The VA uses 38 CFR 4.71a to rate herniated discs. Schedule of Ratings for Musculoskeletal System.
These are the VA Disability Ratings for Herniated discs:
- 10% – Did you have any incapacitating episodes that lasted less than two weeks, but more than one week in the past twelve months?
- 20% – This rating is available to veterans who have had episodes that lasted at least 2 or more weeks in the past 12 months.
- 40% – You must watch the episodes at least for four weeks, but no more than six in the past 12 months.
- 60% – Any veteran who is incapacitated more than six weeks in the last 12 months must report it to the VA.
What is the VA’s rating of herniated discs
These rating criteria are used by Veterans Affairs to decide whether or not to approve your VA disability claim.
- Pain:
- Numbness:
- Tingling:
- Muscle weakness is the degree to which your muscle strength has been reduced.
- Walking difficulty: This is a measure of how difficult it is to walk.
- Loss of balance: A feeling of being out of control. This could range from a minor loss to a major loss.
Your daily activities will be examined by the VA. These limitations could be minor like not being able to lift heavy objects or severe like being totally disabled.
TDIU for Herniated Discs
Herniated spines may make it more difficult to work in certain situations. You may be eligible for total disability (TDIU) if you are in this situation. You will need to prove that your condition prevents you from securing or keeping substantial profitable employment in order to be eligible for TDIU. This applies to all jobs that pay more than $18,000 per year, before taxes.
The VA will review all medical evidence to determine if you are able to work. This includes your symptoms ratings and any C&P results. Statements from your doctors about your ability to work are also required. If they find that you are unable to work, they will offer TDIU benefits at your full rating. This article will help you understand the VA disability ratings for herniated spinal cords. If you have any questions about appealing a VA disability claim, please contact us. We are here to help!
You can also visit our blog to learn more about VA disability ratings.
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There are many symptoms that support a VA disability rate for a bulging disc
Vertebrae are the bones of the spine. These are bones that have been separated and cushioned by discs. These discs do not contain bones, but instead have a fibrous outer layer that protects the rubbery nucleus. These discs offer flexibility for the spine. The discs allow you to bend forward, sideways and turn. The discs act as shock absorbers and prevent vertebrae grinding against one another. You can see why discs can cause back discomfort. A prolapsed disc, also known as a bulging disc, is a disc that has lost its structural integrity and becomes deformed. The loss of fibrous ring strength can lead to a bulging disc. This can happen due to injury, overuse, or age. As we age, the discs dry out and become harder. This can lead to a decrease in back flexibility and hardening, at least partially. When you lift or twist your body, these discs can become more vulnerable to deformation.
Even young people can develop bulging discs. Some people are more susceptible to disc damage to their spines than others. Young adults have the most bulging discs due to their physical activity. Bulging discs can be caused by lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling heavy loads. This is also true for strenuous exercise and accidents that result in falls or collisions with cars. All of these can lead to bulging discs. Many of the tasks that active service personnel are required to perform can lead to a bulging disc.
Sometimes discs can bulge without any symptoms. Because of the small space in the spine, discs can’t deform. This means that most bulging discs push into the spinal canal and invade it.
Your spinal canal runs from the spinal cord to your brain. A bulging disc pressing against your spinal cord can cause symptoms that are not always indicative of a problem in your back. Depending on the severity of the bulging disc, you may feel symptoms in your arms, legs or hands. You may feel tingling, extreme pain, or numbness. The lumbar spine, which is the location of most of your body weight, is more susceptible to a bulging disc that your cervical spine (which is located in the neck and upper back). Nerve pain and weakness can be caused by a bulging disc. Problems with walking and incontinence can be caused by a bulging disc.
For Bulging discs, establish a Service Connect to a VA Disability Rating
It is easier for some medical conditions to get a VA disability rating because of a bulging disc than for others. A bulging or herniated spinal disc can be caused by many activities, including military service. Even PT can lead to a bulging disc. You can prove your disability by providing medical documentation that shows you suffered back problems while serving.
Bulging discs can also be caused by injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions, training accidents, or other incidents. These service records can be helpful in establishing a connection between military service and disability. There are three ways to connect your disability with your service
Service makes condition worse
If your disability was present at the time you joined the service, you might be able link your service with your disability. Your service’s medical records are the best way for you to prove that your condition has changed. These records will show you the extent and frequency of your bulging/herniated discs during military service. These records can be used to prove your military service if your condition worsens faster than normal. One way to prove that your bulging/herniated disc was not inevitable is to point to an incident. This could be a fall that has injured your back.