The combined range of motion, however, is found by adding your degree of flexion in all four directions. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. VA uses 38 CFR 4.71a, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to evaluate most neck pain conditions. This device accurately assesses how far individuals are capable of bending or moving their joints. Its no secret that many veterans suffer back pain from spinal injuries. Veterans who have had spinal fusion surgery are potentially eligible for VA benefits relating to the spinal fusion. HIRE THEM! Radiculopathy is commonly rated as a secondary VA disability claim for secondary service connection due to one or more service connected neck, shoulder, and back conditions. You will also need a copy of your operative report from the surgeon who performed your spinal fusion surgery. The problem is when this happens just by walking, sitting, or moving around normally. Even after you get your rating decision, run it by some certified VA lawyers to catch any mistakes the VA made with your records. 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 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. The surrounding muscles, bones, and tendons can cause muscle weakness, sharp pain, and numbness. These injuries can be caused by a variety of factors. How Do I Increase My VA Rating for Neck Pain? 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.
