Radiculopathy (VA Rating) — Nerve Root Damage
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
The VA rates radiculopathy — nerve pain that travels from the spine into the limbs — based on how severe the symptoms are and which side of the body is affected. Ratings are assigned under the diagnostic codes for peripheral nerve conditions (38 CFR Part 4, DCs 8510–8730).
**Rating tiers by severity:** - **10%–20%:** Mild symptoms — pain, occasional numbness, or slight weakness that doesn't significantly affect your ability to use the limb - **20%–40%:** Moderate symptoms — noticeable weakness, persistent numbness, or sensory changes that affect daily function - **40%–60%:** Severe symptoms — significant loss of function, near-complete weakness, or partial paralysis of the affected limb
**Bilateral bonus:** If you have radiculopathy in both arms or both legs, the VA applies a combined rating calculation that produces a higher combined total than rating each side alone.
**File radiculopathy separately from your spine rating:** Many veterans with a service-connected back or neck condition miss this. The underlying spine condition (such as a lumbar strain or disc disease) and the nerve pain traveling down your leg or arm are rated under different diagnostic codes. You can — and should — claim both. They combine under the VA rating formula to give you a higher overall total.
In real life
- A veteran feels a shooting pain down their leg after a back injury from their time in service.
- Someone experiences numbness and tingling in their arm and hand, making it hard to grip things, due to a pinched nerve in their neck.
- A person has muscle weakness and a burning sensation in their foot because of nerve damage caused by a herniated disc.
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Frequently asked questions about Radiculopathy (VA Rating)
What is Radiculopathy (VA Rating)?+
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 (VA Rating)?+
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 (VA Rating)?+
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?+
Run the VA Calculator to see your monthly amount, then the VA Filing Success Score to check what's missing from your claim. A VSO can review your filing for free.
Source: benefits.va.gov