Perhaps you had no secondary conditions when you first filed your claim, but a condition showed up later. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! Radiculopathy is a common service-connected disability caused by a pinched nerve root in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. Popular Articles 2023 Military Discounts Offered by Stores, Services and Online Sites For instance, which pages you go to most. If they make you unable to work or conduct a normal life, tell them. How Does the VA Rate Sciatica and Related Issues? It causes symptoms that spread out from the back down 1 or both legs. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Let us know. You also bend backward just a little bit, but not much. The latter is known asspinal stenosis. These are bones that stack to form the spine. The doctor cant feel what you are feeling. Sciatica is not an actual diagnosis of a Medical images like x-rays can also be useful. document what special considerations you need at work to deal with this problem. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. While we still have our home base in Florida, Sciatica (Lumbar or Sacral Radiculopathy) | Michigan Medicine 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. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. Often, Veterans' radiculopathy is a secondary. 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. When sciatica is serious and severe, it can make life extremely difficult and uncomfortable. Already working with us? VA Disability Ratings for Nerve Damage | CCK Law Obtaining VA Disability for Radiculopathy. is. The VA uses a general rating formula called the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities to determine the specific percent rating. What is the VA disability rating for Sciatica? 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. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.. First, the VA will rate the veteran's condition under the neuralgia category. You are not alone! exam may also be administered as it will be able to provide valuable details of How Do I Establish Service Connection for Sciatica? My Sciatica C&P he did check ROM in my back and legs and then asked a few overall questions regarding my symptoms and then checked strength in my legs/feet etc. You may be owed compensation. If your mom remembers a before and after, have her talk to our staff to write up a lay statement to back your case. your symptoms. Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims InsiderThe Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.. . Here, we discuss the process of proving service connection and obtaining a VA disability rating for radiculopathy. If you cant stand at work because your legs go numb or if you cant lift weights at the factory because you cant lift your arm, be sure to say that in detail and get it on the record at your exam. For back pain, you are going to get rated based on pain and flexion. To discuss your own case, contact us for aninitial case evaluationat no charge to you. Instead, its a precise way of describing the location of the pain. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Dont hide anything and be explicit and detailed about what hurts and what is numb. Maybe You Want the VA to Deny Your Radiculopathy Claim! Once the history of your sciatica has been established, a physical exam will then be completed by a state-certified technician to understand the underlying cause of your sciatica issue. 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. Here you bend over forward at the waist for one measurement. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 VA Benefits for Sciatica | Cuddigan Law To prove service-connection for radiculopathy, a veteran must show a current medical diagnosis of radiculopathy that is linked to the in-service occurrence of the radiculopathy, or an in-service incident that caused or aggravated the radiculopathy. 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. 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. What is service connection through aggravation, and can it apply to radiculopathy? Symptoms it is rated 20%. These do not often get involved with bulging discs or radiculopathy, but they can be injured, dislocated, or affected by arthritis. 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). The AMA has been the VAs appeal system since 2019. The bilateral factor recognizes the limitations caused by these disabilities and how they can impact the veteran. Movement can be restricted not only because of pain in your neck but moving a certain way can make you lose feeling in your hands. 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. Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve (sciatica). 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. Below we're sharing the VA range of motion chart used to rate back . The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. pain will be categorized under neuralgia. We have updated our Privacy Policy. through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Specifically, the veteran's radiculopathy affects the veteran's sciatic nerve. VA Rating for Sciatica: How to File a VA Claim for Sciatica Radiculopathy does involve a condition of the spinal nerve, and for a specific rating for anerve condition the determination is based on (a) paralysis, meaning that the nerve has no ability to function; (b) neuritis, meaning that the nerve is irritated, and there is numbness, muscle atrophy, or loss of reflexes; or (c) neuralgia, meaning that the nerve produces intermittent or continual pain, possibly accompanied by numbness and tingling. If the condition causes severe symptoms, it is Neuritis of the sciatic nerve. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Top 6 Secondary Conditions to Lower Back Pain (The Insider's Guide) You can also the VA index using the wordsradiculopathyandratingsto find a current set of decisions on this question as they relate to your specific condition. Radiculopathy VA Disability Ratings and Benefits | CCK Law Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. If the condition is moderate, 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 (. This can be demonstrated by muscular atrophy, poor blood circulation, and limited movement of the affected body part. It is possible to prove service-connection for radiculopathy. spinal nerve causes pain to develop on the lower back, buttocks, and legs. If you have been honorably discharged and have joint or back pain, you can probably get the minimum 10% rating for a disability. The sciatic nerve is rated under diagnostic codes 8520, 8620, and 8720. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 When the bones in your back lose their cushioning, they rub together and may pinch a nerve. Pain or numbness can even come and go as you take deep breaths or physically exert yourself. Learn how VA rates Veterans' nerve conditions and nerve damage (such as peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, radiculopathy, retinopathy) for disability benefits,. Refer to our disability calculator to figure out your estimated VA rating. Depending on the loss of feeling in your elbow vs. your dominant hand, you might get a different VA rating. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 They are very knowledgeable. motion, your balance and posture will be considered. That said, veterans need to claim their back injury in a highly specific way. We stay with you every step of the way during your application or appeal process. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, They experience the most The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Two or more service-connected conditions, one of which is rated at 40 percent or higher, with a combined rating of 70 percent or higher. The rating for incomplete paralysis is We have updated our Privacy Policy. When radiculopathy occurs in the lower back, it is known as lumbar radiculopathy, also referred to as sciatica because nerve roots that make up the sciatic nerve are often involved. When it comes to your C&P Exam, you dont want to tough it out. 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. Remember, every conflict is resolved in support of the higher rating. you viewed to avoid repetition. The symptom is likely caused by a lumbar or sacral radiculopathy secondary to degenerative disc disease. The highest rating given for neuralgia is It can be difficult to distinguish between the various categories and degrees of severity for sciatic nerve conditions. Understanding Lumbar Radiculopathy | Veterans Affairs Secondary service connectionis when a veterans service-connected condition causes or aggravates a non-service-connected condition, andVAthen grants service connection for the secondary condition. Without this firm, I truly believe I would not have gotten all the benefits that I was eligible and entitled to receive. To understand which of the three classifications your sciatica falls under, look to the sciatic nerve itself. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. The disability rating for radiculopathy can range from 10% for minor radiculopathy affecting the hand to 90% for major paralysis affecting all three radicular groups (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar). Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! After an exam, vets and witnesses should promptly memorialize their experience, and date their notes. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve is pinched or pushed on from a disc. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? When one is suffering from severe but Do You Need Help Determining Your Nerve Ratings? This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Apr 27, 2011 #4. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you cant feed yourself, you would be closer to the 50-70 level and maybe even qualify for Aid and Attendance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My name is [K.S]. you viewed to avoid repetition. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Many veterans are in Nerve damage is a huge concern for millions of veterans. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. For example, a veteran is service-connected for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. Degenerative Disc Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gulf War Syndrome all have the capability of a higher rating. There are several common symptoms of sciatica. The VA doesn't have a diagnostic code for peripheral neuropathy, so the VA rates the condition based on the nerve(s) involved. partial paralysis of the sciatic nerve, a 60% rating will be given. order to receive the compensation that you deserve. See the above sectionSecondary Service Connection for Radiculopathy. Im not saying you should be a wimp and fake it, but you should be honest with the doctor about where the pain starts. As we mentioned earlier, sciatica is caused by the irritation of the roots of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine, which can result from several physical activities. If two exams record the diagnosis differently, then the exam with the most exhaustive data and performed by the most qualified professional in that sector will be the exam the rating is based on. VA Benefits For Radiculopathy - The Veterans Law Office The type of pain can vary from numbness, tingling or burning, and can also range in severity from mild to severe. VA Disability Rating for Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Paralysis Claim This may also apply if you had existing radiculopathy that was made worse during your time in the service. The location of your symptoms, the movements that heighten the pain, and the actions that provide you with relief are all factors that are important in your diagnosis. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. rating that you can receive is 60%. A medical record can show a doctors diagnosis of radiculopathy or another service-connected condition. VA Rating for Peripheral Neuropathy - Hill & Ponton, P.A. 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. How to Make the Most of Your 0% Benefits If you've gone through the VA claims process and received a 0 percent VA disability rating, you may be disappointed by the outcome. If the veterans doctor has provided a favorable opinion on the claim, the vet can submit this supportive evidence in the C&P exam. Radiculopathy VA Disability Rating: Cervical, Lumbar, Thoracic Then, file a disability claim for your medical issues. You may be owed compensation. the knee doesnt have to be impossible to rate as complete paralysis of the This Firm is So Good at what they do! You can look at all of these ratings in more detail by diagnostic code on 38 CFR 4.124a Schedule of ratings neurological conditions and convulsive disorders. Veterans dont necessarily need to trace their radiculopathy to one single active-duty incident. Veterans who do not meet the schedular requirements may still be considered for extraschedular TDIU under 4.16(b). When it comes to your exam, the number one thing the doctor will measure for your back pain is your range of motion. If your back creaks or pops when you move it, you want the doctor to hear that. If a nerve condition affects both sides of the body (such as both pairs of arms or legs), the VA should issue a rating foreach side and anadditionalbilateral factor. Sciatica is usually diagnosed after a 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 are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Crepitation is the medical term for these sounds. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in When a VA examination is scheduled, the claimant must cooperate by reporting for the examination. cannot be lifted by the muscles in the legs), all the muscles in the leg below In mild cases, symptoms but not significant impairments exist. Think of the three classifications like levels. It often shows up in your knees or feet. So claiming "numbness and pain in my right leg" works as well as "radiculopathy" (in my right leg.) It can be stiffness or even sharp pain. Again, point out any cracks or crunches that your joints make and let your doctor know if you cant make some of the movements because of pain. Radiculopathy vs Neuropathy: Know the Differences - Valiente Mott 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. New and relevant evidence can be used not only in filing a claim, but also to appeal a negative decision, or to reopen an old claim. Why would you ever want to be denied for radiculopathy? While the injury is in the back joints, the symptoms show up in your hands and feet. rated 10%. 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. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Incomplete, moderate paralysis is rated 20%. to paralysis, which is why it is important to file a VA claim for it if you are The VA should give you the one that has the highest rating, if they only give you one. This could offer a veteran a 60 percent disability rating for their sciatic nerve condition. 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. This condition is commonly caused byback conditionssuch as herniated discs, stenosis, and bone spurs. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 The VA commonly requires C&P exams to rate disability and determine the connection to service. Radiculopathy Disability for Veterans When the bones in your back lose their cushioning, they rub together and may pinch a nerve. The vet may be accompanied by a witness, and they may bring notes about their symptoms and experiences into the exam room. We offer this information to our readers as general information only. Additionally, a secondary disability claim can increase your benefits if a new condition arises from your current service-connected disability. Wondering about the 8-step VA claim process? As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. Every case is different, so please contact our certified team. Once its decided which category your illness falls under, you can be graded either under that category or under limited motion. Extraschedular Ratings for VA Disability Claims. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Of course, the words Severe, Moderate, Mild all have vague meanings. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. To qualify for the next level up, you need to meet all the criteria of one category. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. That will bring in about $165.92 a month based on the current VA rating schedule. In many cases, lower back pain is caused by spine, discs, or nerve damage. it can cause all the muscles below the leg and knee to stop working altogether. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! One of our VA disability lawyers talks about VA benefits for back pain. What Is the VADisability Rating for Radiculopathy? They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] Radiculopathy VA Rating: What Does It Mean? - Berry Law By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Common examples of back problems that cause sciatica include spinal stenosis ordisc herniations. Thoracic radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the upper back is pinched, and people may experience pain in their chest or torso area. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. Once the history of your sciatica has been Notably, symptoms are serious pain, numbness, and tingling. This only applies to your neck. If you are a veteran suffering from daily back pain, make sure you apply for all of the VA disabilities you are entitled to. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Incomplete, moderately severe paralysis is rated 40%. This leaves room for many different interpretations and inconsistencies between the Regional Offices, Board of Veterans Affairs judges, and more. How to apply for VA Disability Pay Updated: January 19, 2023. When applying for VA benefits for sciatica and related conditions, certain principles apply. Secondary conditions are rated in the same manner as primary service-connected conditions, using the same rating schedules. The VA disability appeals process is often long and arduous. 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. If you are suffering from bilateral VA Disability Benefits for Sciatica and Similar Nerve Conditions Partial paralysis can result in poor blood If your condition is severe, an orthopaedic Work with some experienced VA lawyers to make sure you get all that you deserve on your first application. This is the biggest nerve in the human body, and it extends from the lower back right through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. In fact, over two million veterans suffer from nerve damage. 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. Sort of, if you have symptoms that could be tied to either of those disabilities, talk to one of our doctors that works with VA claims every day. This nerve runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks all the way down to the leg. serious, your rating will only be 10%. 3 Tiers of Sciatica VA Disability Ratings and How To Apply Click HERE to read now. Sciatica is usually diagnosed following a complete medical examination by a doctor. This period is three months unless another length (such as six months or one year) is noted in the condition ratings. causes moderate symptoms, it is rated 20%. Theyll also check the reflexes in your knees, as well as your nerves. The Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) regulates appeals for denials. determined, a physical exam will them be completed by a state certified Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 This could help you gain a higher rating. You can have crepitation in any joint. rated 60%. If you just drop the remote control sometimes but otherwise youre fine, youll be closer to barely getting the 20% rating.