Veteran Back Pain: Tips to Prove it’s Service-Connected

Updated on March 31, 2021

Military service places enormous strain on the body, and if you have lingering back pain after your service, it could be linked to it. Back pain can have numerous causes, but there are some ways to determine if the heavy loads you may have borne during your service led to your current pain. You may be entitled to compensation that can help to alleviate your pain and quality of life issues that emerge from your back pain. Knowing what it will take to obtain your compensation is important, as is acting quickly, to obtain the benefits to which you’re entitled.

Does My Back Pain Qualify for a VA Claim?

You might be wondering if your back pain qualifies as being service-connected, and thus for a VA claim. Back conditions that are both chronic and which were due to a sudden event may qualify for coverage through the VA. Some conditions that are commonly covered include the following:

  • Vertebral fracture
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Segmental instability
  • Cervical strain
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • And more

A wide variety of back conditions can arise over the course of your military service. What matters more is establishing that the injury arose due to your service and isn’t caused by activities that you engaged in while outside of it or which didn’t have anything to do with the duties of your employment. A veterans disability FAQ sheet can provide some guidance for you as you navigate the process of determining if you qualify for VA benefits.

Connecting Your Back Pain to Your Service

The key to claiming VA benefits is establishing that your back injury arose due to your service. This can be done by reviewing your record and the types of duties that were a routine part of your time in the military. Any documentation of incidents that occurred during your services, such as accidents, explosions, gunfire incidents, or other events which could have caused your injury will be reviewed. Your past medical records will also be instrumental in establishing the source of your injury and what can be done to remedy it.

How Does the VA Determine Your Disability?

The VA uses a classification system to determine the level of disability you may be suffering. Pain alone is generally not sufficient to qualify for disability compensation, leaving you to receive it only in the cases of a loss of range of motion. Range of motion losses is measured in percentages and the amount of time that you have lost due to an inability to move.

  • 10%/20%/30% loss: For instances where you have a partial loss of the range of motion
  • 10%+: In cases of intervertebral disc syndrome, where there is one week of a loss of motion
  • 50%: Thoracolumbar stiffening
  • 100%: Stiffening of the whole spine

A proper medical evaluation can help you build a case for benefits through the VA, but it’s important to speak with one as soon as possible. The longer your condition goes without treatment, the more likely it is that you could face trouble in pursuing your claim. 

After your military service, you may be able to take advantage of a wide range of benefits, but only if you’re aware of your ability to collect them. A disability lawyer who specializes in VA benefits can help you take advantage of the benefits to which you’re entitled. If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to not ignore it and to get it examined to determine how to treat it and what can be done to obtain compensation to pay for your care. With the right help, you can enjoy a higher quality of life and the benefits you deserve.

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Author’s Bio Sarah Douglass

Sarah Douglass has been writing all her life. What started as a passion soon became her life goal. At such a young age, she has already faced and overcame many obstacles. The instinct she developed through her life experience is coupled with an in-depth knowledge of the legal field. Sarah sees writing as a means to connect to others and help them overcome hard times.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.