Sciatica is usually diagnosed following a complete medical examination by a doctor. . These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Even if you already have achieved the service connection or the 10% rating for back pain, you can still get help from us to increase your rating or double-check your effective date. added to your overall combined rating for Sciatica. 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. How to Get VA Disability for Radiculopathy. Remember, sciatica is the pain that an individual receives when the sciatic nerve is irritated. 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. So claiming "numbness and pain in my right leg" works as well as "radiculopathy" (in my right leg.) 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. Call our office today for a freecase evaluation. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. Remember, every conflict is resolved in support of the higher rating. Lumbar radiculopathy is a common condition among veterans. Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Success Managers having gone through our programs. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Forever Grateful, [K.S.]. Finally, we invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. What Does Your VA Disability Rating Mean? 20%. If they can be shown to warrant separate ratings, then they will be combined together. Radiculopathy is a great example of secondary service connection. Be sure to request an opinion from your physician stating that your sciatica issues are likely a result of your time in service. Pain or numbness can even come and go as you take deep breaths or physically exert yourself. One of our VA disability lawyers talks about SMC and how you can actually get more than 100% of your VA disability benefit money. Thoracic radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the upper back is pinched, and people may experience pain in their chest or torso area. The symptom is likely caused by a lumbar or sacral radiculopathy secondary to degenerative disc disease. Complete paralysis: If the foot drops (it When a VA examination is scheduled, the claimant must cooperate by reporting for the examination. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Also, explain what you cant do because of that numbness. level of pain either when they are sitting or standing, Sometime when one has Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 Since you are agitating the vertebrae in the middle of your back, this can get you when you are standing or sitting. If your condition is severe, an orthopaedic A herniated disc in this region can cause pain that radiates down one or both arms. Higher ratings are reserved for more severe cases. Types of Radiculopathy. To prove service-connection for radiculopathy, a veteran 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Radiculopathy is a "pinched nerve." Essentially, the spine pinches the root of the nerve. sensation and severe loss of reflexes, your rating will be categorized under The VA disability appeals process is often long and arduous. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your. Loss of ability to lead a normal and functional life is the exact reason that VA disability benefits are awarded. If your mom remembers a before and after, have her talk to our staff to write up a lay statement to back your case. One service-connected condition rated at 60 percent or higher; or. What Is the VADisability Rating for Radiculopathy? 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. This makes it difficult to bend the knee and could lead to an 80 percent disability rating. Sciatica ratings are usually based on whether the sciatica is mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe. Incomplete, mild paralysis is Secondary VA Claim Radiculopathy is a very important "secondary VA claim." Here, we discuss the process of proving service connection and obtaining a VA disability rating for radiculopathy. In mild cases, symptoms but not significant impairments exist. Most Common VA Disabilities Claimed for Compensation: Can a 100 percent Disabled Veteran Work and Earn an Income? Sciatica occurs when the pressure on the spinal nerve results in pain developing on the lower back, buttocks, and legs. These terms, which the rating schedule uses, are highly subjective and vaguely defined. Are you STUCK, FRUSTRATED and UNDERRATED? VA disability ratings for Sciatica fall under one of the following codes from eCFR, Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Code 8520: Paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The VA should give you the one that has the highest rating, if they only give you one. Our certified VA Disability lawyer team works with doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists to work through your claim and make sure every inch is covered. Veterans with severe sciatica may require the assistance of canes, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices to walk. The symptoms and location can vary, and the particular area and nerve affected can impact a veterans VA disability rating for radiculopathy. Symptoms of tingling, numbness, and moderate to severe pain with intervention with the affected limbs functionality would be considered moderate neuralgia. Perhaps you had no secondary conditions when you first filed your claim, but a condition showed up later. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? If your back creaks or pops when you move it, you want the doctor to hear that. movements that make the pain pronounced, as what gives you relief are all This could help you gain a higher rating. 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.. In fact, over two million veterans suffer from nerve damage. 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. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. the knee do not work at all, and the knee has serious trouble bending (bending This condition is commonly caused byback conditionssuch as herniated discs, stenosis, and bone spurs. The veteran has constant, severe pain in his lower back because of the radiculopathy affecting his ability to function on a daily basis. Sciatica can affect both sides of the body. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 The upper radicular group is rated under diagnostic codes 8510, 8610, and 8710. They may also be used to keep track of what [products, video, links, etc.] problem, but rather, an accurate way of describing the location of the pain. Other key evidence may include a medical experts professional opinion that the service-connected condition (low back strain, for example) caused the radiculopathythus indicating a secondary service-connected disability. You are not alone! Refer to our disability calculator to figure out your estimated VA rating. Once the regional office (RO) issues its determination, the veteran has a year to file an appeal. Already working with us? Any sciatica condition that needs this is rated 100% during this specialized treatment. We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. I bought a home. When you go see the doctor and describe numbness or pain in your arms or legs, they will ask you more questions to narrow down your diagnosis. A preexisting condition is presumed aggravated if the condition: A veteran does not need to show that a certain incident during service aggravated the disabilityonly that it became worse during service. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It can be stiffness or even sharp pain. Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? When it comes to your C&P Exam, you dont want to tough it out. This information is made available for educational purposes only and to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. 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. If they make you unable to work or conduct a normal life, tell them. The type of pain can vary from numbness, tingling or burning, and can also range in severity from mild to severe. 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. circulation, limited functionality as well as atrophy of the muscles. You may, for example, have developed radiculopathy that stems from a back strain or a back injury you suffered during military service. The sciatic nerve is rated under diagnostic codes 8520, 8620, and 8720. The highest rating given for neuralgia is Paralysis is the most severe classification, followed by neuritis, and then neuralgia. This can be demonstrated by muscular atrophy, poor blood circulation, and limited movement of the affected body part. Do I file for Radiculopathy or Sciatica and if Awarded ask for retroactive pay from 2004? Back pain can be established as a service-connected disability, but did you know there are specific conditions like radiculopathy that can get you a higher VA rating? Our veterans law practitioners have over 25 years of experience working with veterans. Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is irritated, leading to shooting pain, weakness, tingling or burning through the buttocks and down a leg, or both. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Thank you so much Woods & Woods. When there is pressure on a nerve in the neck, a veteran can experience radiculopathy in their shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. Discover exactly what sciatica is and whether yournerve ratingsallow you to claim benefits for your condition. When applying for VA benefits for sciatica and related conditions, certain principles apply. Have you been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination? rated 60%. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in That numbness or pain from a pinched nerve in your spinal column is called radiculopathy. As such, veterans living with sciatica may have trouble with many activities of daily living, including working certain jobs. A doctors physical exam and electromyogram (EMG) that confirms a radicular condition serve as bases for ratings. 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. Los Angeles, CA: 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Washington, D.C.: 1776 I Street, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, D.C 20006 The general minimum for undiagnosed back pain veterans disability benefits is 10%. There are several common symptoms of sciatica. Some patients may require more time to recover than others. it is rated 20%. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Radiculopathy is caused by a compressed nerve in the spine. 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. Given that radiculopathy is commonly caused by back conditions, it is typically service-connected on a secondary basis. This Firm is So Good at what they do! Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 Code 8720: I have referred 16 veterans to this law firm. The nerve is occasionally or consistently painful and it can include a tingling or numbness. Incontinence can also occur as a result. Sciatica is not an actual diagnosis of a Click HERE to read now. You should start the five year process for applying for VA benefits today. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Theyll also check the reflexes in your knees, as well as your nerves. If the condition is moderate, Your flexion for the thoracic and lumbar areas are grouped together into the Thoracolumbar tests. See the above sectionSecondary Service Connection for Radiculopathy. Once the history of your sciatica has been While lower back pain is often treatable, it can lead to chronic pain and disability if left untreated. This communication with the firm or any member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In moderate neuralgia, typical of a radiculopathy diagnosis, a veteran experiences numbness, and tingling, and moderate to severe pain. That said, veterans need to claim their back injury in a highly specific way. Here are some tips on your C&P exam from one of our VA disability lawyers. However, the criteria listed here can also be subjective. Neuritis of the sciatic nerve. Lumbar radiculopathy is irritation or inflammation of a nerve root in the low back. 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. You're not alone. If there is a big bad disability that will get you more money per month, youd want that instead. 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. First, the VA will rate the veteran's condition under the neuralgia category. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. Remember if you ever fell, what your daily activities included, and how those activities could hurt your back. yet assertive representation for our clients. Crepitation is the medical term for these sounds. document what special considerations you need at work to deal with this problem. 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. Sciatica is the pain that one experiences The cervical area is around your neck and shoulders. Lumbar is the region of your lower back all the way down to your tailbone. Degenerative Disc Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gulf War Syndrome all have the capability of a higher rating. Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body. The sacrum is the region of the back that connects to your hips and pelvis. The type of pain can vary from numbness, tingling or burning, and can also range in severity from mild to severe. 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. You've just been rated 100% disabled by the Veterans Affairs. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! complete medical examination by a primary care doctor. When sciatica is serious and severe, it can make life extremely difficult and uncomfortable. The back pain is rated separately, so you could have a 40% rating on your back, 20% on your right let and 10% on your left leg which would make a combined rating of 60% with the bilateral factor thrown in. Depending on the loss of feeling in your elbow vs. your dominant hand, you might get a different VA rating. motion, your balance and posture will be considered. The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. If any of your buddies are around to remember it or talk about it, get their input too. 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. Well also look and see if you can apply for more than one to combine and increase your benefits. The location of your symptoms, the The angle of your flexion for your cervical and thoracolumbar spine areas determines what your rating will be. 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. 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. A sciatic nerve condition like complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve results in the muscles in the leg and below the knee worsening. Counsel can be very helpful for a successful C&P exam, and the right preparation can be the difference between an approval or denial. 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 . For back pain, you are going to get rated based on pain and flexion. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. Of course, the words Severe, Moderate, Mild all have vague meanings. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. So, start at the bottom and work your way up. This only applies to your neck. The rating for incomplete paralysis is than moderate, even if it is considered severe. Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in the spinal cord are damaged, irritated, or compressed. Here you bend over forward at the waist for one measurement. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. Radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve root in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. The coccyx is your tailbone and its at the very bottom. It doesn't matter what you call the disability, as long as VA knows what you are talking about. If you just drop the remote control sometimes but otherwise youre fine, youll be closer to barely getting the 20% rating. it can cause all the muscles below the leg and knee to stop working altogether. Popular Articles 2023 Military Discounts Offered by Stores, Services and Online Sites The VA may award service-connected disability benefits for conditions that arose before the time of active duty but worsened during it. Also, have your boss (or especially your ex-boss if you got fired!) Typically speaking, the maximum VA rating for peripheral neuropathy is 40%, but you may be entitled to more if your symptoms are severe and includes several of your limbs affected. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Sciatica is extreme pain that radiates Obtaining VA Disability for Radiculopathy. Sometimes diabetes or arthritis can cause radiculopathy in addition to direct spine injuries. Common symptoms include: Most vets went through long periods of standing or marching, strenuous physical exercise challenges, and weapons training during military service. 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. Veterans dont necessarily need to trace their radiculopathy to one single active-duty incident. However, in rare circumstances, veterans can experience bilateral sciatica. The lower . Often, those who experience sciatica have dull back pain and a sensation of an electrical current zapping them in their legs. If your work is affected by this kind of condition, make sure your doctor knows it. HIRE THEM! 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. 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. Sciatica develops when the pressure on the How Does the VA Rate Sciatica and Related Issues? This damage can occur due to an accident, disease, or overuse. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to stay updated on VA news, policy changes, and more. This may also apply if you had existing radiculopathy that was made worse during your time in the service. The nerve functions, however, it is swollen, irritated, and painful. How to apply for VA Disability Pay Updated: January 19, 2023. The AMA has been the VAs appeal system since 2019. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. He can now file a claim with VA for secondary service connection for his radiculopathy since it was caused by his degenerative disc disease. njured, dislocated, or affected by arthritis. 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. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. when the sciatic nerve is irritated. These cookies are also used to let affiliates know if you came to one of our websites from an affiliate and if your visit resulted in the use or purchase of a product or service from us, including details of the product or service purchased. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! 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. 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 Sciatica itself actually refers to a symptom rather than a specific disease. Again, point out any cracks or crunches that your joints make and let your doctor know if you cant make some of the movements because of pain. The thoracic area is in the middle down to your lower back. Often, Veterans' radiculopathy is a secondary. If you have been honorably discharged and have joint or back pain, you can probably get the minimum 10% rating for a disability. You could be eligible for up to $3,345 per month In SSDI Benefits Check Eligibility For many people, sciatica can be treated effectively and the symptoms resolve. Columbus, OH: 100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, OH, 43235 also known as sciatica, is not exclusive to one type of injury or condition. Which limbs are numb or paralyzed and to what extent is how the rating is given. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. While the injury is in the back joints, the symptoms show up in your hands and feet. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. 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. Otherwise, the denial stands. Therefore, a service connection for back trouble is not unusual. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. This is also called flexion. This benefit compensates veterans at the 100 percent level, even if their combined disability rating does not equal 100 percent. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Secondary Service Connection for Radiculopathy. They can only assess your symptoms based on what they can observe about your movements. Once youve understood which category your condition falls into, determine the level of severity of the symptoms by looking at the loss of function it causes you. Often we have clients with 20% ratings for back disabilities who could qualify for higher ratings for their serious impairments. rating that you can receive is 60%. Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. for military veterans and when they are severe, they can make life nearly sciatic nerve, it just has to be limited), it is rated 80%. Usually, radiculopathy does not require any major surgery. Each one of these areas connects nerves from your brain to all over your body. When the bones in your back lose their cushioning, they rub together and may pinch a nerve. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 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. You stated that you "had an EMG that showed no nerve damage." Perhaps your problem is not what you call the disability . 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. You may have another disability like diabetes or arthritis instead, so make sure you get a full physical from a doctor. Many veterans are in Nerve damage is a huge concern for millions of veterans. 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. The moderate nerve rating changes based on the specific nerve. The typical symptoms of a radicular condition depend on the location of the affected nerves. 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. Heres a tip: after checking where youd be ranked under sciatica code, check whether you have limited motion of your hip, knee, or ankle. Youll tilt your head side to side and then you will turn your head to look around. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); They have shown me nothing but professionalism and quick responsiveness to any situation. The VA can order a clarification from the examiner, or even order a new exam with a different examiner. sciatica, you will want to make sure that you are given the right rating in Incomplete, moderate paralysis is rated 20%. Lower back pinched nerves are the most common type and even have sub-classes of diagnoses. The latter is known asspinal stenosis. The examiners report to the VA Regional Office (RO), where the decision is made. 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. You can look at all of these ratings in more detail by diagnostic code on 38 CFR 4.124a Schedule of ratings neurological conditions and convulsive disorders.