If you have a limitation of motion that only applies to how you can twist, note that if you have full thoracolumbar motion forward, sideways, and backward, that is only going to add up to 180 of total motion without some rotation. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. You dont want to miss out on the full benefit that you deserve. Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Is applying for VA benefits years after service allowed? Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Other Conditions That Come With Fused Vertebrae. Deformities of the spine. 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. The main determining factor is how much of a Range Of Motion (ROM) you have. If you experience back or neck pain from sitting in a chair for too long, you shouldnt be embarrassed to apply for VA benefits. 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. For example, the following Diagnostic Codes (DC) from 38 CFR, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities apply: These six neck and back conditions can often lead to pinched or damaged nerve roots, which can cause significant pain known as Radiculopathy. Medical Criteria Needed to Qualify with Spinal Fusion | Disability Forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or. Additionally, they must keep you from working for at least 12 months. Those symptoms can also point to diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, or arthritis, so youll need some X-Rays and CT scans on your back to see what is going on in there. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the cervical spine? For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. The temporary 100% rating may continue for 1 to 3 monthsdepending on your unique case. Neck Pain is the #5 most claimed VA disability. These cervical bone spurs can cause neck pain and weakness in the shoulders and arms. Youll be measured at your C&P exam to see how much you can bend at the waist and at the neck. 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 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). 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. 100+ Most Common VA Disability List of Secondary Conditions (2022) Anxiety secondary to Tinnitus. Unfavorable ankylosis occurs when spinal fusion causes posture changes such as hunched back or leaning to the side. Repetitive Strains These injuries can cause aching, cramping, pain, throbbing, and tingling in the upper back. Thats why the VA law says: If intervertebral disc syndrome is present in more than one spinal segment, provided that the effects in each spinal segment are clearly distinct, evaluate each segment on the basis of incapacitating episodes or under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, whichever method results in a higher evaluation for that segment. 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? Other back issues are rating according to different criteria. Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or. Abnormal contours can cause problems in digestion, breathing, circulation, bowel movements, and more. 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, 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. Expand Table Amputations: Lower Extremity Once thats done, the surgeon will place bone grafts or metal rods and screws between the vertebrae to hold them together while they heal. If your back does this when you move, your back is guarding. What Are the VA Ratings for Ankylosis, Favorable or Unfavorable? The VA can give you a rating for unfavorable ankylosis of the thumb and any finger. #13. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. How to Get Disability for Spinal Fusion (Updated for 2023) Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! It can also be difficult if there is no record of the injury you received. In this article, well explain how the VA rates spinal fusion surgery for disability benefits and what you need to do to apply. you have shown that there is was an incident in service and that you have a current disability. 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. This level can also have muscle spasms, muscle guarding, and pain without abnormal gait or curves. Muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O.
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