DC 5242 — Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010)
Also known as: arthritis of the spine, back pain, Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative disc disease, lower back pain, DDD, herniated disc, bulging disc, disc disease, spinal stenosis
These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) → Knee, other impairment
How the connection is commonly explained
Altered gait from chronic back pain puts abnormal stress on the knees.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either dc 5003 or 5010) led to or worsened knee, other impairment.
Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) → Major depressive disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Long-term pain and reduced function are strongly associated with depression.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either dc 5003 or 5010) led to or worsened major depressive disorder.
Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) → Sciatic nerve, paralysis
How the connection is commonly explained
Degenerative disc disease commonly compresses the sciatic nerve and causes sciatica symptoms.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either dc 5003 or 5010) led to or worsened sciatic nerve, paralysis.
Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) → Thigh, limitation of flexion
How the connection is commonly explained
Altered gait compensation from spinal degeneration places extra stress on the hips.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either dc 5003 or 5010) led to or worsened thigh, limitation of flexion.
Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) → Upper radicular group, paralysis
How the connection is commonly explained
Cervical degenerative changes can compress nerves affecting the arms and hands.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either dc 5003 or 5010) led to or worsened upper radicular group, paralysis.
Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) → Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity
How the connection is commonly explained
Lumbar nerve involvement and pain medication side effects can affect sexual function.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either dc 5003 or 5010) led to or worsened erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity.
Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) → Flatfoot, acquired
How the connection is commonly explained
Pain-related gait changes can alter foot mechanics and contribute to plantar and flatfoot symptoms.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either dc 5003 or 5010) led to or worsened flatfoot, acquired.
Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) → Generalized anxiety disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Chronic pain and worry about physical decline commonly lead to anxiety.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either dc 5003 or 5010) led to or worsened generalized anxiety disorder.
Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) → Sleep Apnea Syndromes
How the connection is commonly explained
Pain medications can relax the airway and decreased mobility can promote weight gain that worsens sleep apnea.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either dc 5003 or 5010) led to or worsened sleep apnea syndromes.
How to File a Secondary Claim
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.