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. like coughing. the body. Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve (sciatica). By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Instead, its a precise way of describing the location of the pain. To discuss your own case, contact us for aninitial case evaluationat no charge to you. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 the causes of your sciatica. This condition is commonly caused byback conditionssuch as herniated discs, stenosis, and bone spurs. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. it is rated 20%. 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. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. The VA may award service-connected disability benefits for conditions that arose before the time of active duty but worsened during it. If you are suffering from any loss of It comes with symptoms like numbness in your hands and feet, a lack of flexibility, and even digestion or bowel issues. Radiculopathy can have different symptoms and different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. 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. Sciatica refers to pain that links to a problem with the sciatic nerve. currently suffering from the condition. Common symptoms include: Most vets went through long periods of standing or marching, strenuous physical exercise challenges, and weapons training during military service. Updated: April 23, 2020. Radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve root in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. For example, a veteran is service-connected for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. which would make a combined rating of 60% with the bilateral factor thrown in. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? One of our VA disability lawyers talks about SMC and how you can actually get more than 100% of your VA disability benefit money. Youll tilt your head side to side and then you will turn your head to look around. technician to determine the underlying cause of your sciatica pain. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. Below we're sharing the VA range of motion chart used to rate back . Diagnostic Code 8713 Neuralgia. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Wondering about the 8-step VA claim process? Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. 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. 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. First, the VA will rate the veteran's condition under the neuralgia category. However, the criteria listed here can also be subjective. Sciatica is not a direct diagnosis of the problem. What Does Your VA Disability Rating Mean? Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The highest rating given for neuralgia is These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. The primary cause of sciatica (present in about 90 percent of cases) is spinal disc herniation pressing on one of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots. If it is mild, it is rated 10%. VA disability ratings for Sciatica fall under one of the following codes from eCFR, Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Code 8520: Paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica itself actually refers to a symptom rather than a specific disease. given based on how severe, moderately severe or extremely severe a condition The required information to rank your condition must be recorded by the physician in your exam correctly. Notably, symptoms are serious pain, numbness, and tingling. The nerve functions, however, it is swollen, irritated, and painful. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. TDIU is essentially an alternative path to receiving maximum benefits. If any of your buddies are around to remember it or talk about it, get their input too. Cervical radiculopathy is when a veteran has a pinched nerve in their neck. 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 might be able to pay for some heating pads or some visits to the chiropractor/spa with that. 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. Incomplete, mild paralysis 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. 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. TDIU can be awarded on a schedular or extraschedular basis. sciatica, he or she may experience relief when lying down or when walking, Sciatica can also make it If your long thoracic nerve is affected, however, it will keep you from raising your arm above your shoulder level and will only earn a 30% rating at the worst. Radiculopathy is a common service-connected disability caused by a pinched nerve root in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. VA Disability for Nerve Damage and Nerve Conditions - YouTube The veteran has constant, severe pain in his lower back because of the radiculopathy affecting his ability to function on a daily basis. VA then assigns a rating based on the levels of functioning and severity, and the affected nerve group. For direct service connection, you should prove the three elements: Once youre diagnosed with sciatica or a related issue, its time to file aVA disability claimfor VA benefits. Total disability based on individual unemployability, or TDIU, is a monthly benefit available to veterans who are prevented from working due to their service-connected disability or disabilities. Apr 27, 2011 #4. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? If it Discover exactly what sciatica is and whether yournerve ratingsallow you to claim benefits for your condition. 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 how VA rates Veterans' nerve conditions and nerve damage (such as peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, radiculopathy, retinopathy) for disability benefits,. For instance, which pages you go to most. Call today. Lumbar and Cervical Radiculopathy VA Benefits - Woods and Woods, LLC Remember, sciatica is the pain that an individual receives when the sciatic nerve is irritated. It is possible to prove service-connection for radiculopathy. The examiners report to the VA Regional Office (RO), where the decision is made. All clinician . You may, for example, have developed radiculopathy that stems from a back strain or a back injury you suffered during military service. 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. 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. If the veterans doctor has provided a favorable opinion on the claim, the vet can submit this supportive evidence in the C&P exam. Fill out the short form below to contact us. While lower back pain is often treatable, it can lead to chronic pain and disability if left untreated. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? I suffer from many health issues due to the trauma that happened to me in 1980. How to Get VA Disability for Radiculopathy. Each of these severities has their own diagnostic code and separate assigned percent ratings under 38 CFR 4.124a, Schedule of ratings - neurological conditions and convulsive disorders. This only applies to your neck. This could offer a veteran a 60 percent disability rating for their sciatic nerve condition. 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. 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. Whether you are filing a new claim or dealing with a denied claim, the highly experienced staff at Hill and Ponton is here to advise, support, and represent you. You are not alone! VA outlines TDIU regulations under 38 CFR 4.16. Usually, sciatica only alters one side of the body. Here at Woods and Woods VA Disability Lawyers, weve been helping veterans gain the VA rating they deserve for years and we have the skill and experience to help you gain the support you need. Contactour office for a free case evaluation today at800-544-9144. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. The latter is known asspinal stenosis. Be sure to request an opinion from your physician stating that your sciatica issues are likely a result of your time in service. These do not often get involved with bulging discs or radiculopathy, but they can be injured, dislocated, or affected by arthritis. 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. document what special considerations you need at work to deal with this problem. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1987? However, the most common rating for lumbar radiculopathy is under the sciatic nerve. If you dont have a service-related back condition, dont worry because you may still be able to get your sciatica service-connected. Those with cervical radiculopathy will be rated within the upper radicular group, middle radicular group, and lower radicular group which include the musculospiral nerve, median nerve, axillary nerve, the musculocutaneous nerve, the long thoracic nerve, and the ulnar nerve. Theyll also check the reflexes in your knees, as well as your nerves. You can download the questionnaire right here to see what kind of questions they are going to ask about your back. You can file a new, secondary service-connection. I served during peace timein theArmy. It causes pain, burning, and numbness all the way from your butt down to your toes. 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. If it causes moderately severe symptoms, it is rated 40%. You could be eligible for up to $3,345 per month In SSDI Benefits Check Eligibility For many people, sciatica can be treated effectively and the symptoms resolve. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Other key evidence may include a medical experts professional opinion that the service-connected condition (low back strain, for example) caused the radiculopathythus indicating a secondary service-connected disability. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your. Vets who receive a mailed notice should attend the exam to avoid a claim being denied. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Sciatica is extreme pain that radiates Maybe You Want the VA to Deny Your Radiculopathy Claim! Without this firm, I truly believe I would not have gotten all the benefits that I was eligible and entitled to receive. Radiculopathy VA Disability Rating: Cervical, Lumbar, Thoracic Most veterans receive a rating of 10 to 20 percent. Rating nerve conditions also involves identifying the nerve involved. 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. Secondary Service Connection for Radiculopathy. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The VA disability appeals process is often long and arduous. Sometimes diabetes or arthritis can cause radiculopathy in addition to direct spine injuries. first stage will involve getting a complete history of your pain, as well as Once the regional office (RO) issues its determination, the veteran has a year to file an appeal. 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. VA Benefits for Sciatica | Cuddigan Law Come and go or be felt continuously Be less severe in your lower back than in your leg Feel worse after you stand or sit for a long time, as well as when you stand up and twist your body Feel worse after a sudden body movement such as sneezing or coughing How to Get Disability Benefits for Sciatica | DisabilitySecrets If you are suffering from neuritis, the highest mild, you may only be able to receive a rating of between 10 and 40%. If they can be shown to warrant separate ratings, then they will be combined together. the knee doesnt have to be impossible to rate as complete paralysis of the Any sciatica condition that needs this is rated 100% during this specialized treatment. Once its decided which category your illness falls under, you can be graded either under that category or under limited motion. What is the VA disability rating for Sciatica? Radiculopathy is a great example of secondary service connection. If they make you unable to work or conduct a normal life, tell them. This could help you gain a higher rating. Lower back pinched nerves are the most common type and even have sub-classes of diagnoses. Copyright 2023 Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. All Rights Reserved. Sciatica and Your VA Disability Claim | CCK Law Since your back is a long line of joints, it can happen in any part of your back too. Back Pain VA Rating: A Guide to Spinal Injuries - Hill & Ponton, P.A. These cookies do not store any personal information. Radiculopathy Secondary to Back Disabilities; . difficult for one to stand up for extended periods or for one to walk for long, Pain from Sciatica can The different nerves in your back are grouped together and carry different VA rating schedules. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 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. impossible. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? See the above sectionSecondary Service Connection for Radiculopathy. Paralysis of the sciatic nerve. If your back creaks or pops when you move it, you want the doctor to hear that. Higher ratings are reserved for more severe cases. 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. The upper radicular group is rated under diagnostic codes 8510, 8610, and 8710. We advocate for the disabled. causes moderate symptoms, it is rated 20%. When there is pressure on a nerve in the neck, a veteran can experience radiculopathy in their shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. That numbness or pain from a pinched nerve in your spinal column is called radiculopathy. Therefore, a service connection for back trouble is not unusual. Damage to one or more of these discs can cause compression to a nearby nerve root. Some conditions involve hospitalization or consistent medical care, such as an at-home nurse, for example. Click HERE to read now. These are bones that stack to form the spine. Remember, every conflict is resolved in support of the higher rating. suffering from Sciatica include: When one is suffering from sciatica, one Here, we discuss the process of proving service connection and obtaining a VA disability rating for radiculopathy. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. 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. when the sciatic nerve is irritated. They fought hard for me and got me more than I ever could dream of. Lumbar Radiculopathy. Even if you have this, it often takes a long time for the doctors to rule out everything else and give you this diagnosis. It's also called sciatica. The type of pain can vary from numbness, tingling or burning, and can also range in severity from mild to severe. your nerves, will also be tested. 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 AMA has been the VAs appeal system since 2019. is. I was already SC and rated 20% for my back and 10% for right leg sciatica. After an exam, vets and witnesses should promptly memorialize their experience, and date their notes. We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. 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. . VA Disability Rating for Radiculopathy - Hill & Ponton, P.A. If your sciatica is severe, you may also have to take an orthopedic exam. He or she is going to write down the angle of your flexion. What Is the VADisability Rating for Radiculopathy? Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exams for Radiculopathy, Evidence for Radiculopathy Claims and Appealing under the AMA system. VA Benefits for Sciatica | Cuddigan Law You may be owed compensation. Already working with us? 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. What is going to clarify those words is how paralysis affects your life. Secondary conditions are rated in the same manner as primary service-connected conditions, using the same rating schedules. 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. All Rights Reserved. Incomplete, moderate paralysis is rated 20%. Deland, FL: 1607 South State Road 15A Suite 12 Deland, FL 32720, Satellite Offices Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 If there is a big bad disability that will get you more money per month, youd want that instead. Thoracic radiculopathy is going to be a lot scarier but wont affect you in the same way. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. This is often the result of a herniated disk in the spine or an overgrowth of bone on the vertebrae. The symptoms and location can vary, and the particular area and nerve affected can impact a veterans VA disability rating for radiculopathy. The back pain is rated separately, so you could have a 40% rating on your back, 20% on your right let and 10% on your left leg which would make a combined rating of 60% with the bilateral factor thrown in. The bilateral factor recognizes the limitations caused by these disabilities and how they can impact the veteran. Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Disability Benefits Attorneys Helping Veterans Nationwide, Published on October 10, 2019 by Neil Woods Last Updated on December 30, 2022. The diagnostic code used to rate a veterans radiculopathy depends on which of the veterans nerves are impacted and their level of functioning. also known as sciatica, is not exclusive to one type of injury or condition. For direct service connection, you should prove the three elements: A current, diagnosed sciatica condition An in-service situation or event that may have caused or contributed to your problem After the excitement of finally having the rating you deserve wears off, you start asking questions. Pain or numbness can even come and go as you take deep breaths or physically exert yourself. Veterans who do not meet the schedular requirements may still be considered for extraschedular TDIU under 4.16(b). If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 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 We are Veterans helping Veterans!Become an Elite Member and work with our Veteran Coaches to get the rating you deserve! 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. VA Disability for Radiculopathy // Appeals, Claims, Denials - Vet In moderate neuralgia, typical of a radiculopathy diagnosis, a veteran experiences numbness, and tingling, and moderate to severe pain. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. 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. 3,087 62. . Loss of ability to lead a normal and functional life is the exact reason that VA disability benefits are awarded. The pain usually radiates around your ribs and into your chest. A medical record can show a doctors diagnosis of radiculopathy or another service-connected condition. If you're an honorably discharged veteran seeking VA disability benefits for back pain, you'll likely receive a 10% ratingthe general minimum rating if the back pain . 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. For radiculopathy, relevant evidence relates to any element of the veterans claim. Incomplete, severe We stay with you every step of the way during your application or appeal process. If you are experiencing any numbness, They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] Well also look and see if you can apply for more than one to combine and increase your benefits. The VA can order a clarification from the examiner, or even order a new exam with a different examiner. the knee do not work at all, and the knee has serious trouble bending (bending The symptom is likely caused by a lumbar or sacral radiculopathy secondary to degenerative disc disease. The VA uses a general rating formula called the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities to determine the specific percent rating. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.. 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. Youll need evidence of trouble at work if you want to move this claim closer to a 100% TDIU rating. If you have been honorably discharged and have joint or back pain, you can probably get the minimum 10% rating for a disability. Learn how VA rates Veterans' nerve conditions and nerve damage (such as peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, radiculopathy, retinopathy) for disability benefits,. Given that radiculopathy is commonly caused by back conditions, it is typically service-connected on a secondary basis. When applying for VA benefits for sciatica and related conditions, certain principles apply. In these instances, the ratings will be combined, for the left and right sides, and 10 percent will be added. If the veteran has objective signs of impairment that can be found via testing, they will get only a moderate rating. In 2019, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report which said that the lack of specifics in the rating criteria is leading to unfair and arbitrary decision-making. 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. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. To understand which of the three classifications your sciatica falls under, look to the sciatic nerve itself. The coccyx is your tailbone and its at the very bottom. 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.