Getting a Radiculopathy VA Disability Rating and Benefits

Radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve, can cause major discomfort and impact a person’s range of motion during everyday activities. Veterans who experience radiculopathy during military service may be eligible for VA benefits related to their disability. Those with an existing radiculopathy prior to military service that worsened during it may also be eligible for compensation. 

How the VA Rates Radiculopathy

VA rates service-connected conditions using multiple diagnostic codes and criteria found in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The VA rating for radiculopathy can range from 10% to 90%. The rating depends on the severity of the condition, symptoms, extent of nerve involvement, and impact on daily life.  

The symptoms assessed in a radiculopathy VA rating include pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. A mild radiculopathy diagnosis typically receives a VA rating of 10% to 20%. Moderate cases will receive 20% to 40% and severe cases from 50% up. A VA rating of 60% to 70% or higher can be given for cases of complete paralysis, as well as 80% for sciatica.  

Bilateral Radiculopathy Ratings 

When an individual is affected on both sides of the body by radiculopathy, causing pain in both the right and left leg, a bilateral VA rating can be given. This combines the rating for each side of the body. It increases the overall rating and the amount of VA compensation received.

Types of Radiculopathy with Ratings

There are several different types of radiculopathy, with common symptoms like physical weakness or pain, numbness and tingling. During the rating process, VA assesses these symptoms and assigns a diagnostic code based on their severity and the nerves affected. 

Cervical Radiculopathy 

This condition affects the cervical spine (neck), where nerve roots are compressed or irritated. In addition to neck pain, symptoms of cervical radiculopathy include numbness and weakness in the hands, arms, and shoulders, as well as muscle spasms. The nerves commonly affected are: 

• C5 nerve root: shoulders and biceps
• C6 nerve root: wrists, thumbs, and index fingers
• C7 nerve root: triceps and middle fingers
• C8 nerve root: hands and ring/pinky fingers

VA ratings for the upper radicular group are considered under diagnostic codes 8510, 8610, and 8710: 

• 8510: Mild to severe incomplete paralysis of the upper radicular group 
• 8610 & 8710: Cervical radiculopathy 

The VA Ratings for Cervical Radiculopathy 

The average VA disability rating for cervical radiculopathy is 10% to 50%. A higher rating is likely to be given when the individual also suffers from significant limitations in movement.

VA Ratings for Radiculopathy in an Upper Extremity

The average VA rating for radiculopathy in an upper extremity falls between 10% and 40%. The highest rating given is 50% for severe paralysis.

Thoracic Radiculopathy 

This condition affects the thoracic spine (middle of the back). In the worst cases, thoracic radiculopathy can cause breathing difficulties. Common symptoms include pain in the back and chest, muscle weakness in the arms or chest, and tingling or numbness. Thoracic radiculopathy is commonly rated under diagnostic code 5238, the thoracolumbar spine condition category. 

The VA Ratings for Thoracic Radiculopathy 

The highest VA rating for thoracic radiculopathy is 90% for complete paralysis. A typical rating for the service-connected condition falls between 10% and 50%. A higher rating is given for severe limitations in movement. 

Lumbar Radiculopathy 

The lumbar spine (lower back) is affected by lumbar radiculopathy, which occurs when a nerve root is compressed or irritated. This can cause weakness in the legs or feet, as well as pain and numbness. The sciatic nerve is rated by VA under diagnostic codes 8520, 8620, and 8720. 

The nerves commonly affected by lumbar radiculopathy include: 

• L1-L3 nerve roots: hip and thigh 
• L4 nerve root: knee and inner calf 
• L5 nerve root: outer calf and top of foot 
• S1 nerve root: back of calf and bottom of foot  

The VA Ratings for Lumbar Radiculopathy 

A VA rating for lumbar radiculopathy usually falls between 10% and 40%. A higher rating of 60% to 70% can be given for complete paralysis. An assessment on the severity of the symptoms and the amount of impairment to movement is what most affects the rating percentage. 

VA Ratings for Radiculopathy in a Lower Extremity 

The most common type of radiculopathy in a lower extremity involves the sciatic nerve, rated under diagnostic code 8520. See the sciatic nerve VA ratings here. For other nerves in the lower extremities, ratings range from 10% for mild symptoms to 40-60% for complete paralysis, depending on the specific nerve affected and the severity of the symptoms. In addition, the bilateral factor may be applied to increase the rating when both lower extremities are affected.  

How to Claim VA Disability for Radiculopathy 

• Obtain a current, medically documented diagnosis of radiculopathy from a qualified healthcare provider. This diagnosis should clearly identify the affected nerves and document the severity of your symptoms. 
• Show that the origin of the radiculopathy condition is linked to or caused by an event that happened during active military service, either directly or by aggravating a pre-existing condition. 
• Establish a service connection to the current diagnosis, usually in the form of a medical nexus letter written by the treating doctor clearly stating that the radiculopathy is “at least as likely as not” related to the military service  

The C&P Exam for Radiculopathy 

It is common for VA to require a Compensation and Pension Exam as part of the radiculopathy VA rating process. This requirement is communicated directly to the veteran, usually by mail, with information about scheduling an exam at a VA Regional Office (VO) provided in the letter.  

The veteran must attend the required C&P exam, or their claim will be denied. Individuals may bring notes about their condition and the related symptoms to share during the exam. A witness may also accompany the veteran. Preparing for the C&P exam in advance can help make the difference between a claim that is approved or denied. 

Service Connecting Radiculopathy 

Veterans commonly develop radiculopathy due to several service-related factors: 

• Back injuries from falls, accidents, or combat situations 
• Repetitive stress from heavy lifting, carrying equipment, or physical training 
• Degenerative conditions developed over time due to military service demands 
• Traumatic injuries affecting the spine or surrounding tissues 
• Prolonged poor posture in military vehicles or aircraft   

Even if the individual does not have a diagnosed spinal injury, a back condition that was caused or significantly aggravated during service may be linked to a current radiculopathy diagnosis.  

Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Disability Condition 

To receive a VA rating for a pre-existing condition that was worsened due to military service, a veteran must provide evidence linking their disability to an incident, injury, or to duties during their service that could have caused the aggravation.  

Secondary Service Connection 

Radiculopathy is often claimed as a secondary condition resulting from another service-connected disability. This is one of the most common ways veterans receive benefits for radiculopathy. For example, radiculopathy is frequently linked to back pain as a secondary condition. This can include sciatic nerve pain in the legs (from lower back issues) or arm pain (from neck issues). 

Radiculopathy Secondary to Herniated Discs 

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher exterior. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing radiculopathy. If the herniated disc is service-connected, the resulting radiculopathy can be claimed as a secondary condition. 

Radiculopathy Secondary to Spinal Stenosis 

Spinal stenosis, which happens when the spinal column narrows and presses in on the spinal cord, can also cause radiculopathy. Learn more about service connection and ratings for spinal stenosis. 

Radiculopathy Secondary to Degenerative Disc Disease 

Degenerative disc disease refers to disorders of the spinal cord. This  includes degenerative arthritis, which occurs when a spinal disc wears down over time and leads to back pain. It has been linked to radiculopathy. Find out more about degenerative disc disease. 

Radiculopathy Secondary to Bone Spurs 

Bone spurs (osteophytes) are bony projections that develop along joint edges. When they form on vertebrae, they can compress spinal nerves, causing cervical or lumbar radiculopathy. Symptoms include sharp pain, numbness, and muscle weakness – as well as movement limitations. 

Radiculopathy secondary to spondylosis 

Spondylosis is an age-related degeneration of the spine that has been linked to radiculopathy due to spinal nerves being compressed by the spondylosis. VA ratings will include separate evaluations for the underlying spine condition and the resulting nerve impairments, potentially leading to a higher combined rating. A VA rating for spondylosis with radiculopathy can range from 10% to 40%.  

What If the VA Denies Your Radiculopathy Disability Claim? 

Veterans who are denied a radiculopathy VA rating, or who receive a rating that is lower than expected, can appeal the claim. There are several paths available:   

• Filing for a Higher-Level Review. 
• Submitting a Supplemental Claim with new evidence.  
• Appealing the decision at the Board of Veterans Appeals.     

To improve your chance of receiving a rating increase, consider working with an experienced attorney who understands the VA appeals process, including the type of new evidence that may help strengthen your claim. If you feel you have been unfairly rated, contact us for a free case evaluation today. 

Increasing VA Ratings and Benefits 

If a veteran’s condition gets worse after their VA claim has been rated, they can file an appeal to increase the rating. In addition, combining the rating from multiple conditions can both increase the final rating and provide eligibility for additional benefits and services, including Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).  

TDIU and Radiculopathy 

Veterans with radiculopathy who are unable to work because of the symptoms they experience may be able to receive Total Disability for Individual Unemployability (TDIU). To qualify: 

1. The radiculopathy disability rating must be at least 60% and as a result, the individual cannot hold substantially gainful employment.
2. For veterans with multiple VA ratings, they must have a combined disability rating of 70%, with one disability rating of at least 40%, and the individual cannot hold substantially gainful employment.

Special Monthly Compensation for Loss of Use of Hand or Foot 

The benefit known as SMC-K, or “Special K”, provides tax-free benefits to veterans who have lost the use of a hand or foot. SMC is paid on top of the regular disability compensation rate. It can be used to purchase supportive services like caregiving and transportation to improve daily living.  

Increasing Compensation Through Secondary Conditions 

Veterans with service-connected radiculopathy often develop secondary conditions. Each of these secondary conditions can be evaluated separately and lead to an increased compensation rate. Secondary conditions that have been linked to radiculopathy include:  

• Anxiety  
• Bladder Dysfunction  
• Chronic Pain Syndrome  
• Depression 
• Foot Drop  
• Fibromyalgia  
• Gait Abnormalities 
• Sciatica 
• Sleep Issues  
• Spinal stenosis      

Legal Support and Resources 

Hill & Ponton is here to help ensure you receive the VA compensation benefits rating you deserve. Whether you are applying for VA benefits for the first time or looking to appeal your recent decision, you can connect with a professional who understands the VA claims process and all the resources available to you. Call us today for a free evaluation of your case.