Subscribe to our newsletter and join 15,472 other subscribers. The typical symptoms of a radicular condition depend on the location of the affected nerves. What Is the VADisability Rating for Radiculopathy? You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, Complete; all shoulder and elbow movements lost or severely affected, hand and wrist movements not affected, Complete; inability to raise arm above shoulder level, winged scapula deformity. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 She is a proud University of Central Florida alumnus, graduating in 2019 with a bachelors degree in Legal Studies. the thoracic area of the spine, which is your middle to upper back. lower extremities are typically rated under diagnostic code 8620. Thickening (ossification) of the spinal ligaments may also We discuss how chronic pain affects mental healthin a different blog. We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. Myelopathy is often accompanied by radiculopathy, but is a separate condition. However, the most common rating for lumbar radiculopathy is under the sciatic nerve. 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. The upper and middle radicular group is rated under Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Once the regional office (RO) issues its determination, the veteran has a year to file an appeal. Another possible cause of radiculopathy that may lead to Top 72 Federal Veteran Benefits From A to Z (2024 Edition), Can I Get a VA Rating for Depression Secondary to Tinnitus? called the Axis. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. percent disabling. Nerve roots split from the cord and travel between the However, complete paralysis of the affected area can yield a 70% rating. Note that a veteran is eligible to be rated for both a back condition, Symptoms of radiculopathy include radiation of pain from the lower back down into the legs, often described as a sharp-shooting, electric pain. [2] Myelopathy. Myelopathy | Johns Hopkins Medicine,www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/myelopathy. Am I eligible for VA benefits due to Radiculopathy? Today, even though you are no longer serving, that service-connected tinnitus might be causing migraine headaches, anxiety, and/or depression. What Does Your VA Disability Rating Mean? Patients also may experience numbness, weakness, or loss of reflexes in the legs. B. Thoracic radiculopathy: This covers radiculopathy that starts in the back. 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. The Radiculopathy VA rating criteria also depends upon Paralysis, Neuritis, or Neuralgia, as well as the location/region, which are broken down in detail below. There are many secondary VA claims. The lumbar spine has more range of motion than the thoracic Secondary conditions are those that develop as a result of the primary condition. (largest). Contact Us For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. the Atlas. [1] Alexander CE, Varacallo M. Lumbosacral Radiculopathy. Myelopathy[2] is the most serious of the conditions that have been mentioned. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Secondary claims are an extremely important tool. 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. Radiculopathy is a very important secondary VA claim. A secondary VA claim is an injury or illness that exists because of a service connected disability. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. . However, radiculopathy takes me to a combined 70%. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. Extraschedular VA Disability Ratings Join our premier education-based membership program, VA Claims Insider Elite, connect with an expert-level Veteran Coach (VC) within minutes, and finally get the rating you deserve. Updated: April 23, 2020. What Does Your VA Disability Rating Mean? 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. Many Sometimes a pre-existing condition is worsened by military service. See 38 C.F.R. In accordance with38 CFR 3.310disabilities that are proximately due to, or aggravated by, service-connected disease or injury, a current disability condition, which is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury shall be service connected. In moderate neuralgia, typical of a radiculopathy diagnosis, a veteran experiences numbness, and tingling, and moderate to severe pain. A physical exam and physical tests may be used to check your muscle strength and reflexes. 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. One of the most common conditions secondary to spinal conditions is radiculopathy. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. The most commonly affected nerve for this type is the sciatic nerve, which is broken up into five separate nerves depending on which part of the leg is impacted. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. In myelopathy, the pressure is placed on the spine itself, as compared to radiculopathy which places pressure on the nerve roots. Do you have symptoms of radiculopathy? Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 A veteran can receive up to a 40 percent VA disability A common cause of radiculopathy is . 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). or more, will be taken as loss of use of the hand or foot involved. In addition, Back Pain is a common secondary VA disability claim, especially Radiculopathy secondary to back . Contact Us thoracic spines range of motion and protect many vital organs. This is the least common location for radiculopathy. The SECOND part can be satisfied with a veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0% or higher. There are three key elements that must be satisfied to prove VA secondary service connection under the law: Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. Remember, radiculopathy is probably going to be a secondary VA claim. Sometimes diabetes or arthritis can cause radiculopathy in addition to direct spine injuries. Radiculopathy VA Rating Criteria Explained, VA Rating for Radiculopathy Lower Extremity, VA Rating for Radiculopathy Upper Extremity, Other Possible Causes or Radiculopathy in Veterans, How Veterans Get a Radiculopathy Diagnosis, VA Disability Rating for Radiculopathy: Special Monthly Compensation for Loss of Use of Hand or Foot. 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. All Rights Reserved. A doctors physical exam and electromyogram (EMG) that confirms a radicular condition serve as bases for ratings. Examples include certain chronic debilitating diseases, diseases specific to radiation exposure, diseases associated with herbicide agents (to include Blue Water Veterans), Persian Gulf War Veterans, and Camp Lejeune Veterans. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. Radiculopathy describes a range of symptoms produced by the pinching of a nerve root in the spinal column. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 Often we have clients with 20% ratings for back disabilities who could qualify for higher ratings for their serious impairments. Complete; the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost, Sharp and radiating pain in the back, arms, legs or shoulders that may worsen with certain activities, even something as simple as coughing or sneezing, Weakness, fatigue, or loss of reflexes in the arms or legs, Numbness or tingling of the skin, pins and needles, or other abnormal sensations (paresthesia) in the arms or legs. You could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free disability compensation you deserve by law, and not even realize that your current VA disability might be caused or aggravated by an existing service connected disability. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 I have a cervical sprain rated at 20% and a thoracolumbar sprain also rated at 20%. 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. 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. We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. After an exam, vets and witnesses should promptly memorialize their experience, and date their notes. etc., in the case of the foot, could be accomplished equally well by an Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. The sciatic nerve is rated under diagnostic codes 8520, 8620, and 8720. Its where youll learn how to develop and file a winning VA Claim the right way from the start. You're not alone. The skilled attorneys at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help you navigate it. Many back and neck issues are rated under these generic terms. 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. Back conditions are one of the most common medical complaints that the Department of Veterans Affairs sees. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. 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. Unfortunately, I was in an accident while on duty, and it injured my back. 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. For example, a veteran may have had flat feet prior to entering service but wearing military boots and prolonged standing worsened his or her flat feet leading to a painful disability called plantar fasciitis, which is eligible for compensation under the law. Common symptoms include: Numbness radiating from the spinal area Physical weakness or pain Radiculopathy is a nerve condition that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. Beneath the last cervical vertebra are the 12 vertebrae of 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. These structures make the thoracic spine more stable than These cookies collect information about how you use our website. which can affect your upper back, middle back, and/or lower back. for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. It's imperative to understand frequency . You earned your benefits, but you still have to fight to claim them. A veterans VA disability rating for Radiculopathy depends upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms, meaning the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating for Radiculopathy. 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. VA Claims: Sleep Apnea Secondary To PTSD. Moderate incomplete paralysis is rated as 40 percent To clarify, I have a combined 40% for back and neck sprains. VA Claims Insider is a company OF veterans, BY veterans, FOR veterans. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. These conditions, either directly service, Secondary disabilities may not be the first thing that comes to mind while filing your VA compensation claim, but they can be integral to the process. If you experienced radiculopathy during military service, you may be eligible for VA benefits for your disability. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. are often affected by urinary frequency or incontinence. Later, this became a secondary VA claim. Secondary Service Connection and related conditions that can be secondary VA claims are the primary focus of this eBook! Moderate incomplete paralysis is rated as 20 percent If you have lower back problems and radiculopathy in your lower limbs, that's also all one issue for the VA. The examiners report to the VA Regional Office (RO), where the decision is made. Generally, VA disability ratings for back pain range from 10% to 100% and depend upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms, including Painful Motion, Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM), and Functional Loss or Impairment. Higher ratings are reserved for more severe cases. narrowing of foramina is bone spurs. Because Medical Nexus Evidence is needed to satisfy the third evidentiary element that must be satisfied to prove your secondary VA claim on an at least as likely as not basis. Pro Tip: A medical nexus letter is highly recommended to help you prove secondary service connection under the law. If you have pain with certain movements, this may help your doctor identify the affected nerve root. in more detail. Which VA Diagnostic Codes Will Give You The Highest VA Disability Rating. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones, VA ratings for upper extremity radiculopathy is rated 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. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? A secondary disability is. vertebrae into many different areas of your body. Depending on the loss of feeling in your elbow vs. your dominant hand, you might get a different VA rating. Cervical radiculopathy is when a veteran has a pinched nerve in their neck. 40% for each lower extremity, depending upon the severity of symptoms. The type of pain can vary from numbness, tingling or burning, and can also range in severity from mild to severe. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. support the skull, and allow for a wide range of head movement. 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. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Amy joined Hill & Ponton in June of 2019 with that same goal. 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 to Read About VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Conditions <<. yet assertive representation for our clients. [Updated 2020 Mar 25]. Radiculopathy is a great example of secondary service connection. In this post, well reveal and explain how to download copies of your VA benefit letters online. The lower back is the area most frequently affected by It is important to note that not all disc herniations cause nerve compression or pain. Thoracic radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the upper back is pinched, and people may experience pain in their chest or torso area. For radiculopathy, relevant evidence relates to any element of the veterans claim. This. compression. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 Need a Nexus Letter to Help Establish Secondary Service Connection? 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. 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. Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exams for Radiculopathy, Evidence for Radiculopathy Claims and Appealing under the AMA system. MRIs are quite expensive, but so is being underrated. The AMA has been the VAs appeal system since 2019. We advocate for the disabled. See 38 C.F.R. This condition is detected by MRI and usually requires surgery. If the veterans doctor has provided a favorable opinion on the claim, the vet can submit this supportive evidence in the C&P exam. Additionally, a secondary disability claim can increase your benefits if a new condition arises from your current service-connected disability. movements not affected, warrants a 70 percent rating for the major side and a (b) Complete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) and consequent, footdrop, accompanied by characteristic organic changes including trophic and circulatory disturbances and other concomitants confirmatory of complete paralysis of this nerve, will be taken as loss of use of the foot.