VA Secondary Conditions to Degenerative Disc Disease 

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a painful and often disabling spinal condition that many veterans develop due to the physical demands of military service.  

If you’re already service-connected for DDD, you may also qualify for additional VA disability compensation. These benefits are available for VA secondary conditions to degenerative disc disease—such as nerve damage, mental health challenges, or chronic pain that are caused or worsened by your DDD. 

In this post, we examine the most common medical conditions secondary to Degenerative Disc Disease and explain what veterans need to file a strong, well-supported secondary claim for additional VA benefits. 

Key Takeaways

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a common service-connected condition among veterans, particularly for those with physically demanding military service roles.

• VA secondary conditions to Degenerative Disc Disease—such as radiculopathy, depression, or sleep issues—may qualify you for additional VA disability compensation.

• A clear medical “nexus” is crucial to a winning secondary service-connected VA claim.

• Veterans with strong secondary condition claims may be able to increase their VA combined disability rating and receive higher monthly compensation.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition that refers to the natural wear and tear of the spinal discs over time.  

These intervertebral discs—commonly referred to as “discs”— are fluid-filled cushions between the bones in your spine that provide the necessary cushion to allow the spine to fully flex and bend without pain.  

Military Service and Degenerative Disc Disease

It is possible to develop a degenerative disc disease or experience exacerbation of a pre-existing DDD from repetitive injury or stress to the spinal column during military service. Examples of service-related activities that could cause or exacerbate DDD over time include: 

• Carrying heavy gear (e.g., heavy equipment, body armor, or backpacks) 

• Parachuting 

• Running during drill or basic training 

• Repetitive stress over time (such as twisting, bending, or lifting) 

• Experiencing back trauma 

Degenerative Disc Disease VA Ratings

The VA rates degenerative disc disease on the § 4.71a Schedule of ratings for the musculoskeletal system under DC codes 5242 and 5003. DDD is rated according to criteria such as the flexibility, range of motion of the spine, and the presence of conditions such as: 

• Kyphosis: an abnormal forward curvature of the upper back. 

• Lordosis: an abnormal inward curvature of the spine, usually involving the neck or lower back. 

• Ankylosis: a medical condition involving two or more bones which are abnormally fused together, causing stiffness and loss of joint mobility. 

DDD is typically rated under Diagnostic Code 5242 based on your spinal mobility and pain. Most ratings fall between 10% and 40%, though severe cases may be rated higher. 

For more details, you can view the full VA rating schedule for the spine (38 CFR § 4.71a). 

VA Secondary Conditions to Degenerative Disc Disease

Veterans with degenerative disc disease (DDD) may develop a variety of secondary conditions due to chronic pain, nerve damage, or altered mobility. Below is a list of common secondary conditions linked to DDD, along with the associated VA diagnostic codes and typical disability ratings. 

Radiculopathy

Nerve root damage from DDD can lead to radiculopathy, which causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs. 

Diagnostic Codes: 

• Upper limbs: DC 8510, 8610, 8710 (VA Ratings: 20% to 70%) 

• Middle (thoracic): DC 8510, 8610, 8710 (VA Ratings: 0% to 30%) 

• Lower limbs (sciatic nerve): DC 8520, 8620, 8720 (VA Ratings: 0% to 80%) 

Notes: Complete paralysis may qualify for up to a 90% VA rating. 

Common Terms: Neuralgia, neuritis, paralysis. 

Sciatica

A form of radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, sciatica causes pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down the legs. 

Diagnostic Code: DC 8520 

VA Ratings: 10% to 80% depending on severity. 

Mental Health Conditions (Anxiety & Depression)

Chronic pain from DDD often results in mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal. 

Diagnostic Codes: 

• DC 9403, 9410, 9413 (anxiety) 

• DC 9433, 9434, 9435 (depression) 

VA Ratings: 10% to 100%, based on severity and occupational/social impairment. 

Sleep Disturbances

DDD-related pain can disrupt sleep or worsen other conditions like sleep apnea. 

Diagnostic Code: DC 6847 (sleep apnea) 

VA Ratings: 0% to 100% depending on symptoms and need for CPAP. 

Note: Other sleep issues (e.g., insomnia) may be rated under mental health criteria. 

Orthopedic Secondary Conditions (Knees, Hips, Ankles)

Altered posture or gait from DDD can cause wear-and-tear injuries in joints like the hips, knees, and ankles. 

Primary Diagnostic Code: DC 5003 (degenerative arthritis) — VA Ratings: 0%, 10%, or 20% 

Related Hip Codes: 

• DC 5250 – Hip ankylosis (VA Ratings: 60% to 90%) 

• DC 5253 – Limited motion (VA Ratings: 10% or 20%) 

• DC 5254 – Flail joint (VA Rating up to 80%) 

• DC 5255 – Impairment of femur (VA rating varies) 

Chronic Pain Syndrome

Persistent pain lasting more than three months can lead to chronic pain syndrome — a complex condition involving widespread discomfort and reduced function. 

Diagnostic Code: No specific code; rated based on functional loss from a service-connected condition (like DDD). 

Note: A strong nexus letter and medical evidence (e.g., pain management records) can help establish service connection. 

The VA Painful Motion Rule

The VA’s painful motion rule allows veterans to receive a minimum 10% disability rating if pain occurs during movement, even without significant range of motion loss. 

Why Get a Nexus Letter for Secondary Service Connection? (Real Life Example)

Having served in the Army in combat arms for 10 years, James received a 20% VA disability rating for his service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). During his military service, his DDD was linked with frequent heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and high-impact environments.  

Over time, James’ DDD continued to progress, and he developed severe bilateral (both legs) radiculopathy (i.e., shooting pain, numbness, and tingling that radiated [spread] down both legs). 

A secondary VA disability claim submitted by James claimed that his service-connected DDD resulted in radiculopathy. The VA denied the claim, stating that there was no direct link between the nerve pain and his service-connected back condition. 

Determined to appeal, James received a detailed Nexus Letter from a licensed provider. The provider reviewed his MRI and EMG results, noted positive straight leg raise tests, and clearly stated that the radiculopathy was caused by nerve root impingement, which was “at least as likely as not” due to his lumbar degenerative disc disorder.  

With the additional medical evidence provided by his Nexus Letter, James’s claim was approved on appeal, and he was granted an increase of 20% for each leg, raising his overall combined VA rating to 50%, a significant increase in monthly compensation and access to additional benefits. 

Need a Nexus Letter for Your Secondary Condition?

If you’re filing a secondary VA claim related to degenerative disc disease, medical evidence matters. The VA often denies these claims due to a lack of clear medical connection. 

That’s where a Nexus Letter from a licensed provider can help. 

At Telemedica, our experienced medical team understands how to properly link your secondary conditions—like radiculopathy, anxiety, or hip pain—to your service-connected DDD. We specialize in the medical evidence veterans need to win. 

Conclusion

It takes more than a list of symptoms to win VA benefits for secondary conditions resulting from degenerative disc disease; it requires solid medical documentation, a clear tie to the primary condition, and an understanding of how the VA evaluates both primary and secondary conditions.  

You can get the medical evidence needed for a winning claim. Nexus Letters that clearly connect the dots for the VA can be the key difference between losing or winning your VA claim and getting the benefits you deserve. 

FAQs

What is considered a secondary condition to degenerative disc disease? 

Several medical conditions could be considered secondary to your DDD; these depend on your symptoms. You may experience mental health challenges as a result of chronic pain, such as anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. Severe long-term DDD can progress to a nerve condition called radiculopathy, which involves severe pain, numbness, and tingling of the arms or legs.  

Do I need a Nexus Letter for secondary claims?

Yes, a Nexus Letter is often one of the most critical pieces of evidence to prove a medical connection between your primary DDD and your secondary condition, particularly if your initial claim was denied and you are appealing the decision. 

Can secondary conditions increase my overall VA rating?

Yes. Each secondary condition can be rated separately, potentially increasing your combined VA disability rating and monthly compensation. Remember that the combined rating is based on a specific VA calculation. For example, a 20% rating in each leg for secondary radiculopathy, plus a 20% rating for your DDD doesn’t equal a total of 60% combined rating; view our VA disability calculator for more information on combined ratings.  

Is there a way to ensure I win my claim secondary to DDD?

No. There is no absolute, foolproof way to know if you will win your VA disability claim for a condition secondary to DDD. Still, you can increase your chances of a winning claim by getting an expert medical opinion, such as a Nexus Letter, stating your secondary condition “as least as likely as not” caused by your service-connected DDD. 

Can I get a TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) for chronic pain syndrome secondary to DDD?

Yes. Suppose you have physical impairments that interfere with your ability to work linked with chronic pain syndrome, and you must also have a mental impairment, such as anxiety or depression, caused or worsened by your chronic pain. In that case, you may be eligible for TDIU. 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims.

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?    

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denies secondary disability claims when they lack medical evidence. Still, when prepared correctly, VA secondary claims can significantly increase a veteran’s overall VA rating and monthly disability compensation. 
 
Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims.  

Schedule your FREE 20-minute consultation and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.