Radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve root in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. 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. How Does the VA Rate Sciatica and Related Issues? What is service connection through aggravation, and can it apply to radiculopathy? This is when the nerve cannot function at all. However, if your sciatica is moderate or 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. 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. Different groups will have different diagnostic codes. 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. Lumbar is the region of your lower back all the way down to your tailbone. 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? . Notably, symptoms are serious pain, numbness, and tingling. circulation, limited functionality as well as atrophy of the muscles. when the sciatic nerve is irritated. How Is Radiculopathy Rated By The Va - VA Disability Compensation than moderate, even if it is considered severe. The symptom is likely caused by a lumbar or sacral radiculopathy secondary to degenerative disc disease. Learn how VA rates Veterans' nerve conditions and nerve damage (such as peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, radiculopathy, retinopathy) for disability benefits,. The nerve is occasionally or consistently painful and it can include a tingling or numbness. When it comes to your exam, the number one thing the doctor will measure for your back pain is your range of motion. the body. Even if you have this, it often takes a long time for the doctors to rule out everything else and give you this diagnosis. Lumbar radiculopathy is irritation or inflammation of a nerve root in the low back. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 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). Measures of your extension, lateral flexion, and rotation all combine to measure your cervical flexion. I served during peace timein theArmy. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. 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. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. For radiculopathy, relevant evidence relates to any element of the veterans claim. This can be demonstrated by muscular atrophy, poor blood circulation, and limited movement of the affected body part. After an exam, vets and witnesses should promptly memorialize their experience, and date their notes. Sciatica/Radiculopathy C&P : r/VeteransBenefits - Reddit The key isnt how far you can move, but how far you can move before you are in pain. Our certified VA Disability lawyer team works with doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists to work through your claim and make sure every inch is covered. I have dental care because Woods & Woods fought for me until they got Unemployability pay for me of 100%. However, its important to note that if a mental disorder or another condition is present thats additional to the sciatica condition (and not caused by it), then that problem can also be rated. Specifically, the veteran's radiculopathy affects the veteran's sciatic nerve. 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. It doesn't matter what you call the disability, as long as VA knows what you are talking about. Thats because if your sciatica results in limited motion, you can only receive one rating for it. 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. You can download the questionnaire right here to see what kind of questions they are going to ask about your back. In these instances, the ratings will be combined, for the left and right sides, and 10 percent will be added. The nice thing about this is that while you only have one back, you can get multiple ratings for a left leg and a right leg which can then be combined into a greater rating. You bend side to side and then rotate at the hips for the final measurements. You're not alone. Theyll also check the reflexes in your knees, as well as your nerves. Some patients may require more time to recover than others. Ensure that this occurs properly to make sure you receive a genuine rating. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in We guide our clients through the most difficult times in their lives with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. tingling or pain that interferes with your back or how your legs operate, your Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. To qualify for the next level up, you need to meet all the criteria of one category. They fought hard for me and got me more than I ever could dream of. If you need helpclaiming benefitsfor sciatic nerve issues, you believe you received an unfairly low rating, or your claim was denied, were here to help. Incomplete paralysis can be determined as severe, moderately severe, moderate, or mild with disability ratings as low as 10 percent. If the condition causes severe symptoms, it is Any sciatica condition that needs this is rated 100% during this specialized treatment. I want to thank Woods & Woods for not letting me give up. This makes it difficult to bend the knee and could lead to an 80 percent disability rating. 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. To diagnose the causes of your sciatica, the 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. 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. Additionally, a secondary disability claim can increase your benefits if a new condition arises from your current service-connected disability. 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. along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. These cookies do not store any personal information. To discuss your own case, contact us for aninitial case evaluationat no charge to you. When there is pressure on a nerve in the neck, a veteran can experience radiculopathy in their shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. VA Rating for Sciatica: How to File a VA Claim for Sciatica Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] This could result in a 20 percent disability rating. Aggravation ratings work slightly differently than primary and secondary service connection ratings, depending on the initial severity of the condition compared to the present level of severity. Since your brain and spinal cord connect to your entire body through your nerves, any part of your body can have pain or go numb when a nerve in your back is pinched. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Well also look and see if you can apply for more than one to combine and increase your benefits. 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. The sciatic nerve is rated under diagnostic codes 8520, 8620, and 8720. Back injuries and musculoskeletal injuries can result in sciatica, which is quite common for military veterans. This is because it can offer valuable information on the causes of your problem. given based on how severe, moderately severe or extremely severe a condition By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog. 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. TDIU can be awarded on a schedular or extraschedular basis. Identifying which nerves are affected and how bad will be the main goal of your C&P exam. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Perhaps you already had a health condition when entering the Army, Navy, or Air Force, and it was aggravated during your active duty service. However, in rare circumstances, veterans can experience bilateral sciatica. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. 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 type of pain can vary from numbness, tingling or burning, and can also range in severity from mild to severe. By continuing to use our website, you agree to these updates. Of course, the words Severe, Moderate, Mild all have vague meanings. Symptoms including severe loss of reflexes, loss of sensation, muscle atrophy, and severely reduced movement can be considered severe neuritis. 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 Since you are agitating the vertebrae in the middle of your back, this can get you when you are standing or sitting. you viewed to avoid repetition. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Incomplete, moderate paralysis is rated 20%. Radiculopathy VA Disability Ratings and Benefits | CCK Law Sciatica is not a direct diagnosis of the problem. This nerve runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks all the way down to the leg. If you have a service-related back condition, your sciatica is likely connected to this, as sciatica is usually caused by other back issues. If you are suffering from neuritis, the highest Radiculopathy is caused by a compressed nerve in the spine. Click HERE to read now. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. It doesnt affect your arms and legs as much as it affects your whole trunk. A medical record can show a doctors diagnosis of radiculopathy or another service-connected condition. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. A herniated disc in this region can cause pain that radiates down one or both arms. Generally, VA measures severity by first determining if the veteran suffers from: However, symptoms often overlap, and evaluations of paralysis, neuritis, and neuralgia can be confusing and inconsistent. Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve is pinched or pushed on from a disc. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. 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. first stage will involve getting a complete history of your pain, as well as TDIU is essentially an alternative path to receiving maximum benefits. 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. You've just been rated 100% disabled by the Veterans Affairs. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 VA Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease - Hill & Ponton, P.A. 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. 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. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! They can only assess your symptoms based on what they can observe about your movements. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. When sciatica is serious and severe, it can make life extremely difficult and uncomfortable. Lumbar Radiculopathy. Those suffering from sciatica will experience pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve which travels from the lower back down through the legs. Increasingly, the examiners useDisability Benefits Questionnaires, which independent medical experts can also fill out. The lower . For radiculopathy specifically, youll be rated on neurological symptoms. The thoracic area is in the middle down to your lower back. 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. 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. 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. When it comes to your C&P Exam, you dont want to tough it out. This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. If your neck crunches or grinds when you turn it in a different direction, make sure your doctor listens to those sounds. 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. If it causes moderately severe symptoms, it is rated 40%. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Support your beliefs with professional medical records before and after service to demonstrate that you didnt suffer from back pain until after your time in service. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. Radiculopathy can have different symptoms and different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! will usually find that: VA disability ratings for Sciatica fall under one of the following codes from eCFR, Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Code 8520: spinal nerve causes pain to develop on the lower back, buttocks, and legs. Once its decided which category your illness falls under, you can be graded either under that category or under limited motion. We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. technician to determine the underlying cause of your sciatica pain. How to Get VA Disability for Radiculopathy. Sciatica develops when the pressure on the While the injury is in the back joints, the symptoms show up in your hands and feet. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. It can be stiffness or even sharp pain. Veterans dont necessarily need to trace their radiculopathy to one single active-duty incident. Some conditions involve hospitalization or consistent medical care, such as an at-home nurse, for example. Back injuries and various musculoskeletal Incomplete, severe If youre not sure if you qualify, were here to help. Am I eligible for VA benefits due to Radiculopathy? 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. With the exception of severe incomplete paralysis, there are no specific symptoms listed in the rating criteria that veterans must have to receive a rating of mild, moderate, or moderately severe sciatica. The different nerves in your back are grouped together and carry different VA rating schedules. In this post, we will explore the VA rating for Sciatica as well as how to file a VA claim for Sciatica. causes moderate symptoms, it is rated 20%. The required information to rank your condition must be recorded by the physician in your exam correctly. 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. The upper radicular group is rated under diagnostic codes 8510, 8610, and 8710. All Rights Reserved. Secondary conditions develop as a result of an underlying condition or injury. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Sciatica itself actually refers to a symptom rather than a specific disease. we represent clients nationwide. Common examples of back problems that cause sciatica include spinal stenosis ordisc herniations. For instance, which pages you go to most. After the excitement of finally having the rating you deserve wears off, you start asking questions. VA Benefits for Radiculopathy | Cuddigan Law Symptoms that are experienced when one is If your mom remembers a before and after, have her talk to our staff to write up a lay statement to back your case. The call and the advice we give you on that call are all free. If your claim for benefits for sciatic nerve issues was denied, or you believe your current rating is lower than deserved, consult with an accredited veterans representative to discuss your right to appeal. Technically, the term sciatica usually refers to neuralgia (i.e., sharp pain due to an irritated or damaged nerve) of the sciatic nerve. partial paralysis of the sciatic nerve, a 60% rating will be given. Forever Grateful, [K.S.]. This condition is commonly caused byback conditionssuch as herniated discs, stenosis, and bone spurs. Below we're sharing the VA range of motion chart used to rate back . Why would you ever want to be denied for radiculopathy? Thoracic Radiculopathy If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! The VA can order a clarification from the examiner, or even order a new exam with a different examiner. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Depending on the loss of feeling in your elbow vs. your dominant hand, you might get a different VA rating. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? Also, explain what you cant do because of that numbness. That numbness or pain from a pinched nerve in your spinal column is called radiculopathy. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. In such cases, the VA is able to consider certain, Veterans who are seeking an increased rating or service connection for a new disability often ask whether re-opening their file can cause the VA to reduce their existing rating. You can download the questionnaire right here to see what kind of questions they are going to ask about your back. Radiculopathy Secondary to Back Disabilities; . One of our VA disability lawyers talks about SMC and how you can actually get more than 100% of your VA disability benefit money. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My name is [K.S]. Common Secondary Service-Connected Conditions - Military Benefits Since your brain and spinal cord connect to your entire body through your nerves, any part of your body can have pain or go numb when a nerve in your back is pinched. For example, a veteran is service-connected for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The VA may award service-connected disability benefits for conditions that arose before the time of active duty but worsened during it. Work with some experienced VA lawyers to make sure you get all that you deserve on your first application. The reflexes in your knees, as well as Already working with us? VA outlines TDIU regulations under 38 CFR 4.16. This. By using the information weve provided you with, you should understand what needs to be measured and recorded for a proper diagnosis. Remember, every conflict is resolved in support of the higher rating. By using this information, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship created by you reading or using the information contained on this website or in this newsletter, article, or blog. Sciatica is the pain that one experiences Mild symptoms are rated 10%. 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. Degenerative Disc Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gulf War Syndrome all have the capability of a higher rating. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. What is the VA disability rating for Sciatica? The VA should give you the one that has the highest rating, if they only give you one. Sciatica and Your VA Disability Claim | CCK Law Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Call our office today for a freecase evaluation. Common symptoms include: Most vets went through long periods of standing or marching, strenuous physical exercise challenges, and weapons training during military service. 3 Tiers of Sciatica VA Disability Ratings and How To Apply Radiculopathy is a "pinched nerve." Essentially, the spine pinches the root of the nerve. First, the VA will rate the veteran's condition under the neuralgia category. 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. The cervical area is around your neck and shoulders. like coughing. Keep in mind that a VA rating for radiculopathy is normally determined as a secondary condition, contingent on another spinal disability. This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences. A doctors physical exam and electromyogram (EMG) that confirms a radicular condition serve as bases for ratings. Its not much, but its a start. Radiculopathy in arms, buttocks or lower extremities can be secondary to several underlying physical conditions, such as: Because it is related to and accompanies numerous other back issues, radiculopathy is frequently claimed as a veterans disability that is secondary to other back conditions or back pain. Once the history of your sciatica has been document what special considerations you need at work to deal with this problem. The symptoms and location can vary, and the particular area and nerve affected can impact a veterans VA disability rating for radiculopathy. Wondering about the 8-step VA claim 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. Make sure you work with an expert when you file your claim with the VA so you dont miss anything like that. A 2023 Guide to VA Disability Rates & Pay Schedules, Individual Unemployability Rating Calculator, List of Blue Water Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange (Interactive Vietnam Map), Social Security Disability Benefits Guide, VA appliesrating criteriaspecific to the sciatic nerve. In your physical exam, a health professional will look at your spinal range of motion, your balance, and posture. 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. Secondary VA Claim Radiculopathy is a very important "secondary VA 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. yet assertive representation for our clients. 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. 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.