partial paralysis of the sciatic nerve, a 60% rating will be given. Sometimes, there is little to no back pain with radiculopathy. 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. In mild cases, symptoms but not significant impairments exist. The vet may be accompanied by a witness, and they may bring notes about their symptoms and experiences into the exam room. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Perhaps you already had a health condition when entering the Army, Navy, or Air Force, and it was aggravated during your active duty service. Radiculopathy is a "pinched nerve." Essentially, the spine pinches the root of the nerve. If any of your buddies are around to remember it or talk about it, get their input too. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. While not all of these are exclusive back pains, they can all point to conditions in the spine that would warrant a higher VA rating. 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? For veterans with radiculopathy who cannot work but are rated at less than 100 percent on the VA's schedular disability rating scale, a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) rating would allow them to receive compensation at the highest level, even without a 100 percent total schedular . 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My name is [K.S]. Already working with us? You are not alone! Sciatica refers to pain that links to a problem with the sciatic nerve. To understand which of the three classifications your sciatica falls under, look to the sciatic nerve itself. Sciatica is usually diagnosed after a If you are a veteran suffering from daily back pain, make sure you apply for all of the VA disabilities you are entitled to. Do I file for Radiculopathy or Sciatica and if Awarded ask for retroactive pay from 2004? The coccyx is your tailbone and its at the very bottom. The AMA has been the VAs appeal system since 2019. Contact Us 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. Peripheral neuropathy manifests as weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands or feet. After the excitement of finally having the rating you deserve wears off, you start asking questions. Sciatica can be incredibly difficult to live with and in severe cases can cause difficulty in walking and paralysis. Radiculopathy Secondary to Back Disabilities; . Sometimes diabetes or arthritis can cause radiculopathy in addition to direct spine injuries. Symptoms of tingling, numbness, and moderate to severe pain with intervention with the affected limbs functionality would be considered moderate neuralgia. Mild neuralgia can lead to a 10 percent disability rating if there are symptoms of only mild or theres a mild intervention with the limbs functionality. The required information to rank your condition must be recorded by the physician in your exam correctly. If the condition causes severe symptoms, it is mild, you may only be able to receive a rating of between 10 and 40%. If your mom remembers a before and after, have her talk to our staff to write up a lay statement to back your case. You've just been rated 100% disabled by the Veterans Affairs. Diagnostic code 8510 puts the ratings into these four categories: These same ratings match most of the ratings of Thoracic and Lumbar Radiculopathy as well. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Since your back is a long line of joints, it can happen in any part of your back too. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Youll need evidence of trouble at work if you want to move this claim closer to a 100% TDIU rating. 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. They are also more likely to be ruled Permanent and Total, which means you dont have to go back and re-apply and risk losing your benefits every 5-10 years. It can be difficult to distinguish between the various categories and degrees of severity for sciatic nerve conditions. TDIU is essentially an alternative path to receiving maximum benefits. Are you STUCK, FRUSTRATED and UNDERRATED? This makes it difficult to bend the knee and could lead to an 80 percent disability rating. Philadelphia, PA: 1 International Plaza, Suite 550, Philadelphia, PA, 19113 Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. 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 should start the five year process for applying for VA benefits today. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. 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 examiners report to the VA Regional Office (RO), where the decision is made. The nerve functions, however, it is swollen, irritated, and painful. 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. When you apply for VA disability for Cervical or Lumbar Radiculopathy, the key is how much paralysis you experience and how often. What Is the VADisability Rating for Radiculopathy? This compression or 'pinching' of the spinal nerve root is what is known as radiculopathy. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. You stated that you "had an EMG that showed no nerve damage." Perhaps your problem is not what you call the disability . Hill & Ponton P.A. The upper radicular group is rated under diagnostic codes 8510, 8610, and 8710. Secondary conditions are rated in the same manner as primary service-connected conditions, using the same rating schedules. In this post, we will explore the VA rating for Sciatica as well as how to file a VA claim for Sciatica. You bend side to side and then rotate at the hips for the final measurements. 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. 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 it This may also apply if you had existing radiculopathy that was made worse during your time in the service. For radiculopathy specifically, youll be rated on neurological symptoms. cannot be lifted by the muscles in the legs), all the muscles in the leg below Higher ratings are reserved for more severe cases. 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). Lumbar radiculopathy is irritation or inflammation of a nerve root in the low back. In such cases, the physician or rating authorities can extend this period as necessary. 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 sciatic nerve condition like complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve results in the muscles in the leg and below the knee worsening. Do You Need Help Determining Your Nerve Ratings? problem, but rather, an accurate way of describing the location of the pain. If you just drop the remote control sometimes but otherwise youre fine, youll be closer to barely getting the 20% rating. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 A buddy statement can go a long way as we add it to your evidence. If you are suffering from total paralysis, In some instances, VA may determine an additional disability examination is still required to complete the claim for disability benefits. 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. 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 call and the advice we give you on that call are all free. determined, a physical exam will them be completed by a state certified This condition is commonly caused byback conditionssuch as herniated discs, stenosis, and bone spurs. The Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) regulates appeals for denials. The type of pain can vary from numbness, tingling or burning, and can also range in severity from mild to severe. Measures of your extension, lateral flexion, and rotation all combine to measure your cervical flexion. Incontinence can also occur as a result. The angle of your flexion for your cervical and thoracolumbar spine areas determines what your rating will be. The Easiest Ratings for Joint/Back Pain are Also the Lowest, Back Conditions that Get a Higher VA Disability Compensation, Pinched Nerves in the Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Regions, The Lower Your Range of Motion the Higher Your Rating, How the VA Disability Rating for Radiculopathy Works. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.. Dont hide anything and be explicit and detailed about what hurts and what is numb. Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, - Learn About CCK's Partnership with DAV and Harvard Law School, Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve Diagnostic Code 8520, Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve Diagnostic Code 8620, Neuralgia of the Sciatic Nerve Diagnostic Code 8720, Issues with the VA Rating System for Sciatica, Call Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick For Help with Your Sciatica Benefits, Sciatica VA Disability Claims and Ratings, Top 20 VA Disability Claims and Their Ratings, 10 Most Common Disabilities for Veterans and How Theyre Rated. Radiculopathy is a common service-connected disability caused by a pinched nerve root in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. In addition to secondary service connection, veterans may also be able to seek service connection through aggravation. If your sciatica is severe, you may also have to take an orthopedic exam. 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. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. The symptoms and location can vary, and the particular area and nerve affected can impact a veterans VA disability rating for radiculopathy. Incomplete, mild paralysis is 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. 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. Back injuries and various musculoskeletal The type of pain can vary from numbness, tingling or burning, and can also range in severity from mild to severe. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. If you think you injured yourself during your time in service, try to make some notes. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. This is also called flexion. The pain usually radiates around your ribs and into your chest. The VA doesn't have a diagnostic code for peripheral neuropathy, so the VA rates the condition based on the nerve(s) involved. 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. This could help you gain a higher rating. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 Radiculopathy can have different symptoms and different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. Work with some experienced VA lawyers to make sure you get all that you deserve on your first application. As of 2020, roughly one million veterans are service-connected for paralysis of the sciatic nerve, making it the most commonly service-connected neurological condition. complete medical examination by a primary care doctor. Then, file a disability claim for your medical issues. Symptoms including severe loss of reflexes, loss of sensation, muscle atrophy, and severely reduced movement can be considered severe neuritis. These cookies may be set through our website by our advertising partners. One of our VA disability lawyers talks about VA benefits for back pain. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This results in inflammation, pain, and usually some numbness in the affected leg. While one veteran may have specific symptoms, and the Regional Office finds that they have moderate sciatica, another veteran could have those very same symptoms and be judged as having mild sciatica. 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. After you have filed your claim for VA disability benefits and the VA adjudicators have decoded that your disability is service connected, the, For some veterans, the objective criteria in the disability rating schedule may not accurately reflect their true level of disability. Symptoms of radiculopathy include radiation of pain from the lower back down into the legs, often described as a sharp-shooting, electric pain. Some conditions involve hospitalization or consistent medical care, such as an at-home nurse, for example. is. 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. The cervical area is around your neck and shoulders. If you cant feed yourself, you would be closer to the 50-70 level and maybe even qualify for Aid and Attendance. 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. For sciatica, for example, in radiculopathy of the lower back, the VA appliesrating criteriaspecific to the sciatic nerve (diagnostic code 8720), and assigns a disability percent rating on whether the neuralgia is moderate or mild. spinal nerve causes pain to develop on the lower back, buttocks, and legs. Do You Have a Service Connection With Sciatica? Radiculopathy is a great example of secondary service connection. Technically, the term sciatica usually refers to neuralgia (i.e., sharp pain due to an irritated or damaged nerve) of the sciatic nerve. Both! sensation and severe loss of reflexes, your rating will be categorized under Once it ends, then the 100% rating will be used for a certain timeframe. Refer to our disability calculator to figure out your estimated VA rating. There are several common symptoms of sciatica. However, if your sciatica is moderate or See the above sectionSecondary Service Connection for Radiculopathy. Well also look and see if you can apply for more than one to combine and increase your benefits. you viewed to avoid repetition. Symptoms that are experienced when one is If this is the case, a rating of 80 When applying for VA benefits for sciatica and related conditions, certain principles apply. You can download the questionnaire right here to see what kind of questions they are going to ask about your back. VA rates sciatica under 38 CFR 4.124a, Schedule of ratings - neurological conditions and convulsive disorders, as follows: Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve - Diagnostic Code 8520 80% - complete paralysis in which all the muscles of the leg below the knee fail to work, causing serious difficulty in bending the knee it can cause all the muscles below the leg and knee to stop working altogether. For instance, which pages you go to most. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. If it is mild, it is rated 10%. 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. The veteran has constant, severe pain in his lower back because of the radiculopathy affecting his ability to function on a daily basis. it is rated 20%. 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. 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. They fought hard for me and got me more than I ever could dream of. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. currently suffering from the condition. Incomplete, moderate paralysis is rated 20%. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Radiculopathy Disability for Veterans When the bones in your back lose their cushioning, they rub together and may pinch a nerve. However, the criteria listed here can also be subjective. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 Wondering about the 8-step VA claim process? 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. While you should tell the C&P Exam doctor every detail of your symptoms. Here are some tips on your C&P exam from one of our VA disability lawyers. The lower . Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to help you with the appeals process. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 The bilateral factor recognizes the limitations caused by these disabilities and how they can impact the veteran. 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. Thoracic Radiculopathy yet assertive representation for our clients. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. rated 60%. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. By using the information weve provided you with, you should understand what needs to be measured and recorded for a proper diagnosis. tingling or pain that interferes with your back or how your legs operate, your Ensure that this occurs properly to make sure you receive a genuine rating. Apr 27, 2011 #4. The doctor cant feel what you are feeling. They are not intended as a guarantee that we will obtain the same or similar results in every case we undertake. Radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve root in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the spinal column is pinched and becomes inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. Neck pain is a cervical spine problem. 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. Keep track of how often and how severe your episodes are. This benefit compensates veterans at the 100 percent level, even if their combined disability rating does not equal 100 percent. 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. Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. Not all doctors know how VA disability applications work, so we have doctors on our staff to review your application before it goes to the VA. Our on-staff doctors know what the VA wants when it comes to granting benefits.