amputation stump with prosthesis. This refers to disabilities or death that result from hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination by a VA medical professional or facility, or due to participation in a program of vocational rehabilitation. nerve, whether due to varied level of the nerve lesion or to partial 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). However, radiculopathy takes me to a combined 70%. These are abbreviated T1 through T12 (top to bottom). 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. Different groups will have different diagnostic codes. The bilateral factor refers to when a veteran has a disability that affects both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles. For example, a veteran is service-connected for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. We guide our clients through the most difficult times in their lives with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. I have a cervical sprain rated at 20% and a thoracolumbar sprain also rated at 20%. However, complete paralysis of the affected area can yield a 70% rating. In these instances, the ratings will be combined, for the left and right sides, and 10 percent will be added. 203, San Jose, CA 95134 One of the most common conditions secondary to spinal conditions is radiculopathy. But it can also be a result of a spinal injury. and Radiculopathy secondary to lower back pain. 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. 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. This will effectively increase your VA disability rating. Radiculopathy is defined as a pinched nerve in the spine and can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms including pain, weakness, and numbness. The lower back is the area most frequently affected by If you have both a service-connected back condition and radiculopathy you may be entitled disability benefits for your radiculopathy. cause pain and numbness that wraps around to the front of your body. Check out the rest of the CombatCraig.com website for a huge amount of helpful free content. To discuss your own case, contact us for aninitial case evaluationat no charge to you. Here, we discuss the process of proving service connection and obtaining a VA disability rating for radiculopathy. Examples of secondary conditions associated with neck pain include radiculopathy, due to a compressed nerve in the cervical spine, and migraine headaches . His eBook, the9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claimhas been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans. These tissues include bones of the spinal vertebrae, tendons and intervertebral discs. VA disability ratings for Radiculopathy range from 0% to 90% and depend upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of your symptoms, meaning the more severe your symptoms, the higher the VA rating for Radiculopathy. We will discuss this below for your VA claims. The rating is 10% for mild symptoms and up to 40% for severe symptoms. It may also cause weakness and numbness. well as different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. VA Disability Rating for Back Pain Injury | Berry Law In addition, I have four ratings for secondary radiculopathy (10% each for lower extremities and 20% each for upper extremities). Lumbar radiculopathy is a common condition among veterans. Pittsburgh, PA: 201 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15235 -Tactical Mike. If you have pain with certain movements, this may help your doctor identify the affected nerve root. back of the vertebrae. T1 is In most cases, foraminal stenosis is caused by gradual degeneration of the spine that happens as you age. Your spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae, and By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Notably, symptoms are serious pain, numbness, and tingling. If radiculopathy is caused by a low back condition, the individuals will feel the symptoms in the lower extremities (thigh, calf, foot). and press on nerves. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. In other words- I am almost doubling my RATING with secondary claims. These structures make the thoracic spine more stable than 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. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 the smallest and T12 is the largest thoracic vertebra. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. A 50 percent rating is warranted for severe incomplete We discuss how chronic pain affects mental healthin a different blog. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. The THIRD part, and often the missing link needed to establish secondary service connection, can be satisfied with a credible Medical Nexus Letter (Independent Medical Opinion) from a qualified medical provider. it can also affect your neck. Secondary Conditions Veterans Can Claim for Back Pain To succeed with this service-connection claim, a vet 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. 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. The VA can order a clarification from the examiner, or even order a new exam with a different examiner. 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. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The vet may be accompanied by a witness, and they may bring notes about their symptoms and experiences into the exam room. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. We offer this information to our readers as general information only. to diagnose radiculopathy: Many veterans suffer from various service connected back conditions, Sometimes diabetes or arthritis can cause radiculopathy in addition to direct spine injuries. If not, I would definitely consider paying out of pocket. Do you have symptoms of radiculopathy? Radiculopathy is caused by compressed nerves in the spine and results in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the nerve. And, youll get to work with a Veteran Coach (VC) who will lead you to VA claim success. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. A medical record can show a doctors diagnosis of radiculopathy or another service-connected condition. are often affected by urinary frequency or incontinence. Copyright 2023 Combat Craig == Combat Craig's Terms of Use. Radiculopathy is commonly rated as a secondary VA disability claim for secondary service connection due to one or more service connected neck, shoulder, and back conditions. 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. When there is pressure on a nerve in the neck, a veteran can experience radiculopathy in their shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. Contact Us You may, for example, have developed radiculopathy that stems from a back strain or a back injury you suffered during military service. Five bones (abbreviated S1 through S5) fused into a VA ratings for upper extremity radiculopathy is rated 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. Regulation normally forbids assigning multiple ratings for one set of symptoms. All Rights Reserved. The first cervical vertebra (C1) is called the Atlas. Radiculopathy is a medical condition in which the nerves are compressed or irritated in the lower back[1]. Thoracic radiculopathy refers to a compressed nerve root in Keep in mind that a VA rating for radiculopathy is normally determined as a secondary condition, contingent on another spinal disability. Later, this became a secondary VA claim. What Does Your VA Disability Rating Mean? Thorough note-taking after the exam can be helpful if the vets representative needs to persuade the VA to overturn a problematic decision on the C&P exam. You're not alone. A common cause of radiculopathy is . How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! The rule authorizing VA to establish the five secondary TBI-related conditions in 38 CFR 3.310 is effective, January 16, 2014. . A higher rating than those currently assigned is only In myelopathy, the pressure is placed on the spine itself, as compared to radiculopathy which places pressure on the nerve roots. Myelopathy is a back condition that is caused from a previous trauma or injury. resulting symptoms lead to a painful condition called Radiculopathy. This results in numerous unpleasant and painful symptoms in veterans that may include: Your specific symptoms will depend on where in the spine the nerve root is pinched. 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. lets take a minute to explore the law regarding the symptoms and impairment The rating is 0% for mild symptoms and up to 20% for severe symptoms. Win Your Veterans Benefits Claim With this VA Nexus Letter Example! In addition to secondary service connection, veterans may also be able to seek service connection through aggravation. narrowing of foramina is bone spurs. VA ratings for Radiculopathy of the left lower and right 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 veterans looking to increase their VA rating for a radiculopathy condition, knowledge is key. 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. Radiculopathy Bulging disc Scoliosis Spinal stenosis Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety And more. In this post, we will be exploring the VA Disability Rating for Radiculopathy in great detail. WE CAN HELP! In addition, I have four ratings for secondary radiculopathy (10% each for lower extremities and 20% each for upper extremities). When radiculopathy occurs in the lower back, it is known as Click the button below to start for FREE. >> 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). This is the most common method of service connection for VA disability compensation benefits. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. C2 is called the Axis. etc., in the case of the foot, could be accomplished equally well by an Nerve roots split from the cord and travel between the Lumbar myelopathy is rare but is worth mentioning due to the severity of the condition. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Where the disability at issue is lower extremity radiculopathy associated with SC thoracolumbar disability, follow the guidance in M21-1, . VA Ratings There are three key elements that must be satisfied to prove VA secondary service connection under the law: Top 100+ VA Disability List of Secondary Conditions (2022 Edition) 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.. However, I began to realize the strangest thing: my left hand was numb! On occasion, these discs slip out of place or become damaged Symptoms of radiculopathy vary by location but frequently include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. (a) Extremely unfavorable complete ankylosis of the knee, or complete ankylosis of 2 major joints of an extremity or shortening of the lower extremity of 312inches (8.9 cms.) You can stack it with other disabilities for the same body part. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (The Insiders Guide). you viewed to avoid repetition. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. Another possible cause of radiculopathy that may lead to In the beginning stages of urinary frequency, you may not notice anything out of the ordinary. You earned your benefits, but you still have to fight to claim them. The rating is 20% for mild symptoms and up to 50% for severe symptoms. in more detail. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. Pro Tip: A medical nexus letter is highly recommended to help you prove secondary service connection under the law. The present VA ratings assigned for degenerative joint (38 CFR 3.309 discusses diseases subject to presumptive service-connection in more detail.). Similarly, does your Traumatic Brain Injury cause depression? 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. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. 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. Extraschedular Ratings for VA Disability Claims. The SECOND part can be satisfied with a veterans existing service-connected disability rated at 0% or higher. infections and various cancerous and noncancerous growths in the spine that may Are You Stuck, Frustrated, and Underrated? Incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve (sciatica), if 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. VA Claims: Sleep Apnea Secondary To PTSD. There are three key elements that must be satisfied to prove VA secondary service connection under the law: The FIRST part can be satisfied with any existing medical evidence in service treatment records, VA medical records, or any private medical records. Radiculopathy (pinched nerve) Secondary to Back Conditions - Veterans For example, does your service connected knee injury cause you to overuse your other knee? 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. 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. If the veterans doctor has provided a favorable opinion on the claim, the vet can submit this supportive evidence in the C&P exam. spine, but less than the cervical spine. The highest possible VA disability rating for Radiculopathy, across all radicular groups, with complete paralysis, is 90%. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 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. Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in the spinal cord are damaged, irritated, or compressed. Note that a veteran is eligible to be rated for both a neck condition, back condition, and Radiculopathy secondary to multipole extremities. Today,Brian Reesethe VA Claims Insider reveals and explains the 72 Best Federal Veteran Benefits from A to Z. 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. The neck region of the spine is known as the Cervical Spine. Dont delay! veterans suffer from various back conditions that may or may not be service You are not alone! 4.23) are rated as 70 percent A showing of causation requires that the secondary VA disability claim is "proximately due to" or "aggravated by" another service-connected disability. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones, As a Claims Advocate, she works with attorneys and peers to review and gather evidence to help veterans receive the benefits they so deserve. ? Since that time, we have provided compassionate These cookies do not store any personal information. His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! 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. [Updated 2020 Mar 25]. A physical exam and physical tests may be used to check your muscle strength and reflexes. Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. Can VA Secondary Conditions Be Service Connected? 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. Secondary VA Claim Radiculopathy is a very important "secondary VA claim." The MRI gives a rater proof of any damage to the spine, and that damage is typically where your radiculopathy starts. Realistically, an MRI on your service connected back or neck injury is the best way to do that. The size and shape of each lumbar vertebra is designed to For example, someone with radiculopathy may also develop arthritis or degenerative disc disease. 5110(g) and . In addition, Back Pain is a common secondary VA disability claim, especially Radiculopathy secondary to back . Radiculopathy is a great example of secondary service connection. Secondary conditions are those that develop as a result of the primary condition. degenerative conditions. The secondary conditions are one of the main reasons you want to work with a certified VA disability lawyer. vertebrae into many different areas of your body. Complete paralysis of the upper radicular group, with all . Calluses. Since that time, we have provided compassionate 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. Subsequently, I learned I had radiculopathy in my hand. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Back problems themselves cause enough issues with daily and functional living, however as many veterans have discovered, back conditions also commonly lead to a slew of secondary medical conditions or complications. To clarify, I have a combined 40% for back and neck sprains. However, it is important to note that your mental health can also be adversely affected. . 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. Often we have clients with 20% ratings for back disabilities who could qualify for higher ratings for their serious impairments. I reported to work expecting a normal day. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Amy joined Hill & Ponton in June of 2019 with that same goal. Radiculopathy describes a range of symptoms produced by the pinching of a nerve root in the spinal column. Note:Not to be combined with lost motion above shoulder level. One common cause of foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy is It is possible to prove service-connection for radiculopathy. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. In 2022, VA ratings for Radiculopathy typically range from 0% to 70%, depending upon the severity of your symptoms. Moderately severe incomplete paralysis is rated as 40 The spine itself is made up of 33 bones and vertebrae to protect it from injury or trauma. Extraschedular VA Disability Ratings Toe Deformities. This may also apply if you had existing radiculopathy that was made worse during your time in the service. VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Stenosis - Hill & Ponton, P.A. If you experienced radiculopathy during military service, you may be eligible for VA benefits for your disability. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 Neuralgia of the upper radicular group is rated based on Pro Tip: A Nexus Letter is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to help establish secondary service connection. The sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in your body, known This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. In my experience, this type of service connection is uncommon. The lumbar facet joints allow for significant flexion and your spinal cord runs through a canal in the center of these bones. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. regeneration. Under that code, mild incomplete paralysis is rated 20 Although this list is not exhaustive, we tried to stick with the most common VA secondary conditions for secondary service connection. Secondary Claims for Radiculopathy of the Back and Neck - Fight 4 Vets paralysis of the radicular group of the major extremity, and a 40 percent We are sorry that this post was not as useful for you! Lets say, for example, you contracted tinnitus while serving. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. It is circular in shape with a blunt peg-like structure the neck (cervical spine). the Atlas. When these nerve roots become pinched or damaged, the . paralysis under Diagnostic Code 8510. 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8620. Radiculopathy is commonly known as a pinched nerve. wider and broader than similar components in the cervical and thoracic regions. The upper radicular group is rated under diagnostic codes 8510, 8610, and 8710. Learn more about us, Veterans Disability Claim >> Click Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. So, 60 percent rating for the minor side. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. If you have lower back problems and radiculopathy in your lower limbs, that's also all one issue for the VA. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 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. Top 72 Federal Veteran Benefits From A to Z (2024 Edition), Can I Get a VA Rating for Depression Secondary to Tinnitus? Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 If you have both a service-connected back condition and radiculopathy you may be entitled disability benefits for your radiculopathy. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? Most veterans receive a rating of 10 to 20 percent. While we still have our home base in Florida, Common symptoms include: Most vets went through long periods of standing or marching, strenuous physical exercise challenges, and weapons training during military service. The Lumbar Spine has 5 vertebrae abbreviated L1 through L5 Symptoms of radiculopathy include radiation of pain from the lower back down into the legs, often described as a sharp-shooting, electric pain. Radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve root in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. In mild cases, symptoms but not significant impairments exist. Its where youll learn how to develop and file a winning VA Claim the right way from the start. as Sciatica, is rated under diagnostic codes 8520, 8620, and 8720. If your disability condition meets certain criteria (set forth by Congress), then your disability condition will be presumed to have been caused by service.