What is Degenerative Disc Disease?Have you had an MRI or an X-ray of your spine recently? Chances are the report says you have some degree of degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a chronic condition that occurs when the discs in your spine break down. The discs are soft, shock-absorbing cushions that separate the vertebrae in your spine. As the discs wear down, the bones in your spine rub together, which can cause pain and other issues.
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
DDD can be caused by numerous factors (i.e. aging, injuries, daily activities, and sports. Other risk factors include obesity, lack of exercise, family history, osteoporosis, and smoking). One potential factor that people often overlook is their work activity. For example, a job that requires repetitive, work-related lifting can lead to acceleration or worsening of the DDD.
Another possible way that work activities can have an effect on pre-existing DDD is if an accident or work activity causes the previously asymptomatic DDD to become symptomatic. Almost any person that were to have imaging studies of their neck and back done would likely have some degree of degenerative disc disease. However, a person can have DDD and not have any symptoms.
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Can You Receive Workers' Compensation Benefits for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Yes. If a work activity such as bending, lifting, or twisting has caused degenerative disc disease, or aggravated previously asymptomatic DDD to become symptomatic, then you could have a potential New York Workers' Compensation claim.
In either situation, it is important that you immediately inform your employer that a work accident occurred by completing a written accident report. It is also important to see a doctor to discuss whether the work activity could be the cause of the problem.
Our team is here to clarify the medical evidence, application process, and eligibility criteria associated with the New York Workers' Compensation process. Comp laws in New York State are complex, and insurance companies regularly deny claims. This makes it important to make sure you have an experienced Workers' Comp attorney's guidance. We work on a contingency basis, meaning that our fee is simply a percentage of the total benefits awarded to you. There are no out-of-pocket fees for our Workers' Comp services, and our firm has over 40 years of experience securing benefits for injured workers.
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