Welcome to the Insider’s Guide on VA secondary conditions to radiculopathy for disability benefits.
Radiculopathy, a condition caused by nerve compression in the spine, can lead to a wide range of other health issues.
Veterans with service-connected radiculopathy may experience or develop additional conditions like musculoskeletal disorders, mental health issues, and digestive problems, among many others.
Understanding these secondary conditions is super important for maximizing your VA benefits, as each of these secondary VA claims to radiculopathy can significantly impact your work, life, and disability rating.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Radiculopathy and Secondary Conditions: Veterans with service-connected radiculopathy may develop secondary conditions such as mental health issues, musculoskeletal disorders, and digestive problems, significantly impacting their overall disability rating and quality of life.
- Importance of Secondary Condition Claims: Understanding and filing claims for secondary conditions via secondary service connection is crucial for maximizing VA disability benefits, as these conditions can affect various aspects of a veteran’s work, life, and social functioning.
- Secondary Conditions to Radiculopathy: The guide lists 15 common secondary conditions linked to radiculopathy, including depression, sciatica, chronic pain syndrome, and muscle atrophy, among others, each with specific VA diagnostic codes (if applicable) and rating criteria.
- Nexus Letters for Secondary VA Claims: Veterans can strengthen their claims for secondary conditions by obtaining Nexus Letters from private medical providers, which help establish the link or connection between their primary service-connected condition and the secondary conditions.
List of VA Secondary Conditions to Radiculopathy for Disability Benefits
Here’s a list of the 15 most common conditions that can be linked secondary to your service-connected radiculopathy for VA disability compensation benefits:
1. Depression Secondary to Radiculopathy
Veterans suffering from chronic pain due to radiculopathy can often experience depression as a secondary condition. The ongoing discomfort, inability to perform daily activities, and potential limitations on mobility can significantly affect mental health. The constant pain and emotional strain can lead to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression, making it crucial for veterans to receive appropriate mental health care alongside treatment for their physical symptoms.
The VA rates depression secondary to radiculopathy under Diagnostic Code 9434, using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders outlined in 38 CFR § 4.130. The disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with breaks at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70%, depending on the severity of symptoms and their impact on a veteran’s social and occupational functioning
2. Sciatica Secondary to Radiculopathy
Sciatica is a specific type of radiculopathy, typically associated with the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs. If you already have radiculopathy in the lower spine, the inflammation can easily spread and compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain that radiates through the lower body. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the leg, making sciatica a frequent secondary condition.
The VA rates sciatica secondary to radiculopathy under Diagnostic Code 8520, using the criteria outlined in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The disability ratings range from 10% to 80%, with breaks at 20%, 40%, and 60%, depending on the severity of symptoms, such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, and their impact on the veteran’s functional abilities. Specifically, ratings are based on the level of paralysis in the sciatic nerve, with higher ratings for more severe symptoms, such as “severe incomplete paralysis” (60%) and “complete paralysis” (80%).
3. Foot Drop Secondary to Radiculopathy
Foot drop occurs when the muscles responsible for lifting the front part of the foot become weak or paralyzed. This condition can be a secondary effect of radiculopathy if the nerve damage impacts the lower spine and the nerves that control foot movement. Veterans with foot drop often struggle to walk properly, as they cannot lift the front part of their foot when taking a step, leading to potential falls and further complications.
The VA rates foot drop secondary to radiculopathy under Diagnostic Code 8521, using the criteria outlined in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The disability ratings range from 10% to 40%, with breaks at 20% and 30%, based on the severity of symptoms and the impact on the veteran’s functionality, such as inability to lift the front part of the foot (foot drop), difficulty walking, and muscle weakness in the lower leg.
4. Chronic Pain Syndrome Secondary to Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy causes constant, debilitating pain in affected areas, leading to Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS), also called Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). This secondary condition arises when the body’s pain receptors remain activated over long periods, creating a cycle of continuous pain. CPS can affect a veteran’s physical and emotional health, leading to sleep disturbances, irritability, and fatigue, requiring both pain management and psychological support.
The VA rates Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS), also known as Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), secondary to radiculopathy under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders outlined in 38 CFR § 4.130. It is typically rated under Diagnostic Code 9421, which covers somatoforms and related disorders. The disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with breaks at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70%, based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on a veteran’s social and occupational functioning.
5. Gait Abnormalities Secondary to Radiculopathy
Veterans with radiculopathy in the lower spine often develop gait abnormalities as a secondary condition due to nerve damage affecting their balance and walking mechanics. Affected nerves in the lumbar region can cause leg weakness, stiffness, and an uneven stride, contributing to abnormal walking patterns. These gait issues can further aggravate other musculoskeletal problems, making proper treatment and rehabilitation essential.
Although the VA does not provide a specific rating for abnormal gait by itself, it can be factored in when assessing related service-connected conditions, either as a symptom of another ratable disability or as a secondary service connection. Veterans may be eligible for additional compensation if gait issues, like a limp, are connected to their military service and result in further complications in areas such as the legs, feet, or back.
6. Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Secondary to Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy in the lumbar or sacral spine can interfere with the nerves that control the bladder and bowel. As a result, veterans may experience loss of control or difficulty emptying their bladder or bowels properly. This can lead to issues such as incontinence, constipation, or urinary retention, making this a distressing secondary condition requiring medical management.
The VA rates bladder and bowel dysfunction secondary to radiculopathy under the criteria outlined in 38 CFR § 4.115b and 38 CFR § 4.114, respectively. These conditions are typically evaluated using Diagnostic Codes 7542 (Neurogenic Bladder) and 7332 (Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control). The ratings range from 0% to 100%, depending on the severity of symptoms and their impact on the veteran’s daily life and functional abilities.
7. Sexual Dysfunction Secondary to Radiculopathy
In severe cases of radiculopathy, especially in the lower spine, the nerve damage can extend to those responsible for sexual function. This can cause erectile dysfunction in men or reduced sensation and sexual dysfunction in women. It often results from nerve compression affecting the pelvic region, leading to challenges in sexual health and intimacy.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) are rated at 0% unless there is a penile deformity accompanied by loss of erectile function, which qualifies for a 20% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7522. However, veterans may be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(k) for the loss of use of a creative organ. This additional compensation is provided on top of the standard VA disability payments to acknowledge the impact on quality of life due to the loss of reproductive function.
8. Fibromyalgia Secondary to Radiculopathy
Fibromyalgia is a widespread pain condition that can develop as a secondary condition to radiculopathy. The chronic pain and nerve damage from radiculopathy may heighten the sensitivity of the body’s pain receptors, leading to the development of fibromyalgia. Symptoms include widespread muscle pain, fatigue, sleep issues, and cognitive disturbances, significantly impacting a veteran’s quality of life.
Fibromyalgia secondary to radiculopathy is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 5025, outlined in 38 CFR § 4.71av. It can be rated at 10%, 20%, or 40% depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms, including widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues.
9. Anxiety Secondary to Radiculopathy
Living with chronic pain from radiculopathy can trigger anxiety, especially in veterans struggling to cope with the limitations imposed by the condition. The fear of worsening symptoms, concerns about mobility, and stress from constant discomfort can lead to anxiety. Managing both the physical and emotional aspects of radiculopathy is essential to improving overall well-being.
Anxiety secondary to radiculopathy is rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders in 38 CFR § 4.130, typically under Diagnostic Code 9400 for generalized anxiety disorder. Ratings range from 0% to 100%, reflecting varying levels of symptom severity and their impact on occupational and social functioning.
10. Peripheral Neuropathy Secondary to Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy can contribute to peripheral neuropathy, a condition where the peripheral nerves are damaged, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands, arms, feet, or legs. Nerve compression in the spine can interrupt normal nerve signaling, causing these sensations and making peripheral neuropathy a frequent secondary condition.
Multiple Diagnostic Codes are used to rate peripheral neuropathy secondary to radiculopathy under the Schedule of Ratings for Diseases of the Peripheral Nerves, found in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The ratings generally range from 10% to 80%, depending on the diagnostic code, nerves affected, and the severity of symptoms.
11. Muscle Atrophy Secondary to Radiculopathy
Due to nerve damage from radiculopathy, veterans may experience muscle weakness or atrophy in the affected limbs. If the nerves responsible for stimulating muscles are compressed or damaged, the muscles can shrink and weaken over time.
Progressive muscular atrophy secondary to radiculopathy is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 8023 in 38 CFR § 4.124a. This condition has a minimum rating of 30%, reflecting the progressive nature of muscle wasting and weakness. Unlike muscle injuries evaluated under 38 CFR § 4.73, which range from 0% to 50% based on severity and functional loss, Diagnostic Code 8023 is specifically used for progressive conditions where the nerve damage leads to ongoing muscle atrophy. Ratings above 30% may be considered if the atrophy results in significant impairment of motor function or severe limitations in daily activities, depending on the extent of neurological involvement and the impact on the veteran’s overall quality of life.
12. Spinal Stenosis Secondary to Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy, especially if caused by degenerative spine conditions, can lead to spinal stenosis as a secondary condition. This is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can compress nerves and worsen the pain and mobility issues related to radiculopathy.
Spinal stenosis secondary to radiculopathy is rated under Diagnostic Code 5238 as part of the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine in 38 CFR § 4.71a. Ratings range from 10% to 100%, based on limitations in range of motion, the presence of ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes.
13. Osteoarthritis Secondary to Radiculopathy
Chronic nerve pain and improper movement due to radiculopathy can lead to the gradual breakdown of joints, causing osteoarthritis as a secondary condition. The misalignment and compensation in movement put undue pressure on joints, speeding up the wear and tear process.
Osteoarthritis secondary to radiculopathy is rated under Diagnostic Code 5003 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. It is generally rated at 10% for each major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, or at 20% if two or more major joints or minor joint groups are involved with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. Higher ratings may be given based on additional limitations or pain affecting the joints.
14. Sleep Disturbances Secondary to Radiculopathy
Chronic pain from radiculopathy can disrupt sleep, leading to secondary conditions like insomnia. Veterans may struggle to find a comfortable position, leading to restless nights and further affecting their overall well-being.
Sleep disturbances secondary to radiculopathy are typically evaluated based on the primary condition causing the disturbance. If associated with a mental health condition, it would be rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders in 38 CFR § 4.130 for insomnia or as a symptom of another mental health condition. For physical conditions, the rating may depend on how the sleep disturbance impacts the primary disability’s rating. There is no separate VA Diagnostic Code specifically for sleep disturbances alone.
15. Chronic Fatigue Secondary to Radiculopathy
The constant pain, reduced mobility, and sleep disturbances caused by radiculopathy can lead to chronic fatigue. Veterans may find themselves physically and mentally exhausted due to the body’s continuous efforts to cope with pain and nerve dysfunction.
Chronic fatigue secondary to radiculopathy is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 6354 for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in 38 CFR § 4.88b. Ratings range from 10% to 100% based on the impact of fatigue on daily activities, cognitive impairments, and response to therapy.
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
