If you’re a veteran who is suffering from a herniated disk, you might be dealing with a wide variety of very painful symptoms, from back pain to numbness and weakness.
These might be greatly impacting your day-to-day life, and as such, you may be considering seeking VA disability benefits.
Understanding how herniated discs are rated by the VA can help you claim the benefits you deserve.
What are Herniated Discs?
The spine consists of bones called vertebrae, with discs between them acting as cushions.
A herniated disc occurs when the disc’s outer layer tears and the inner gel-like substance pushes outward, pressing on nerves.
Common causes in veterans include things like repetitive stress, heavy lifting and prolonged sitting or driving.
Symptoms of Herniated Discs
Some of the symptoms of herniated discs can vary but often include:
- Pain in the back, buttocks, thighs or calves.
- Numbness or tingling in affected areas.
- Muscle weakness, impacting mobility and daily tasks.
These symptoms also may worsen with increases in activity and can radiate across different parts of the body, depending on where the disc is located.
VA Disability Ratings for Herniated Discs
VA disability ratings for herniated disks are based on the severity and frequency of incapacitating episodes.
The ratings include:
- 10% – Incapacitating episodes of at least one week but less than two weeks in the past year.
- 20% – Episodes lasting at least two weeks but less than four weeks.
- 40% – Episodes of four weeks but less than six weeks.
- 60% – Incapacitating episodes that last six weeks or more.
Note: An incapacitating episode is defined as a period during which the veteran experiences severe symptoms that prevent normal day-to-day functioning.
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Get a Free Case EvaluationSecondary Conditions Related to Herniated Discs
A herniated disc can exacerbate or lead to additional health problems, which may qualify as secondary conditions under VA disability ratings.
Identifying and documenting these conditions is crucial as they can significantly increase your overall disability rating.
Common secondary conditions associated with herniated discs include:
- Sciatica: Pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve from the lower back down to the legs.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Progressive deterioration of the disc, leading to chronic pain and instability.
- Chronic Pain Syndrome: Persistent pain that can arise from the spinal nerve pressure.
- Radicular Pain Syndromes: Pain that spreads from the spine to other areas, such as the arms or legs.
- Neurogenic Claudication: Pain and weakness in the legs, especially when walking, due to spinal nerve compression.
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: A condition involving abnormal responses to nerve disturbances.
- Bladder or Bowel Dysfunction: Due to nerve compression affecting pelvic organ control.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to nerves in the peripheral nervous system, often causing weakness, numbness, and pain, typically in the hands and feet.
Veterans experiencing these or other related symptoms should consider applying for secondary condition benefits to ensure comprehensive coverage and appropriate compensation for their overall disability.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for Herniated Disc
If your herniated disc or its secondary conditions prevent you from working, you may be eligible for TDIU.
This benefit recognizes that certain disabilities can hinder your ability to sustain employment, warranting compensation at the 100% disability rate, even if your combined disability rating is less.
For detailed guidance on eligibility and application, check out our IU Guide.
Learn more about how it could benefit your situation by clicking below for further information.
Click here to learn all you need to know about IU benefits.
Cassandra Crosby, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.
