Obtaining VA Disability for Radiculopathy. We are Veterans helping Veterans!Become an Elite Member and work with our Veteran Coaches to get the rating you deserve! I have 21 pages of VA medical documentation for burning, altered gait, radical symptoms, inability to ambulate, in addition to over 50 days of work missed this year, 2 local ER visits, and 1 VA ER visit. If the veterans doctor has provided a favorable opinion on the claim, the vet can submit this supportive evidence in the C&P exam. We guide our clients through the most difficult times in their lives with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. This makes it difficult to bend the knee and could lead to an 80 percent disability rating. Medical images like x-rays can also be useful. For radiculopathy, relevant evidence relates to any element of the veterans claim. Therefore, neuralgia is generally the most common category that veterans fall into; however, it is possible that a veterans sciatica may present symptomatology consistent with a higher level of severity. Higher ratings are reserved for more severe cases. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Therefore, a service connection for back trouble is not unusual. This compression or 'pinching' of the spinal nerve root is what is known as radiculopathy. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. I have referred 16 veterans to this law firm. If your Sciatic nerve causes your foot to drop and impairs your walking and you cant lift your knee, you might get up to an 80% rating. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Examples of in-service incidents may include: Veterans do not necessarily need to trace their radiculopathy to one single active-duty incident. Once the history of your sciatica has been Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 VA Disability Rating for Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Paralysis Claim your symptoms. There are a lot of other back conditions that can get you a higher rating and therefore more money per month from the VA. Back pain is also a general term without a diagnosis, so you probably wont get a permanent rating. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 Nerve damage can be difficult to deal with and often leads to a decrease in What is the VA disability rating for Sciatica? When it comes to your C&P Exam, you dont want to tough it out. These cookies do not store any personal information. njured, dislocated, or affected by arthritis. If they can hear your bones rubbing together, joints popping, or your back cracking when you move it, make sure they record it in their report. If they make you unable to work or conduct a normal life, tell them. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! If you think you injured yourself during your time in service, try to make some notes. Common symptoms include: Most vets went through long periods of standing or marching, strenuous physical exercise challenges, and weapons training during military service. cannot be lifted by the muscles in the legs), all the muscles in the leg below Remember, sciatica may also be a secondary issue to other service-related conditions, so be sure to check with your doctor or health care provider for a medical opinion. All clinician . While you should tell the C&P Exam doctor every detail of your symptoms and even bring a written account of when you had symptoms over the past year, there is a time to be quiet. You may have another disability like diabetes or arthritis instead, so make sure you get a full physical from a doctor. If you have a dull pain in your back but feel like your legs are being electrocuted, you probably have some form of sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy. If there is a big bad disability that will get you more money per month, youd want that instead. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. They include, but are not limited to: When a person is suffering from sciatica, they may also find that they experience: As mentioned, such symptoms usually affect one side of the body. spinal nerve causes pain to develop on the lower back, buttocks, and legs. Wondering about the 8-step VA claim process? Sciatica (Lumbar or Sacral Radiculopathy) | Michigan Medicine Incomplete, mild paralysis is Code 8620: If you think you may have Sciatica, but have never been to your doctor, pick up the phone and call the VA nearest you to book an appointment. If there are two equally strong exams with conflicting data, or if the sciatica issue can be equally rated under two different codes, then the one that offers the highest rating will be used. If your neck crunches or grinds when you turn it in a different direction, make sure your doctor listens to those sounds. Every case is different, but let us take a free look at your claim before you send it in, or even before you start the application process. In many cases, sciatica is the result of a ruptured intervertebral disk,an injury, or narrowing of the spinal canal that applies pressure on the nerve. Typically speaking, the maximum VA rating for peripheral neuropathy is 40%, but you may be entitled to more if your symptoms are severe and includes several of your limbs affected. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 This period is three months unless another length (such as six months or one year) is noted in the condition ratings. Below we're sharing the VA range of motion chart used to rate back . A sciatic nerve condition like complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve results in the muscles in the leg and below the knee worsening. sensation and severe loss of reflexes, your rating will be categorized under The VA uses a general rating formula called the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities to determine the specific percent rating. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on May 7, 2020 by Mike Woods Last Updated on September 6, 2022. Radiculopathy causes different types of pain, but Veterans usually experience pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. TDIU can be awarded on a schedular or extraschedular basis. Yes, any injury that happened during your active duty, even when you were on leave or even playing basketball on the base, is service-connected. you viewed to avoid repetition. This could have a direct effect on your work if you cant look around while holding a weight. Keep in mind that that rating can be increased if there is a herniated disc or a bulging disc that causes a doctor to prescribe bed rest, specifically six weeks or more over a year's time period. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.. the body. VA disability ratings for back pain go from 10% to 100% depending on how severe your symptoms are, including your range of motion and pain frequency and level. also known as sciatica, is not exclusive to one type of injury or condition. Developed new symptoms? Sometimes, there is little to no back pain with radiculopathy. The moderate nerve rating changes based on the specific nerve. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim Please complete this form to send us your message. Neuralgia cannot be rated higher Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the spinal column is pinched and becomes inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. While we still have our home base in Florida, I have my transportation now. Sciatica is extreme pain that radiates These symptoms start in your spine and extend into your extremities. Back Pain VA Rating: A Guide to Spinal Injuries - Hill & Ponton, P.A. Thorough note-taking after the exam can be helpful if the vets representative needs to persuade the VA to overturn a problematic decision on the C&P exam. Took a whole 10-15 min. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Im not saying you should be a wimp and fake it, but you should be honest with the doctor about where the pain starts. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 The pain usually radiates around your ribs and into your chest. That will bring in about $165.92 a month based on the current VA rating schedule. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. These do not often get involved with bulging discs or radiculopathy, but they can be injured, dislocated, or affected by arthritis. This includes both medical evidence and lay evidence. If you tough it out and move a little extra, you can keep going on that patrol in Iraq. To understand which of the three classifications your sciatica falls under, look to the sciatic nerve itself. They can only assess your symptoms based on what they can observe about your movements. order to receive the compensation that you deserve. to paralysis, which is why it is important to file a VA claim for it if you are the knee doesnt have to be impossible to rate as complete paralysis of the 3 Tiers of Sciatica VA Disability Ratings and How To Apply Keep track of how often and how severe your episodes are. TDIU is a more complex process than just one disability most of the time, Nervous System Conditions VA Disability Articles, Neurological issues VA disability articles, Woods and Woods fought hard for this Army Veteran, All shoulder and elbow movements lost or seriously affected but hand and wrist are normal. VA Disability for Nerve Damage and Nerve Conditions - YouTube If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Thoracic Radiculopathy According to the Mayo Clinic, Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. Any sciatica condition that needs this is rated 100% during this specialized treatment. Some conditions involve hospitalization or consistent medical care, such as an at-home nurse, for example. One service-connected condition rated at 60 percent or higher; or. I want to thank Woods & Woods for not letting me give up. Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in the spinal cord are damaged, irritated, or compressed. To understand this condition, it helps to understand the parts of the spine: Vertebrae. Can My Disability Rating Be Reduced By The VA? Updated: April 23, 2020. you viewed to avoid repetition. I was already SC and rated 20% for my back and 10% for right leg sciatica. If you want a permanent disability rating for your joint pain, youll need a diagnosis and a clear measurement of your range of motion. Nerve issues are rated by VA under three separate categories that are based on symptom severity. Forever Grateful, [K.S.]. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] It can be stiffness or even sharp pain. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. When one is suffering from severe but Here you bend over forward at the waist for one measurement. Apr 27, 2011 #4. VA does have some criteria in its Adjudication Procedures Manual, or the M21. It's also called sciatica. How to Get Disability Benefits for Sciatica | DisabilitySecrets When there is pressure on a nerve in the neck, a veteran can experience radiculopathy in their shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. pain will be categorized under neuralgia. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Those with lumbar radiculopathy will be rated within the group of peripheral nerves of the low back and legs. determined, a physical exam will them be completed by a state certified Radiculopathy is classified as a pain syndrome and can be caused by several lower back conditions such as lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. Veterans with severe sciatica may require the assistance of canes, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices to walk. VA Disability Claims Involving a Nerve Condition (Pt 1) Back pain can be established as a service-connected disability, but did you know there are specific conditions like radiculopathy that can get you a higher VA rating? They fought hard for me and got me more than I ever could dream of. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. For radiculopathy specifically, youll be rated on neurological symptoms. To diagnose the causes of your sciatica, the That is only the average, but even if you start applying with a 10% now, youll be in great shape to increase your rating to 60% later. Radiculopathy VA Disability Ratings and Benefits, Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, nerve root in the spinal column is pinched and becomes inflamed, Secondary Service Connection for Radiculopathy, VA Ratings for Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy, Top 5 VA Errors on Veterans Disability Claims, Tingling from the spinal area outward into the hips, legs, shoulders, or arms, Breaking or dislocating a vertebra or suffering physical back strain while training, Was noted in the service persons entrance examination, Got worse during the persons time of service, as shown by medical records such as a comparison of reports on the veterans disability before and during, or soon after, service, Worsened more in service than it would have worsened outside of service. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 One of our VA disability lawyers talks about VA benefits for back pain. When sciatica is serious and severe, it can make life extremely difficult and uncomfortable. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Sciatica is a nerve condition in which pain radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, traveling from the lower back down through the legs. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] your nerves, will also be tested. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. This may also apply if you had existing radiculopathy that was made worse during your time in the service. To understand the causes of your sciatica, the first stage of the examination will involve you giving a complete history of your pain and symptoms relating to the issue. Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. Pain or numbness can even come and go as you take deep breaths or physically exert yourself. Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. factors that will be considered. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. The VA should give you the one that has the highest rating, if they only give you one. Claims involving both the cervical spine and the thoracolumbar spine are rated under the same general rating formula. Theyll also check the reflexes in your knees, as well as your nerves. Cervical radiculopathy is when a veteran has a pinched nerve in their neck. If this is the case, a rating of 80 For instance, which pages you go to most. This is the least common type. If you are suffering from any loss of This could offer a veteran a 60 percent disability rating for their sciatic nerve condition. Radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve, can cause major discomfort and problems with a range of motion during everyday activities. The thoracic area is in the middle down to your lower back. 3,087 62. . Already working with us? Remember if you ever fell, what your daily activities included, and how those activities could hurt your back. However, a few years after he was granted service connection, he was diagnosed with radiculopathy of his lower extremities due to his service-connected degenerative disc disease. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My name is [K.S]. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. Contact Us . Our certified VA Disability lawyer team works with doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists to work through your claim and make sure every inch is covered. The VA may award service-connected disability benefits for conditions that arose before the time of active duty but worsened during it. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. If you experience any pain in the movement, or if those moves cause your arms or hands to go numb or burn, tell the doctor. Underfederal law, a preexisting condition is presumed aggravated if that condition: A veteran need not show that a certain incident during service aggravated the disabilityonly that it became worse during service. Sciatica is usually diagnosed after a Common symptoms include: Nerve issues, such as sciatica, are rated in three different categories based on the degree of severity of symptoms: Each of these three categories of nerve conditions also have sub-categories for mild, moderate, or severe symptoms, creating many different possible ratings for a condition that affects a nerve. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. VA rates sciatica under38 CFR 4.124a, Schedule of ratings neurological conditions and convulsive disorders, as follows: Importantly, there is no disability rating for severe neuralgia. One of our VA disability lawyers talks about SMC and how you can actually get more than 100% of your VA disability benefit money. Popular Articles 2023 Military Discounts Offered by Stores, Services and Online Sites This is when the nerve cannot function at all. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Vets who receive a mailed notice should attend the exam to avoid a claim being denied. How Is Radiculopathy Rated By The Va - VA Disability Compensation rated 60%. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. VA Rating for Peripheral Neuropathy - Hill & Ponton, P.A. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Sciatica is not a direct diagnosis of the problem. Incomplete, moderate paralysis is rated 20%. The Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body and extends from the lower back through the hips and the buttocks, down each leg. TDIU is a more complex process than just one disability most of the time, so youll have to present your full case to the VA. Let us know. We stay with you every step of the way during your application or appeal process. Tingling from the spinal area outward into the hips, legs, The cervical spine, conveying sensation to the neck and arm muscles, The thoracic or middle spine, conveying sensation to the chest, midsection, and ab muscles, Was noted in the service persons entrance examination, Got worse during the persons time of service, as shown by medical records such as a comparison of reports on the veterans disability before and during, or soon after, service, Worsened more in service than it would have worsened outside of service. You can download the questionnaire right here to see what kind of questions they are going to ask about your back. Doctors look at your back in three sections. paralysis is rated 60%. This can be demonstrated by muscular atrophy, poor blood circulation, and limited movement of the affected body part. If you think you may be suffering from sciatica, but youve never visited the doctor about it, pick up the phone and call the VA nearest to you to make an appointment. Symptoms of tingling, numbness, and moderate to severe pain with intervention with the affected limbs functionality would be considered moderate neuralgia. Thoracic radiculopathy is going to be a lot scarier but wont affect you in the same way. Call today. We have updated our Privacy Policy. Our veterans law practitioners have over 25 years of experience working with veterans. Furthermore, as to case summaries, reports of past results, individual lawyer biographies, news posts and other information pertaining to past and present cases, these descriptions are meant only to provide information to the public about the activities and experience of our law firm. Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve Diagnostic Code 8520, Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve Diagnostic Code 8620, Neuralgia of the Sciatic Nerve Diagnostic Code 8720, Issues with the VA Rating System for Sciatica, Call Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick For Help with Your Sciatica Benefits, Sciatica VA Disability Claims and Ratings, Top 20 VA Disability Claims and Their Ratings, 10 Most Common Disabilities for Veterans and How Theyre Rated. If your work is affected by this kind of condition, make sure your doctor knows it. However, if your condition is not as Each one of these areas connects nerves from your brain to all over your body. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and preferences such as text size, fonts and other customizable website elements. CCK Recognized for Donations to American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, CCK Successfully Argues for a Precedential Decision About Protected Work Environment, A Day in the Life of a Paralegal (Claims Advocate) at CCK. The most commonly affected nerve for this type is the sciatic nerve, which is broken up into five separate nerves depending on which part of the leg is impacted. There are several common symptoms of sciatica. How to apply for VA Disability Pay Updated: January 19, 2023. Remember, a single condition can only be ranked once. added to your overall combined rating for Sciatica. What Does Your VA Disability Rating Mean? Back injuries and musculoskeletal injuries can result in sciatica, which is quite common for military veterans. back problems that cause sciatica include spinal stenosis ordisc herniations, talk to our staff to write up a lay statement, Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your, sciatica may also be a secondary issue to other service-related conditions, Nervous System Conditions VA Disability Articles, Neurological issues VA disability articles, I have referred 16 veterans to this law firm, Pain, weakness, and numbness in the lower back, The highest level of pain when theyre sitting or standing, Difficulty standing up for long periods or walking for a long time, A worsened pain after sudden movements such as sneezing or coughing, An in-service situation or event that may have caused or contributed to your problem, A medical opinion linking the in-service situation or event to your sciatica condition (. In moderate neuralgia, typical of a radiculopathy diagnosis, a veteran experiences numbness, and tingling, and moderate to severe pain. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. If it I suffer from many health issues due to the trauma that happened to me in 1980. Measures of your extension, lateral flexion, and rotation all combine to measure your cervical flexion. Many veterans are in Nerve damage is a huge concern for millions of veterans. Incomplete, moderately severe paralysis is rated 40%. How to Get VA Disability for Radiculopathy. Symptoms of radiculopathy include radiation of pain from the lower back down into the legs, often described as a sharp-shooting, electric pain. This was to add SC and rating for my left leg. 0 Percent VA Disability Rating: What It Means and How to Make the Most of Your 0% Benefits, The Complete Guide to Getting a VA Rating for Nerve Damage. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 Secondary Service Connection for Radiculopathy. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. Usually, radiculopathy does not require any major surgery. which would make a combined rating of 60% with the bilateral factor thrown in. 20%. Top 6 Secondary Conditions to Lower Back Pain (The Insider's Guide) To be eligible for VA disability benefits for sciatica, you must first prove that your condition is the result of your time in the military service. Most veterans receive a rating of 10 to 20 percent. If the condition causes severe symptoms, it is These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. If your condition is severe, an orthopaedic Lay evidence can include the veterans own statements, as well as statements from family members, attesting to the frequency of flare-ups, daily challenges, measures needed to manage the symptoms, loss of sleep, loss of alertness, etc. A herniated disc in this region can cause pain that radiates down one or both arms. The VA disability appeals process is often long and arduous. The doctor cant feel what you are feeling. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve root in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. The location of your symptoms, the It comes with symptoms like numbness in your hands and feet, a lack of flexibility, and even digestion or bowel issues. When it comes to your exam, the number one thing the doctor will measure for your back pain is your range of motion. Examples of in-service incidents may include breaking or dislocating a vertebra or suffering physical back strain while training, operating a weapon, lifting equipment, jumping, or completing other military exercises. Call our office today for a freecase evaluation. Do I file for Radiculopathy or Sciatica and if Awarded ask for retroactive pay from 2004? HIRE THEM! Rating nerve conditions also involves identifying the nerve involved. You may, for example, have developed radiculopathy that stems from a back strain or a back injury you suffered during military service. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. neuritis. These diagnosed and service-connected disabilities can get you a higher rating. rated 10%. Symptoms of moderately severe, moderate, and mild sciatic neuritis can be given a range of ratings including 40, 20, and 10 percent. This occurs when a nerve in the lower portion of the back is pinched, and it can cause numbness and tingling in the hips and legs. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. Such veterans that suffer from sciatica may be eligible forVA disability benefitsif they can prove that their issue is a result of their time spent in the service. circulation, limited functionality as well as atrophy of the muscles. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). Often, Veterans' radiculopathy is a secondary.