You are not alone! This includes both medical evidence and lay evidence. 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. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain - Woods and Woods, LLC, Veterans Notably, symptoms are serious pain, numbness, and tingling. Spinal Stenosis and Neck Pain. Examples of in-service incidents may include breaking or dislocating a vertebra or suffering physical back strain while training, operating a weapon, lifting equipment, jumping, or completing other military exercises. A doctors physical exam and electromyogram (EMG) that confirms a radicular condition serve as bases for ratings. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. -Tactical Mike. Secondary VA Claim Radiculopathy is a very important "secondary VA claim." Lumbar radiculopathy is a common condition among veterans. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. Top 72 Federal Veteran Benefits From A to Z (2024 Edition), Can I Get a VA Rating for Depression Secondary to Tinnitus? What is the VA Disability Rating for Lumbosacral Strain? Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Youve been successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Moderate incomplete paralysis is rated as 40 percent A few examples of these secondary conditions or complications are radiculopathy, myelopathy, urinary incontinence and/or frequency along with mental health conditions as well. >> 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). I See The Value- How Do I File A Secondary VA Claim? Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in the spinal cord are damaged, irritated, or compressed. In myelopathy, the pressure is placed on the spine itself, as compared to radiculopathy which places pressure on the nerve roots. triangular shape, form the sacrum. Can My Disability Rating Be Reduced By The VA? Copyright 2023 Hill & Ponton, P.A.. All Rights Reserved. How to Get VA Disability for Radiculopathy. wider and broader than similar components in the cervical and thoracic regions. Neuritis of the sciatic nerve is rated under 38 C.F.R. Amy Mallette is a Claims Advocate for Hill and Ponton. With pes planus, the foot does not bear the weight the way it was intended to. 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. 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 addition, the rib cage and ligament systems limit the diagnostic codes 8510, 8610, and 8710. What Is the VADisability Rating for Radiculopathy? How to File a VA Claim for Secondary Service Connection Most commonly, the nerve compression is related to a disc herniation or spondylosis (degenerative changes in the spine) and may occur with or without trauma. If your service-related stenosis causes a secondary condition, that condition would be rated separately by the VA. The rating is 10% for mild symptoms and up to 40% for severe symptoms. These cookies do not store any personal information. The other cervical vertebrae (C3 through C7) are shaped like (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.) The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateral However, a VA rating for Sciatica can range from 10% to 80%, depending upon the severity of symptoms. thoracic spines range of motion and protect many vital organs. There are many reasons why veterans would want to obtain a current VA disability letter with What is Radiculopathy for VA Disability Rating Purposes? These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. When there is pressure on a nerve in the neck, a veteran can experience radiculopathy in their shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. (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. 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. 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. Not so fast. Lumbosacral radiculopathy is a disease of the lumbar spinal nerve root and can compress the spinal nerve root Lumbosacral radiculitis describes swelling of the nerve root in the early stage of radiculopathy Lumbosacral spondylosis refers to wear and tear on the lumbar spinal discs causing bone spurs and shrinking discs Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. Radiculopathy describes a range of symptoms produced by the pinching of a nerve root in the spinal column. turn. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 This is the least common location for radiculopathy. If you experienced radiculopathy during military service, you may be eligible for VA benefits for your disability. 38 CFR 4.71a is where all of the neck (cervical) and other . VA Disability for Radiculopathy // Appeals, Claims, Denials - Vet Spinal discs act as cushions between your vertebrae. called the Axis. the thoracic area of the spine, which is your middle to upper back. Need a Nexus Letter to Help Establish Secondary Service Connection? Do You Have Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage? Where the disability at issue is lower extremity radiculopathy associated with SC thoracolumbar disability, follow the guidance in M21-1, . We advocate for the disabled. Pro Tip: A Nexus Letter is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to help establish secondary service connection. The term incomplete paralysis, with this and other >> Click HERE for a list of doctors who write nexus letters for veterans! In: StatPearls [Internet]. Often we have clients with 20% ratings for back disabilities who could qualify for higher ratings for their serious impairments. One of the most common conditions secondary to spinal conditions is radiculopathy. You might want to obtain a medical nexus letter as well. Note that a veteran is eligible to be rated for both a back condition, It can affect the cervical spine (upper back/neck area), thoracic spine (mid-back), and lumbar spine (low back). Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. There are some good news however because veterans may be eligible to receive disability compensation for conditions the VA recognizes as a secondary due to your service-connected back condition. When these tissues shift or change in size, they may narrow the spaces where the nerve roots travel inside the spine or exit the spine; these openings are called foramina. Radiculopathy refers to symptoms that develop when there is compression of a spinal nerve root. 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. ClickHEREto Join the #1 Rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program and Start Today for FREE. Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 See 38 C.F.R. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan, are used to better see the structures in the problem area. In addition, I have four ratings for secondary radiculopathy (10% each for lower extremities and 20% each for upper extremities). Radiculopathy VA Rating: The 3 VA Disabilities That Qualify ClickHERE now to join VA Claims Insider Elite, our premier education-based membership program, which also gets you discounted access to independent medical providers in our referral network for medical examinations, VA disability evaluations, and credible Nexus Letters for a wide range of conditions! Moderate incomplete paralysis is rated as 20 percent Let us know. The Lumbar Spine has 5 vertebrae abbreviated L1 through L5 Radiculopathy Bulging disc Scoliosis Spinal stenosis Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety And more. Nerve roots split from the cord and travel between the Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 Myelopathy[2] is the most serious of the conditions that have been mentioned. Those with cervical radiculopathy will be rated within the upper radicular group, middle radicular group, and lower radicular group which include the musculospiral nerve, median nerve, axillary nerve, the musculocutaneous nerve, the long thoracic nerve, and the ulnar nerve. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Note:Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or if sufficient in extent, consider radicular group ratings. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 you viewed to avoid repetition. The AMA has been the VAs appeal system since 2019. A showing of causation requires that the secondary VA disability claim is proximately due to or aggravated by another service-connected disability. VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain and Spinal Arthritis For example, someone with radiculopathy may also develop arthritis or degenerative disc disease. constitute a liberalizing VA regulation under . Examples of in-service incidents may include: Veterans do not necessarily need to trace their radiculopathy to one single active-duty incident. It can cause sharp pain, weakness, loss of reflexes, or numbness throughout your spine and extremities. However, it can be rated at 30% in extreme situations. You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, A medical diagnosis of the secondary VA disability youre attempting to link to the current service connected disability (must be documented in a medical record), A current service-connected primary disability (e.g., your current list of service connected disabilities from your VA.gov account), Medical nexus evidence establishing a connection between the service-connected primary condition, Asthma secondary to GERD (acid reflux or heartburn), Asthma secondary to Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Asthma secondary to Vocal Cord Dysfunction (Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction), Asthma secondary to Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome, ED secondary to Weight Gain Obesity as Interim Link, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder secondary to PTSD, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder secondary to Depression, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder secondary to Anxiety, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder secondary to Heart Disease, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder secondary to Neurological Conditions, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder secondary to Gynecological conditions, such as Vulvovaginal Atrophy, Infections or Lichen Sclerosis, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder secondary to Medication Side Effects, Fibromyalgia secondary to Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome, Fibromyalgia secondary to Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, Fibromyalgia secondary to Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, GERD secondary to Medication Side Effects, GERD secondary to Weight Gain Obesity as Interim Link, Hypertension secondary to Weight Gain Obesity as Interim Link, Hypertension secondary to Hyperthyroidism, IBS secondary to Weight Gain Obesity as Interim Link, Menieres Syndromesecondary to Hearing Loss, Menieres Syndromesecondary to Migraines, Migraines secondary to Medication Side Effects, Plantar Fasciitis secondary to Foot Condition, Plantar Fasciitis secondary to Back Condition, Plantar Fasciitis secondary to Knees, Hips, Joint Instability, Plantar Fasciitis secondary to Weight Gain Obesity as Interim Link, Radiculopathy secondary to Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain, Radiculopathy secondary to Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy secondary to Spondylolisthesis, Radiculopathy secondary to Ankylosing Spondylitis, Radiculopathy secondary to Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation, Restless Leg Syndrome secondary to Back Condition, Restless Leg Syndrome secondary to Neck Condition, Restless Leg Syndrome secondary to Medication Side Effects, Restless Leg Syndrome secondary to Peripheral Neuropathy, Sleep Apnea secondary to Weight Gain Obesity as Interim Link, Somatic Symptom Disorder secondary to Tinnitus, Somatic Symptom Disorder secondary to Back Condition, Somatic Symptom Disorder secondary to Neck Condition, Vertigo secondary to Medication Side Effects, Vertigo secondary to Head or Neck Conditions, Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Later, this became a secondary VA claim. This information is not a substitute for legal advice. vertebrae into many different areas of your body. There are three key elements that must be satisfied to prove VA secondary service connection under the law: 4.23) are rated as 70 percent Once the regional office (RO) issues its determination, the veteran has a year to file an appeal. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. 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. Amy joined Hill & Ponton in June of 2019 with that same goal. 60 percent rating for the minor side. The diagnostic code used to rate a veterans radiculopathy depends on which of the veterans nerves are impacted and their level of functioning. Radiculopathy is a nerve condition that occurs when a veteran's spinal nerve is pinched, resulting in weakness, tingling, or numbness in their legs or arms. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. Radiculopathy is defined as a pinched nerve in the spine and can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms including pain, weakness, and numbness. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be are often affected by urinary frequency or incontinence. Your spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae, and 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. This problem is most likely to occur in your lower back, but The VA can order a clarification from the examiner, or even order a new exam with a different examiner. VA Disability Rating for Radiculopathy Explained - The Definitive Guide disability of the anterior crural or femoral nerve. Since that time, we have provided compassionate Myelopathy is often accompanied by radiculopathy, but is a separate condition. The MRI gives a rater proof of any damage to the spine, and that damage is typically where your radiculopathy starts. Please call for an appointment before visiting: Mail Processing Center: P.O. Increasingly, the examiners useDisability Benefits Questionnaires, which independent medical experts can also fill out. (largest). control sensations in your arms and hands, this is where the symptoms are most The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine and pursuant to 38 C.F.R. If you have pain with certain movements, this may help your doctor identify the affected nerve root. The spine consists of four (4) primary regions from your Medical images like x-rays can also be useful. We are Veterans helping Veterans!Become an Elite Member and work with our Veteran Coaches to get the rating you deserve! 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. Lets say, for example, you contracted tinnitus while serving. 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. resulting symptoms lead to a painful condition called Radiculopathy. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! This can develop from a condition such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and in some cases neurologic conditions. narrowing of foramina is bone spurs. For example, does your service connected knee injury cause you to overuse your other knee? 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. One of the most commonly affected nerves is the sciatic nerve, which causes pain down the back of the thigh into the calf and foot. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. 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. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 A veteran can receive up to a 40 percent VA disability 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. we represent clients nationwide. These tissues include bones of the spinal vertebrae, tendons and intervertebral discs. 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.
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