In 2022, VA ratings for Radiculopathy typically range from 0% to 70%, depending upon the severity of your symptoms. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Business Development Representatives having gone through our programs. 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. Each of these veterans benefits have different eligibility criteria so be Brian Reese here with VA Claims Insider, and in this Insiders Guide, Im going to reveal and explain how to get a VA Rating for Depression Secondary to Tinnitus. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 203, San Jose, CA 95134 Hi veterans, Brian Reese here with VA Claims Insider, and in this Ultimate Guide, Im going to reveal and explain the Top 100+ VA Disability List of Secondary Conditions. AtVA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrateLIFE CHANGEby getting them the VA disability rating and compensationYOU DESERVEby law. The symptoms and location can vary, and the particular area and nerve affected can impact a veterans VA disability rating for radiculopathy.
What is the Cervicalgia VA Rating? Here's 3 Ways to Get a VA Disability The bilateral factor recognizes the limitations caused by these disabilities and how they can impact the veteran. Veterans must prove secondary service connection if their first service-connected condition causes a different disability or makes an existing disability worse. In accordance with 38 CFR 3.310 current disability condition that is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury shall also be service connected. remaining function of the hand or foot, whether the acts of grasping, (called the Odontoid Process or dens) that projects upward into the ring of VA ratings for Radiculopathy of the left lower and right What Is the VADisability Rating for Radiculopathy? thoracic spines range of motion and protect many vital organs. The PTSD is due to your combat deployment, which is directly related to your military service. 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. provided by rating the service-connected lumbar spine disorders, degenerative Imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan, are used to better see the structures in the problem area. You may, for example, have developed radiculopathy that stems from a back strain or a back injury you suffered during military service. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. This can develop from a condition such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and in some cases neurologic conditions. nerve, whether due to varied level of the nerve lesion or to partial When there is pressure on a nerve in the neck, a veteran can experience radiculopathy in their shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. 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. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 boxes with small spinous processes (finger-like projections) that extend from the The lumbar facet joints allow for significant flexion and Secondary VA Claim Radiculopathy is a very important "secondary VA claim." Can VA Secondary Conditions Be Service Connected? You dont need to prove the radiculopathy happened on active duty. amputation stump with prosthesis. (largest). These secondary conditions can be claimed for additional benefits if the veteran is able to prove that they resulted from the primary condition. When assigning a rating for radiculopathy, the VA will take into account which nerve is affected, as well as whether the radiculopathy affects the dominant hand or leg and the severity of the symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, sensory changes, and functional impact. manipulation, etc., in the case of the hand, or of balance and propulsion, The spine consists of four (4) primary regions from your It can affect the cervical spine (upper back/neck area), thoracic spine (mid-back), and lumbar spine (low back). Sometimes diabetes or arthritis can cause radiculopathy in addition to direct spine injuries. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 disabling. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. You're not alone. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Examples of secondary conditions associated with neck pain include radiculopathy, due to a compressed nerve in the cervical spine, and migraine headaches . Secondary Service Connection for Radiculopathy. Symptoms of radiculopathy vary by location but frequently include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. To clarify, I have a combined 40% for back and neck sprains. we represent clients nationwide. If your service-related stenosis causes a secondary condition, that condition would be rated separately by the VA. C. Lumbar radiculopathy: This starts in the lower back. It contains vertebrae L1-L5. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 neck (cervical spine) down to your buttocks and pelvic area (sacral spine). I reported to work expecting a normal day. Radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve, can cause major discomfort and problems with a range of motion during everyday activities. Note that a veteran is eligible to be rated for both a neck condition, back condition, and Radiculopathy secondary to multipole extremities. well as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. 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. Remember, radiculopathy is probably going to be a secondary VA claim. What Does Your VA Disability Rating Mean? Due to the nature of back injuries, it is common for other parts of the body or bodily functions to be affected by secondary conditions to back pain. In such cases, veterans can claim radiculopathy as a secondary condition in order to receive an increased VA rating - and may be eligible for a bilateral factor which is an additional 10% rating. The symptoms often follow a dermatomal distribution and can 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, commonly affected nerves is the sciatic nerve, which causes pain down the back of the thigh into the calf and foot, Veteran with low back conditions such as degenerative disc disease, back injuries, it is common for other parts of the body or bodily functions to be affected by secondary conditions to back pain, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430837/, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/myelopathy, Veteran Substance Abuse and VA Disability Benefits, Secondary Service Connection for Medical Issues Related to Back Problems. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Less common causes of radiculopathy include spinal She is a proud University of Central Florida alumnus, graduating in 2019 with a bachelors degree in Legal Studies. Lets say, for example, you contracted tinnitus while serving. The lower back is the area most frequently affected by Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the spinal column is pinched and becomes inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. 38 U.S.C. Same for the cervical radiculopathy too, but radiculopathy and neck problems are specifically rated as the same issue in the VA, despite fitting into the Secondary SC rules as well. Today,Brian Reesethe VA Claims Insider reveals and explains the 72 Best Federal Veteran Benefits from A to Z. Additionally, if a veteran has a service-connected knee condition that aggravates a non-service-connected back condition, they could get service connection for their back based on aggravationprovided they can prove that their condition was worsened beyond its natural progression by military service. Lumbar myelopathy is rare but is worth mentioning due to the severity of the condition. In addition, Back Pain is a common secondary VA disability claim, especially Radiculopathy secondary to back . extremities when combined (See 38 C.F.R. 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. Many back and neck issues are rated under these generic terms. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 The pinched nerve can cause pain and discomfort for veterans who experience it, and the pain is often experienced as numbness, tingling, or weakness. A showing of causation requires that the secondary VA disability claim is proximately due to or aggravated by another service-connected disability. For example, a veteran is service-connected for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. Your VA doctor or private physician may take several steps In addition, I have four ratings for secondary radiculopathy (10% each for lower extremities and 20% each for upper extremities). For example, someone with radiculopathy may also develop arthritis or degenerative disc disease.
Therefore, a service connection for back trouble is not unusual. Because the nerve roots in this area of the spine primarily Common symptoms include: Most vets went through long periods of standing or marching, strenuous physical exercise challenges, and weapons training during military service. 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.
VA Disability Rating for Radiculopathy Explained - The Definitive Guide One of the most commonly affected nerves is the sciatic nerve, which causes pain down the back of the thigh into the calf and foot. These tissues include bones of the spinal vertebrae, tendons and intervertebral discs. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. The secondary conditions are one of the main reasons you want to work with a certified VA disability lawyer. Radiculopathy can have many different signs and symptoms as Your spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae, and Thickening (ossification) of the spinal ligaments may also Each of these is a secondary VA claim. The SECOND part can be satisfied with a veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0% or higher. triangular shape, form the sacrum. I have a cervical sprain rated at 20% and a thoracolumbar sprain also rated at 20%.
Radiculopathy (pinched nerve) Secondary to Back Conditions - Veterans Medical images like x-rays can also be useful. resulting symptoms lead to a painful condition called Radiculopathy. 40% for each lower extremity, depending upon the severity of symptoms. >> Click HERE NOW << to sign up for our premier education-based Coaching/Consulting program VA Claims Insider Elite, start free today, connect with a Veteran Coach in minutes, and get high-quality Nexus Letters at reduced rates (if wanted and warranted by the evidence of record). Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. veterans suffer from various back conditions that may or may not be service In 2022, VA ratings for Radiculopathy typically range from 0% to 70%, depending upon the severity of your symptoms. Extraschedular VA Disability Ratings
VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Stenosis - Hill & Ponton, P.A. Veterans may be able to claim not only service-connected disability benefits but also secondary service-connection that the Department of Veterans Affairs might have missed. Top 72 Federal Veteran Benefits From A to Z (2024 Edition), How to Download Your VA Benefit Letters Online (5-Step Process). Thoracic radiculopathy refers to a compressed nerve root in This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. It covers vertebrae C1-C7. Rating nerve conditions also involves identifying the nerve involved. Pro Tip: A Nexus Letter is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to help establish secondary service connection. The size and shape of each lumbar vertebra is designed to Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Amy Mallette, Claims Advocate Updated: June 21, 2020. The MRI gives a rater proof of any damage to the spine, and that damage is typically where your radiculopathy starts. [2] Myelopathy. Myelopathy | Johns Hopkins Medicine,www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/myelopathy. the thoracic area of the spine, which is your middle to upper back. The diagnostic code used to rate a veterans radiculopathy depends on which of the veterans nerves are impacted and their level of functioning. control sensations in your arms and hands, this is where the symptoms are most Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 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. 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. Radiculopathy is often a secondary service condition, brought on or exacerbated by another service-connected condition. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Contact Us Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. There are some good news however because veterans may be eligible to receive disability compensation for conditions the VA recognizes as a secondary due to your service-connected back condition. 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. 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. Radiculopathy describes a range of symptoms produced by the pinching of a nerve root in the spinal column. Radiculopathy is most often rated under CFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, diagnostic codes 8510, 8610, and 8710 for the upper and middle radicular groups. sacrum. For VA compensation purposes, normal forward flexion of the cervical spine is zero to 45 degrees, extension is zero to 45 degrees, left and right lateral flexion are zero to 45 degrees, and left and right lateral rotation are zero to 80 degrees. back of the vertebrae. If you have both a service-connected back condition and radiculopathy you may be entitled disability benefits for your radiculopathy. The Atlas is ring-shaped, and it supports the skull. diagnostic codes 8510, 8610, and 8710. But it can also be a result of a spinal injury. But keep in mind, it is not unusual for radiculopathy to affect more than one nerve. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Many back and neck issues are rated under these generic terms.
Radiculopathy (pinched nerve) Secondary to Back Conditions - VA The pinched nerve can occur at different areas along the spine (cervical, thoracic or lumbar).