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Questions & Answers
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Q612: I have degenerative disc disease. Can this be used as a disability claim?
If you have a question about benefits, compensation, pension or VA related issues please submit here.
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A1: Yes, if you have ever while serving been to the doctor and can prove it for any neck, shoulder, back problems then they will tie into degenerative and you will be fine. No reply needed. (MC) 12/20/20
A2: If you had a back injury while in the military and it was documented in your records this could be a claim for disability. (GR) 12/20/20
A3: Whenever you file a claim with the VA, remember the "Rule of Three". In service occurrence, a current diagnosis, and a nexus, or link, between the in-service occurrence and your current diagnosis. If these three things are present, then you get service connected. Just because you had something happen to you in the military, doesn't mean it can be service connected. VA also looks for continuity of care. Vets present routinely saying they had something happen to them in the military 40 years ago but there is no history of treatment for the occurrence. VA only rates "chronic" disabilities, not acute. So the answer to your question would be to file for the disability and tell the VA where they can get the medical evidence to support continuity of care and you may very well get service connected. (DS) 12/21/20