Back pain is one of the most common issues veterans face after service. Among the many causes, degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the most frequently claimed orthopedic conditions with the VA. Whether it started during active duty, developed over years of physical strain, or appeared as a secondary condition, DDD can have a serious impact on quality of life. Veterans dealing with chronic pain, stiffness, or radiating nerve symptoms often wonder how the VA views this condition and what it takes to secure disability benefits.
This guide breaks down what degenerative disc disease is, how it may be connected to military service, how the VA rates it, and what veterans can do to support their claims.
Table of Contents
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Despite the name, degenerative disc disease is not technically a disease. Instead, it is a condition that occurs when the discs in the spine — which act as shock absorbers between vertebrae — begin to wear down.
When discs lose flexibility or cushioning, veterans may experience:
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Chronic back or neck pain
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Herniated or bulging discs
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Nerve impingement
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Pain radiating down arms or legs (radiculopathy)
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Stiffness and reduced mobility
For service members, years of carrying heavy packs, parachute landings, flight operations, or repeated physical strain can accelerate disc degeneration.
Can Degenerative Disc Disease Be Service Connected?
Yes. The VA recognizes degenerative disc disease as a condition that can be service connected. Veterans typically pursue this through two main paths:
1. Direct Service Connection
A direct service connection means the condition started in service or is directly linked to duties performed while on active duty.
Example:
A veteran who served as an infantry soldier for a decade regularly carried 80-pound rucksacks, repeatedly visited sick call for back pain, and later had an MRI confirming disc degeneration. This evidence creates a strong case for direct service connection.
To establish direct service connection, you generally need:
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A current diagnosis (MRI, X-ray, or orthopedic evaluation)
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Service treatment records or credible personal reports of back pain during service
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A nexus statement from a medical provider linking your current DDD to your military service
2. Secondary Service Connection
A secondary service connection applies when DDD develops as a result of another service-connected condition.
Common examples include:
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Knee or hip conditions: An altered gait places additional strain on the lumbar spine.
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Flat feet (pes planus): Postural changes can affect spinal alignment.
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Obesity as an intermediate step: If weight gain is caused by medication for another service-connected disability (like PTSD), it can increase stress on the spine.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Balance issues and abnormal movement patterns can contribute to spinal degeneration.
Example:
A veteran service-connected for knee instability later develops chronic back pain due to altered walking mechanics. Imaging confirms DDD, which can then be claimed as secondary to the knee condition.
Evidence needed for secondary service connection includes:
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Proof of the primary service-connected condition
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Diagnosis of DDD
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Medical opinion linking the two conditions
Medical Literature and Supporting Evidence
When filing a claim, backing up your case with medical research can strengthen it, especially if the VA initially denies your claim.
Studies show:
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Repetitive heavy lifting and impact activities (such as rucking or parachuting) accelerate spinal disc degeneration.
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Psychological stress and PTSD can worsen pain perception, muscle tension, and recovery time.
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Biomechanical compensation from knee and hip injuries leads to increased wear on the spine.
Including medical studies or citing them in a nexus letter can help validate your claim.
How the VA Rates Degenerative Disc Disease
The VA uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (38 CFR 4.71a) to evaluate DDD. Ratings are largely based on range of motion and functional impairment.
Typical ratings include:
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10% – Pain with motion or mild limitation
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20% – Forward flexion of the spine limited to 60° or less
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40% – Severe limitation or spinal fusion
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Higher ratings – Conditions involving spinal cord issues or when the veteran is bedridden
In addition, the VA may assign separate ratings for radiculopathy, which is nerve pain radiating down arms or legs, rated under peripheral nerve codes.
Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam for DDD
When you file a VA disability claim, you’ll likely be scheduled for a C&P exam. This exam is critical to your claim because the examiner documents:
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Range of motion (with and without pain)
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Muscle spasms, tenderness, or guarding
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Neurologic symptoms like numbness or weakness
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Presence of radiculopathy or nerve involvement
Tip: Be honest about your symptoms and describe your worst pain days, even if you feel better on the day of the exam. The VA needs to understand the full extent of your limitations.
Strengthening Your Claim
To give your claim the best chance of approval:
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Obtain imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs confirming your diagnosis
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Track flare-ups with a pain diary or symptom journal
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Request a nexus letter from your treating physician, if possible
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Document work impact, such as missed time, physical restrictions, or difficulty performing daily activities
While a nexus letter is not always required, having a medical provider explicitly link your condition to service can significantly strengthen your case.
Getting Help with Your Claim
The VA disability claims process can be overwhelming. Fortunately, veterans don’t have to face it alone. You can seek help from:
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Veterans Service Officers (VSOs): Free assistance with filing and appeals
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Accredited VA attorneys or claims agents: Fees are regulated and typically only charged if you win your case
Having professional support can make navigating the system far less stressful.
Final Thoughts
Degenerative disc disease is a painful and limiting condition that affects thousands of veterans. Whether it’s a direct result of military service or secondary to another condition, the VA recognizes DDD as compensable under disability law.
Success with your claim depends on solid medical evidence, a clear diagnosis, and a strong link to service. By understanding how the VA rates DDD, what evidence is most persuasive, and how to prepare for exams, veterans can improve their chances of receiving the compensation they deserve.
If you are struggling with back pain and believe it’s connected to your service, don’t hesitate to file a claim, seek supportive medical documentation, and work with an accredited advocate. You served your country — now it’s time to ensure you receive the benefits you earned.
Also read: Cold Weather Injuries & VA Disability
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
