As a veteran, you may have experienced nerve damage as a result of your service.
Understanding how the VA rates this condition is essential for receiving the benefits you are entitled to.
Nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy, occurs when nerves are injured or impaired, leading to various symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness.
This condition can significantly impact your quality of life and daily functioning.
The VA disability rating system is designed to determine the level of impairment caused by service-connected conditions, including nerve damage.
These ratings are assigned on a scale that ranges from 0 to 100% in increments of 10%.
The higher the rating percentage, the greater the level of disability and the corresponding VA disability benefits you may be eligible to receive.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of understanding VA disability ratings for nerve damage.
We will discuss the factors considered by the VA when evaluating nerve damage, common types of nerve damage, and the specific rating criteria associated with each type.
Understanding Nerve Damage and VA Disability Ratings
Nerve damage occurs when the nerves responsible for transmitting messages between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body are injured or impaired.
This condition can result from a variety of causes, including trauma, diseases (such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders), exposure to toxins, or as a side effect of certain medications.
When it comes to VA disability ratings, the goal is to assess the level of impairment caused by nerve damage and determine the corresponding compensation and benefits.
The VA disability rating system assigns a percentage to indicate the severity of the condition, ranging from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%.
This percentage reflects the impact of the nerve damage on your ability to function and perform daily activities.
To determine your nerve damage VA rating, the VA considers various factors, including the following:
- Medical Evidence: Comprehensive medical documentation is crucial for establishing the existence and severity of your nerve damage. This may include records of diagnostic tests, specialist evaluations, treatment history, and any other relevant medical information. Providing detailed and accurate medical evidence helps the VA in assessing the impact of your condition on your overall health and functioning.
- Symptoms and Limitations: Clearly articulating the specific symptoms you experience and their impact on your daily life is essential. Common symptoms of nerve damage may include pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, muscle atrophy, balance problems, and difficulty with coordination. By describing these symptoms in detail and how they affect your ability to work, perform daily activities, and engage in social interactions, you can provide a clearer picture of the extent of your impairment.
- Objective Findings: Objective medical findings, such as results from nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), or imaging tests, can help substantiate the presence and severity of nerve damage. These findings provide measurable evidence that supports your VA disability claim and strengthens your case for a higher VA rating.
- Functional Loss: The VA considers how your nerve damage affects your functional capacity. This includes evaluating your ability to perform activities such as walking, standing, lifting, grasping objects, and maintaining balance. The impact of your nerve damage on your occupational functioning, hobbies, and quality of life is also taken into account.
By understanding these factors, you can better prepare your claim and provide the necessary evidence to support your case.
It is important to remember that the VA disability rating is not solely based on a medical diagnosis but rather on the overall impact of the condition on your life.
Common Types of Nerve Damage and Their VA Ratings
When it comes to nerve damage, there are several common types that veterans may encounter.
Each type has its own unique characteristics and can result in different levels of impairment.
Let’s explore the three main types of nerve damage: peripheral nerve damage, spinal nerve damage, and cranial nerve damage, along with their corresponding VA ratings.
Peripheral Nerve Damage
Diagnostic Code: 8520
Peripheral nerve damage refers to the impairment of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
It can result from various causes, such as traumatic injuries, compression, infections, or systemic diseases like diabetes.
The symptoms can range from mild tingling or numbness to severe pain and muscle weakness.
The VA rates peripheral nerve damage based on the specific nerves affected and the severity of the condition.
The rating can range from 10% to 100%, depending on the severity of the symptoms, the number of nerves affected, and the functional limitations experienced.
For instance, a rating of 10% may be assigned for mild symptoms or limited impairment, while a higher rating may be granted for severe symptoms that significantly impact daily activities and occupational functioning.
Spinal Nerve Damage
Diagnostic Code: 8520 and 8521
Spinal nerve damage, also known as radiculopathy, occurs when the nerves exiting the spinal cord are compressed or injured.
This can be caused by conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or trauma.
Spinal nerve damage often leads to pain, numbness, weakness, and limited range of motion in the affected areas, such as the neck, back, arms, or legs.
The VA rates spinal nerve damage based on the specific location and extent of the impairment.
The ratings can range from 10% to 60%, depending on factors such as the range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory loss.
Higher ratings are typically assigned for more severe symptoms and limitations that significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
Cranial Nerve Damage
Cranial nerves are a set of twelve nerves that emerge directly from the brain and control various functions related to the head, face, and neck.
Cranial nerve damage can result from trauma, infections, tumors, or other medical conditions.
The symptoms of cranial nerve damage can vary depending on the specific nerve affected, ranging from vision problems and facial weakness to difficulty swallowing or hearing loss.
The VA rates cranial nerve damage based on the specific cranial nerves affected and the resulting impairment.
Each cranial nerve has its own diagnostic code and rating criteria.
The assigned ratings can range from 0% to 60%, depending on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on daily activities and overall functioning.
It is important to note that these rating percentages are not cumulative.
The VA will assign a single rating that reflects the overall impact of the nerve damage on your life, considering all relevant factors.
Tips for Maximizing Your Nerve Damage VA Rating
Navigating the VA disability rating system for nerve damage can be complex, but there are strategies you can employ to maximize your VA rating and ensure you receive the VA benefits you deserve.
Consider the following tips:
- Gather Comprehensive Medical Documentation: Collect and provide the VA with thorough medical record that document your nerve damage diagnosis, treatment history, and any relevant test results. This documentation should clearly demonstrate the severity and impact of your condition on your daily life.
- Seek Professional Opinions and Evaluations: Consulting with medical specialists who have expertise in nerve damage can provide valuable opinions and evaluations that support your claim. These professionals can offer expert insight into the nature and extent of your impairment, strengthening your case for a higher VA rating.
- Highlight the Impact on Daily Life and Functioning: Clearly articulate how your nerve damage affects your ability to perform daily activities, work, and engage in social interactions. Describe in detail the pain, numbness, weakness, or other symptoms you experience and how they limit your functionality. Providing specific examples and real-life scenarios can help the VA understand the true impact of your condition.
- Understand the Appeals Process: If you receive an inadequate VA rating for your nerve damage, it is crucial to understand the appeals process. Consult with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or an attorney specializing in VA disability claims to explore your options for challenging the rating decision and seeking a fair and accurate assessment.
Remember, maximizing your VA rating requires a well-documented and compelling case that demonstrates the true extent of your nerve damage and its impact on your life.
Understanding nerve damage VA ratings is vital for veterans seeking appropriate benefits.
By comprehending the factors considered in the rating process and the specific criteria for different types of nerve damage, you can effectively advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Getting Help With Your Claim
If you or a family member have had a disability claim denied and are unable to work due to nerve damage, the team at Hill & Ponton is here to help.
Our experienced veterans’ disability lawyers can asses your case and help with your appeal. Contact us today to get started.
