From what I've seen on here, it seems like Back problems are one of the most prevalent types of injuries among all of us. I have bulging discs at multiple levels in my lower back and my Cervical Spine. I've been trying to get some research done on this, but i keep finding contradictory information. Does the ratings board rate each individual level of injury, or do they rate on the overall back problem as a whole? I'm hoping that the DDD comes into play when the VA rates me. I haven't seen too many posts about it, but being that it's a "degenerative condition" you'd think that they would rate it accordingly. Any information from people that know, or have already been rated would be great. Thanks guys!!
Question about discs and Degenerative Disk Disease
- Thread starter SoSincere13
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Basically the back is rated as one condition. It all depends on your range of motion test. They see how far you can bend over, bend backwards, sideways,e tc. There are three parts to the test I believe. Depending on how far you can or cant stretch will dictate your rating. Also, what comes into play is periods of being bed ridden, if any.
spinal
PEB Forum Regular Member
The measurements are flexion/extension, side to side, and twisting.
The Court has held that, when a diagnostic code provides for compensation based upon limitation of motion, the provisions of 38 C.F.R. §§ 4.40 and 4.45 (1999) must also be considered, and that examinations upon which the rating decisions are based must adequately portray the extent of functional loss due to pain "on use or due to flare-ups." DeLuca v. Brown, 8 Vet. App. 202, 206 (1995)
The Court has held that, when a diagnostic code provides for compensation based upon limitation of motion, the provisions of 38 C.F.R. §§ 4.40 and 4.45 (1999) must also be considered, and that examinations upon which the rating decisions are based must adequately portray the extent of functional loss due to pain "on use or due to flare-ups." DeLuca v. Brown, 8 Vet. App. 202, 206 (1995)
Jason Perry
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Back (Thoracolumbar) and neck (Cervical Spine) are separately rated.
I have DDD in my lower back and C4-C5 fusion due to rocket and mortar hits. Jason is right, they are rated separately.
To quote my mTBI physical therapist and my medical records, "TBI Diagnosis: mTBI; MoI (Method of Injury) Multiple Blasts; Injury War related? - Yes; PRECAUTION - CAUTION: Posterior fusion of C4-C5, full ROM is not likely to be achieved".
To quote my mTBI physical therapist and my medical records, "TBI Diagnosis: mTBI; MoI (Method of Injury) Multiple Blasts; Injury War related? - Yes; PRECAUTION - CAUTION: Posterior fusion of C4-C5, full ROM is not likely to be achieved".
I have DDD with multiple conditions (spondylosis, stenosis, arthritis, disc displacement) and soon I will have to meet with a VA doctor to process my disability claim. In addition, AFRC has finally started my MEB and I will have to meet with another doctor as well. I understand by reading the procedures the doctor will use to measure my ROM. My question is, when I bend during the measurements, do I stop when I feel any pain or when it becomes uncomfortable? There is a big difference in measurement between the two.
They will use your ROM. I have all that too. you stop when the pain starts. Doctor (Physical Therapist or Ortho) measures. And asks if you can keep going and document again. So it will have your ROM without pain and ROM through pain. Then they will do this 3 times and take the averages. They will make you bend in different directions. The difference depends on the person, their meds, if they are having a good or bad pain day... They will add all this to the doctors note too. Hope this helps.
Delirium Tremens
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I've got the exact same questions! Anyone? I believe it's more advantageous in my case to go the route of total incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months rather than just ROM scores.
Place this in the NARSUM then?