VA Disability Rating for Radiculopathy
Living with radiculopathy can turn simple daily tasks into painful challenges. Whether it’s a pinched nerve in your neck making it hard to turn your head or sciatic pain shooting down your leg when you try to walk, this condition can seriously impact your quality of life.
But here’s the frustrating reality – many veterans are getting denied the radiculopathy benefits they deserve because of VA’s rating system and confusing medical terminology. One wrong step in proving your condition is service-connected could cost you thousands in monthly compensation.
Don’t let that happen to you. We’ll break down exactly how VA rates radiculopathy, what evidence you need to win your claim, and how to fight back if you get denied.
What is Radiculopathy?
Think of your spine like a tree trunk with branches (nerves) extending out to your arms and legs. Radiculopathy happens when one of these nerve “branches” gets pinched or squeezed where it connects to your spine. This pinching can happen from things like:
- Herniated discs pushing against the nerve
- Bone spurs from arthritis
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
- Injuries that damage or inflame the spine
When these nerves get squeezed, they can’t work properly. That’s why you might feel:
- Sharp, shooting pain down your arms or legs
- Numbness and tingling that feels like “pins and needles”
- Muscle weakness that makes it hard to grip things or walk
- Problems with movement and coordination
- In some cases, even loss of bladder control
Types of Radiculopathy VA Recognizes
The VA looks at three main types of radiculopathy based on where the nerve gets pinched in your spine:
Cervical Radiculopathy (Upper Back/Neck)
Located in your neck area, this type can:
- Make it hard to turn your head or look up and down
- Cause pain and numbness in your shoulders and arms
- Make your hands feel weak or clumsy
- Interfere with tasks like typing, writing, or lifting things
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Lower Back)
This is the most common type among veterans, also known as sciatica. It can:
- Cause sharp pain shooting down one or both legs
- Make it painful to sit or stand for long periods
- Lead to numbness or tingling in your feet
- Make walking, climbing stairs, or exercising difficult
Thoracic Radiculopathy (Mid-Back)
Though less common, this type can be just as debilitating:
- Creates a band-like pain around your chest or stomach
- Can be mistaken for heart or lung problems
- Makes it hard to twist or bend your torso
- May affect your balance and posture
How VA Rates Your Radiculopathy
The VA uses a complex system to rate radiculopathy, looking at both severity and which nerves are affected. Here’s what you need to know:
Rating Percentages
- Mild symptoms (occasional pain, minimal impact on daily life): 10-20%
- Moderate symptoms (regular pain, noticeable impact on activities): 20-40%
- Severe symptoms (constant pain, major limitations): Up to 50%
- Complete paralysis: Up to 80-90%, depending on the affected nerves
The Bilateral Factor
If you have radiculopathy affecting both sides (like both legs or both arms), you may qualify for additional compensation through the bilateral factor. This means VA will:
- Add up your ratings for each side
- Add an extra 10% to recognize the increased difficulty of having both sides affected
Special Monthly Compensation
In severe cases where radiculopathy causes loss of use of a hand or foot, you might qualify for additional Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
Proving Your Radiculopathy is Service-Connected
To get VA disability benefits for radiculopathy, you need to show it’s connected to your military service. There are three main ways to do this:
Direct Service Connection
Show your radiculopathy started during service from things like:
- Lifting heavy equipment or supplies
- Vehicle accidents or rough rides in military vehicles
- Hard landings during airborne operations
- Training injuries or repetitive stress
- Falls or other accidents during service
Secondary Service Connection
If you already have a service-connected condition that caused your radiculopathy, such as:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal arthritis
- Herniated discs
- Back strain or injury
- Spinal stenosis
Aggravation
If you had mild back problems before joining the military that got significantly worse during service, you may qualify through aggravation. You’ll need to show:
- Your condition was noted on your entrance exam
- It got worse during service
- The worsening was beyond normal progression
Evidence You Need to Win Your Claim
Strong medical evidence is crucial for winning your radiculopathy claim. Here’s what you need:
Medical Evidence
- Current diagnosis from a qualified doctor
- MRI, CT scan, or other imaging showing nerve damage
- EMG/nerve conduction studies if available
- Treatment records showing ongoing problems
- Doctor’s notes about your symptoms and limitations
Service Records
- Documentation of specific injuries or accidents
- Medical visits for back, neck, or nerve pain
- Records of physical training or duties that could cause spine problems
- Combat records if your injury occurred during deployment
Supporting Statements
- Your detailed description of how radiculopathy affects daily life
- Statements from family or friends who see you struggle
- Work records showing limitations or accommodations
- Notes from supervisors or coworkers about your difficulties
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t let these common mistakes hurt your claim:
- Not getting regular medical care
- Failing to report all your symptoms
- Missing VA exam appointments
- Not explaining how your military service caused or worsened your condition
- Giving up after an initial denial
Got a Low Rating or Denial? We Can Help
If you’ve received a disappointing VA decision about your radiculopathy claim – whether it’s a denial or a rating that’s too low – don’t give up hope. Our experienced VA disability attorneys at ProVet Legal help win appeals for veterans just like you.
When you’re dealing with constant nerve pain, the last thing you need is a battle with the VA appeals system. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on your health. Our team knows how to:
- Build strong appeals that get results
- Find and present the right medical evidence
- Fight unfair denials and low ratings
- Get you the back pay you deserve
- Navigate the complex appeals system
We’ve helped countless veterans win their radiculopathy appeals, and we can help you, too. Contact us today for a free case review. Remember – if we don’t win your appeal, you pay nothing.
Don’t let an unfair VA decision stop you from getting the compensation you deserve for your service-connected radiculopathy. The pain and limitations you’re dealing with deserve proper recognition and compensation. Let our experienced team fight for you.
