Radiculopathy — VA Rating
Damage or irritation to a nerve root, typically causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve's path.
Official source: benefits.va.gov
Radiculopathy means a nerve root in your spine is being irritated or compressed, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along that nerve's path. In simpler terms: it's nerve pain that travels — from the neck down the arm, or from the lower back down the leg.
The VA rates radiculopathy based on which nerve root is affected and how severe your symptoms are. Ratings range from 10% for mild symptoms up to 60% for severe loss of function or near-paralysis. If both sides of your body are affected (bilateral radiculopathy), you can receive a combined rating that's higher than a single-side rating.
**Most common locations:** - **Cervical (neck):** Pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand - **Lumbar (lower back):** Pain, numbness, or weakness in the hip, thigh, knee, or foot — commonly called sciatica
**Why radiculopathy matters for your VA claim:** Radiculopathy is almost always filed as a secondary condition connected to a service-connected back or neck condition. If you already have a lower back rating, any nerve pain running down your legs is likely ratable separately on top of it — giving you a higher combined rating. File for both conditions together.
To get a rating, you need medical evidence showing that nerve root compression is causing your symptoms, and that it's connected to your service-connected spinal condition or directly to your military service.
In real life
- A veteran with a damaged nerve in their back might feel pain shooting down their leg.
- Someone who has tingling in their arm and hand could have a pinched nerve in their neck.
- A person experiences weakness in their foot because of nerve irritation in their lower spine.
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Frequently asked questions about Radiculopathy
What is Radiculopathy?+
Damage or irritation to a nerve root, typically causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve's path. A common VA disability claim arising from conditions like herniated discs or combat injury. VA rates radiculopathy under 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Codes 8510-8730 based on the affected nerve root and severity.
Who qualifies for Radiculopathy?+
Veterans (and in some cases their dependents or survivors) who meet the program's specific service, discharge, and eligibility rules. Use the BK Calculator and Filing Success Score to check your situation.
How do I apply for Radiculopathy?+
Apply at va.gov (search for the program by name) or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see what VA benefits you may have missed, or talk with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Source: benefits.va.gov