The VA has many resources and benefits to help veterans with low back pain. Knowing how the VA evaluates low back pain is essential to getting the benefits you need.
This article will cover the VA ratings for low back pain and provide an in-depth look at the procedure and its benefits.
What are VA Ratings?
VA ratings reflect how a service-connected disability affects your everyday life and employment. Pain in the lower back may limit your daily activities, reduce your quality of life, and even prevent you from working. If your VA rating is correct, you'll get the benefits and assistance you've earned.
Understanding Low Back Pain:
Veterans often suffer from low back pain due to the intense physical activity required during military service. It may vary from discomfort to severe chronic pain that interferes with every aspect of a person's life.
You must prove a relationship between your military service and low back pain to get VA compensation.
Rating Criteria for Low Back Pain:
The VA uses Diagnostic Code 5242 to rate cases of low back pain. This code considers the constraints brought on by the condition, such as the need for pain medication, functional impairment, and assistive technology.
The following criteria will be used to determine the severity of your low back pain:
- Forward Flexion: The flexibility of your lower back is measured by how far you can bend forward. The VA evaluates this skill by measuring how far you can reach with your fingers.
- Extension: Your range of motion is also affected by your capacity to extend or bend backward. The VA will assess your ability to take this action while considering your restrictions.
- Lateral Flexion: The capacity to twist and turn is directly related to how well you can bend to the side. The VA is responsible for deciding whether or not this freedom of movement is restricted.
- Painful Motion: The VA considers both the existence and intensity of pain during motion. Pain from regular activities or medical tests counts as well.
- Muscle Spasms: Muscle spasms, whether they occur or are severe, may have a major influence on your capacity to function.
- Functional Loss: Low back discomfort affects your ability to do normal things like lifting, sitting, standing, and walking.
Common VA Ratings for Low Back Pain:
Low back pain may be given a range of VA ratings based on how severely it affects daily life. Some common star ratings include the following:
- 0% Rating: This rating indicates low back discomfort without functional impairment.
- 10% Rating: A 10% rating may be assigned when moderate symptoms of low back pain do not substantially interfere with daily activities.
- 20% Rating: This rating is for mild low back discomfort impacting certain daily activities but not restricting functioning.
- 30% Rating: A 30% rating is given for more severe low back pain that restricts functional abilities and interferes with everyday activities.
- 40% to 60% Rating: These ratings are designated for chronic and severe low back pain that profoundly disrupts everyday life and function.
Benefits of VA Ratings for Low Back Pain:
Getting a good VA rating for low back pain may help in many ways. Key benefits include the following:
- Disability Compensation: The disability compensation received from the VA is proportional to the veteran's VA rating. With this assistance, you'll be better able to pay for healthcare, rehabilitation, and general living needs.
- Access to Healthcare: Based on your rating, you may qualify for VA healthcare at no cost or a reduced cost. Physical therapy, medication, and treatment systems are all part of managing chronic low back pain.
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Services: Higher ratings make you eligible for VR&E services, which can help you move into civilian work or establish a business.
- Priority Enrollment in VA Healthcare: Veterans with service-connected disabilities have priority access to VA healthcare, guaranteeing prompt and thorough treatment.
