VA ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) range from 0 – 100%. DDD is a painful and often disabling condition that affects many veterans due to the physically demanding nature of military service. Years of running, lifting, jumping, and carrying heavy loads can lead to the breakdown of spinal discs, causing chronic pain and limited mobility.
Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes DDD as a service-connected disability and provides compensation to eligible veterans. However, getting the proper VA rating—and keeping it—can be difficult without the right documentation and support.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease refers to the breakdown of the intervertebral discs in the spine that act as shock absorbers between your vertebrae. Over time, these discs may lose flexibility, elasticity, and shock-absorbing ability. This degeneration can cause bone-on-bone contact, nerve impingement, radiculopathy, and limited mobility in the:
Cervical spine (neck)
Thoracic spine (upper back)
Lumbar spine (lower back)
This condition typically worsens with age or prolonged physical strain, making it common among veterans.
Key Symptoms and Impact on Veterans
Degenerative Disc Disease can severely limit a veteran’s ability to work and carry out daily activities. Common symptoms include:
Numbness and tingling in the arms or legs
Muscle weakness, especially in the lower extremities
Limited range of motion in the spine
Sharp or shooting pain, especially when bending or lifting
Pain during daily activities like walking, standing, or sitting for long periods
These symptoms can come and go, making it difficult for veterans to prove the extent of their condition—especially if medical documentation is lacking.
VA Disability Ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease
The VA rates DDD under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The ratings range from 0% to 100%, depending on the severity, range of motion, and impact on your ability to function.
Here’s how the VA typically assigns ratings:
10% Rating
Forward flexion of thoracolumbar spine: 60–85 degrees
Forward flexion of cervical spine: 30–40 degrees
Combined range of motion of thoracolumbar spine: 120–235 degrees
Combined cervical spine range of motion: 170–335 degrees
Muscle spasm, tenderness, or guarding not affecting posture or gait
Vertebral body fracture with 50% or more height loss
20% Rating
Thoracolumbar forward flexion: 30–60 degrees
Cervical forward flexion: 15–30 degrees
Combined thoracolumbar motion: ≤120 degrees
Combined cervical motion: ≤170 degrees
Muscle spasm or guarding causing abnormal gait or spinal contour
30% Rating
Cervical spine forward flexion: 15 degrees or less
Favorable ankylosis of the cervical spine
40% Rating
Thoracolumbar spine forward flexion: 30 degrees or less
Favorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine
Unfavorable ankylosis of the cervical spine
50% Rating
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine
100% Rating
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine
Note: The VA may use a goniometer during a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to measure your range of motion and determine your rating.
Is it Hard to Get a High VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Yes—many veterans receive only 10% or 20% ratings for DDD, even when their symptoms are severe. This is often due to:
Lack of documented range of motion testing
Insufficient medical records
No diagnosis linking the condition to service
Incomplete symptom descriptions during exams
The more specific, consistent, and well-documented your evidence is, the stronger your claim will be.
Do you think your rating doesn’t match the severity of your DDD condition? Call Chad Barr Law today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Medical Evidence is Critical
Medical evidence is the cornerstone of a successful VA claim. Your medical records should include:
Diagnoses from a doctor or specialist
MRI or X-ray imaging (if available)
Range of motion measurements
C&P exam notes
Physician observations on daily limitations
Additionally, your personal statements or “lay evidence” can also be considered, especially if they are consistent with your medical records.
Tip: Keep track of your treatment history over time. DDD often gets worse gradually, so updated records can help justify an increased rating later.
How to Maximize Your Degenerative Disc Disease VA Disability Rating
If your degenerative disc disease is interfering with your ability to work or live comfortably, consider the following steps:
Get a formal diagnosis that links the condition to your military service
Track and document symptoms in detail
Undergo range-of-motion testing
File early and be persistent
Consult an experienced veterans disability attorney
If your condition worsens over time, you can file for an increased rating—but you’ll need new, compelling medical evidence to support your claim.
VA Claim Denied or Rated Too Low?
If your DDD claim was denied or underrated, you have the right to appeal. That’s where Chad Barr Law can help.
How Chad Barr Law Supports Veterans:
Free case evaluations to assess your eligibility
Skilled legal representation during the appeals process
Expert review of medical and service records
Personalized legal strategies for maximizing your rating
Strict deadline management and accurate filing of VA forms
Representation at hearings and reviews
Our attorneys are VA-accredited and experienced in handling even the most complex disability cases, including those involving degenerative disc disease.
Related Blogs You Might Like:
Understanding VA Disability Ratings for Radiculopathy
How to File a VA Disability Claim
Strategies to Appeal a VA Disability Claim
Get Help Today
You served our country. Let us serve you.
If you’re struggling with a denied claim or feel that your current rating doesn’t reflect the true impact of your degenerative disc disease, schedule a free consultation with the team at Chad Barr Law today.
Contact Chad Barr Law now to get the VA benefits you’ve earned.
