Depending on the loss of feeling in your elbow vs. your dominant hand, you might get a different VA rating. Am I eligible for VA benefits due to Radiculopathy? 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 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. The angle of your flexion for your cervical and thoracolumbar spine areas determines what your rating will be. 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. What Is the VADisability Rating for Radiculopathy? 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. He or she is going to write down the angle of your flexion. For direct service connection, you should prove the three elements: Once youre diagnosed with sciatica or a related issue, its time to file aVA disability claimfor VA benefits. Thoracic radiculopathy is going to be a lot scarier but wont affect you in the same way. The moderate nerve rating changes based on the specific nerve. The nerve functions, however, it is swollen, irritated, and painful. Sometimes diabetes or arthritis can cause radiculopathy in addition to direct spine injuries. Nerve damage can be difficult to deal with and often leads to a decrease in What is the VA disability rating for Sciatica? You may, for example, have developed radiculopathy that stems from a back strain or a back injury you suffered during military service. For back pain, you are going to get rated based on pain and flexion. 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. Thats because if your sciatica results in limited motion, you can only receive one rating for it. You might be able to pay for some heating pads or some visits to the chiropractor/spa with that. If the condition is moderate, VA disability ratings are expressed as percentages and range from 10% to 100%. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. This occurs when a nerve in the lower portion of the back is pinched, and it can cause numbness and tingling in the hips and legs. These symptoms start in your spine and extend into your extremities. I was already SC and rated 20% for my back and 10% for right leg sciatica. It is intended that the DBQs will be completed by the Veteran's health care provider. Since you are agitating the vertebrae in the middle of your back, this can get you when you are standing or sitting. Sciatica usually happens when the sciatic nerve compresses. Houston, TX: 2925 Richmond Ave, 12th Floor, Houston, TX 77098 impossible. . Updated: April 23, 2020. Do You Have a Service Connection With Sciatica? movements that make the pain pronounced, as what gives you relief are all It may have more than one single cause. The latter is known asspinal stenosis. Let's talk about your VA disability benefits. For example, a veteran is service-connected for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. 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. Degenerative Disc Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gulf War Syndrome all have the capability of a higher rating. The required information to rank your condition must be recorded by the physician in your exam correctly. To diagnose the causes of your sciatica, the If a nerve condition affects both sides of the body (such as both arms or legs), VA should issue a rating for each side and an additional bilateral factor. 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. sciatica, you will want to make sure that you are given the right rating in First, the VA will rate the veteran's condition under the neuralgia category. You may have another disability like diabetes or arthritis instead, so make sure you get a full physical from a doctor. The coccyx is your tailbone and its at the very bottom. The VA doesn't have a diagnostic code for peripheral neuropathy, so the VA rates the condition based on the nerve(s) involved. To understand which of the three classifications your sciatica falls under, look to the sciatic nerve itself. Also, have your boss (or especially your ex-boss if you got fired!) Instead, its a precise way of describing the location of the pain. We have updated our Privacy Policy. While the injury is in the back joints, the symptoms show up in your hands and feet. Call our office today for a freecase evaluation. Perhaps you already had a health condition when entering the Army, Navy, or Air Force, and it was aggravated during your active duty service. Extraschedular Ratings for VA Disability Claims. Movement can be restricted not only because of pain in your neck but moving a certain way can make you lose feeling in your hands. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. When Sciatica is severe, it can even lead In these instances, the ratings will be combined, for the left and right sides, and 10 percent will be added. Box 449, Deland, FL 32721, Orlando, FL: 605 E. Robinson Street Suite 635, Orlando, FL 32801 Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body. This is also called flexion. Ensure that this occurs properly to make sure you receive a genuine rating. One of our VA disability lawyers talks about SMC and how you can actually get more than 100% of your VA disability benefit money. Contact Us We consistently provide experienced, compassionate and ethical representation to our clients. Richmond, VA: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225 0 Percent VA Disability Rating: What It Means and How to Make the Most of Your 0% Benefits, The Complete Guide to Getting a VA Rating for Nerve Damage. In 2019, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report which said that the lack of specifics in the rating criteria is leading to unfair and arbitrary decision-making. 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. Increasingly, the examiners useDisability Benefits Questionnaires, which independent medical experts can also fill out. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Keep in mind that that rating can be increased if there is a herniated disc or a bulging disc that causes a doctor to prescribe bed rest, specifically six weeks or more over a year's time period. After the excitement of finally having the rating you deserve wears off, you start asking questions. Sciatica is not a direct diagnosis of the problem. 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. According to the Mayo Clinic, Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! 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. Incomplete paralysis can be determined as severe, moderately severe, moderate, or mild with disability ratings as low as 10 percent. We guide our clients through the most difficult times in their lives with courtesy, respect, and professionalism. Brooklyn, NY: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 Once the history of your sciatica has been Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve (sciatica). Sciatica itself actually refers to a symptom rather than a specific disease. Copy this embed code to share the infographic on your own site. A medical record can show a doctors diagnosis of radiculopathy or another service-connected condition. If you need helpclaiming benefitsfor sciatic nerve issues, you believe you received an unfairly low rating, or your claim was denied, were here to help. However, if your condition is not as 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. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.. along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back The diagnostic code used to rate a veterans radiculopathy depends on which of the veterans nerves are impacted and their level of functioning. 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. Cervical radiculopathy is when a veteran has a pinched nerve in their neck. 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. Diagnostic Code 8713 Neuralgia. The skilled attorneys at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help you navigate it. San Jose, CA: 2880 Zanker Road, Ste. They include, but are not limited to: When a person is suffering from sciatica, they may also find that they experience: As mentioned, such symptoms usually affect one side of the body. Chicago, IL: 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Floors 8 and 9, Chicago, IL 60604 also be made much worse after sneezing or when one makes unexpected movements I served during peace timein theArmy. Remember, sciatica is the pain that an individual receives when the sciatic nerve is irritated. Cincinnati, OH: 300 E Business Way, Suite 200, Summit Woods Corporate Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 This could offer a veteran a 60 percent disability rating for their sciatic nerve condition. All Rights Reserved. The symptoms and location can vary, and the particular area and nerve affected can impact a veterans VA disability rating for radiculopathy. The bilateral factor recognizes the limitations caused by these disabilities and how they can impact the veteran. 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. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. To discuss your own case, contact us for aninitial case evaluationat no charge to you. 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 back problems that cause sciatica include spinal stenosis ordisc herniations, talk to our staff to write up a lay statement, Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your, sciatica may also be a secondary issue to other service-related conditions, Nervous System Conditions VA Disability Articles, Neurological issues VA disability articles, I have referred 16 veterans to this law firm, Pain, weakness, and numbness in the lower back, The highest level of pain when theyre sitting or standing, Difficulty standing up for long periods or walking for a long time, A worsened pain after sudden movements such as sneezing or coughing, An in-service situation or event that may have caused or contributed to your problem, A medical opinion linking the in-service situation or event to your sciatica condition (. You should start the five year process for applying for VA benefits today. Cleveland, OH: 600 Superior Ave. East, Fifth Third Building, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114 Portland, OR: 650 N. E. Holladay Street, Suite 1600, Portland, OR, 97232 While we still have our home base in Florida, When there is pressure on a nerve in the neck, a veteran can experience radiculopathy in their shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. These diagnosed and service-connected disabilities can get you a higher rating. The VA should give you the one that has the highest rating, if they only give you one. Since that time, we have provided compassionate If they can be shown to warrant separate ratings, then they will be combined together. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Incomplete but severe paralysis of the sciatic nerve may lead to a 60 percent disability rating. If you dont have a service-related back condition, dont worry because you may still be able to get your sciatica service-connected. This storage is often necessary for basic functionality of the web site or the storage may be used for the purposes of marketing, analytics, and personalization of the web site such as storing your preferences. 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. Tucson, AZ: One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor, Tucson, AZ, 85701 Copyright 2023 Woods and Woods, LLC | PO Box 1287 Evansville, IN 47706. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. 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. Vets who receive a mailed notice should attend the exam to avoid a claim being denied. Complete paralysis: If the foot drops (it To qualify for the next level up, you need to meet all the criteria of one category. For instance, which pages you go to most. The cervical area is around your neck and shoulders. spinal nerve causes pain to develop on the lower back, buttocks, and legs. Radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve, can cause major discomfort and problems with a range of motion during everyday activities. I have my medical files and here is the following: A buddy statement can go a long way as we add it to your evidence. TDIU is essentially an alternative path to receiving maximum benefits. Our firm was founded in 1986 in Orlando, Florida. It can be hard distinguishing between the three categories and degrees of severity to understand your nerve ratings. Phoenix, AZ: One Renaissance Tower, Two North Center Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004 We have updated our Privacy Policy. the causes of your sciatica. Thoracic Radiculopathy HIRE THEM! These are bones that stack to form the spine. This condition is commonly caused byback conditionssuch as herniated discs, stenosis, and bone spurs. 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. The lower . The most commonly affected nerve for this type is the sciatic nerve, which is broken up into five separate nerves depending on which part of the leg is impacted. Such veterans that suffer from sciatica may be eligible forVA disability benefitsif they can prove that their issue is a result of their time spent in the service. Radiculopathy is a great example of secondary service connection. What is the VA disability rating for Sciatica? Some conditions involve hospitalization or consistent medical care, such as an at-home nurse, for example. difficult for one to stand up for extended periods or for one to walk for long, Pain from Sciatica can When applying for VA benefits for sciatica and related conditions, certain principles apply. That will bring in about $165.92 a month based on the current VA rating schedule. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. Identifying which nerves are affected and how bad will be the main goal of your C&P exam. Paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Additionally, a secondary disability claim can increase your benefits if a new condition arises from your current service-connected disability. I have my transportation now. Once the regional office (RO) issues its determination, the veteran has a year to file an appeal. 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. your nerves, will also be tested. Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Seattle, WA: 506 2nd Ave,Suite 1400,Seattle, WA 98104. This makes it difficult to bend the knee and could lead to an 80 percent disability rating. Feel free to call us at (866) 232-5777 anytime. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. pain will be categorized under neuralgia. Thank you so much Woods & Woods. Since your back is a long line of joints, it can happen in any part of your back too. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. The rating for incomplete paralysis is If you have a dull pain in your back but feel like your legs are being electrocuted, you probably have some form of sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy. suffering from Sciatica include: When one is suffering from sciatica, one For instance, which pages you go to most. You can download the questionnaire right here to see what kind of questions they are going to ask about your back. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. 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. If two exams record the diagnosis differently, then the exam with the most exhaustive data and performed by the most qualified professional in that sector will be the exam the rating is based on. Each one of these areas connects nerves from your brain to all over your body. Thoracic radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the upper back is pinched, and people may experience pain in their chest or torso area. currently suffering from the condition. Veterans may experience a number of debilitating nerve conditions; however, three of the most common include peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy, and sciatica. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. I want to thank Woods & Woods for not letting me give up.
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