If you’re a Veteran and have been denied your full benefits or are seeking to increase your VA disability rating for Sciatic Nerve Paralysis, we’re here to help you fight back and win.
Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Sciatic Nerve Paralysis
Sciatica and Sciatic nerve paralysis can be debilitating, making everyday tasks difficult and even unbearable for some Veterans. Understanding how these conditions are rated by the VA is crucial for getting the disability benefits you deserve. This guide will walk you through how Veterans can develop these conditions, how the VA rates them, and what secondary conditions might arise.
How We Help You Win Your Sciatic Nerve Paralysis VA Claim
Facing sciatica or sciatic nerve paralysis is difficult enough without having to go through months and often years of governmental red tape to get your benefits.
The VA system is designed to wear you down until you give up and go away, leaving you frustrated, angry, and worried about how you’re going to pay the bills.
At Tucker Disability Law, we specialize in helping Veterans understand and navigate the complexities of VA claims. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive accurate VA disability ratings for sciatica and sciatic nerve paralysis so you can start receiving the benefits you need.
We also know that you can’t wait years to get those benefits.
That’s why we specialize in winning cases at the Regional Office level, getting you the compensation you need in a fraction of the time it takes those other disability law firms.
No Upfront Costs
We believe in earning your trust through results. That’s why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you get paid.
Our Simple 3-Step Plan to Secure Your VA Benefits
Get Your Benefits Faster.
Trust our proven track record to expedite your VA claim.
Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Sciatic Nerve Paralysis
Understanding the Difference between Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Paralysis
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back through your hips and buttocks all the way down the leg.
Sciatic Nerve Paralysis occurs when the sciatic nerve is damaged or compressed, leading to severe pain, weakness, or even complete loss of movement in your lower limbs.
Sciatica is a related but different condition. It refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, usually from your lower back down to your leg. Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc or bone spur compressing the nerve, leading to pain, tingling, and sometimes muscle weakness in the affected leg.
While sciatica involves pain along the nerve’s path, sciatic nerve paralysis is a more severe condition that involves the actual loss of nerve function. Understanding the difference is crucial when seeking VA disability benefits, as they are rated differently.
How Veterans Could Develop Sciatica or Sciatic Nerve Paralysis
Veterans may develop sciatica or sciatic nerve paralysis due to various service-related activities. Here are some common causes:
- Physical Strain: Heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or carrying heavy equipment during service can strain the lower back and lead to sciatica.
- Injuries: Falls, accidents, or other injuries sustained during service can damage the sciatic nerve, leading to paralysis or chronic pain.
- Spinal Conditions: Degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or herniated discs, often resulting from the physical demands of military service, can compress the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica or paralysis.
- Surgery or Medical Conditions: Surgical complications or other medical conditions related to service, such as diabetes, can damage the sciatic nerve and lead to paralysis.
VA Ratings for Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Paralysis
The VA rates sciatic nerve paralysis under diagnostic code 8520. Ratings depend on the severity of your condition, ranging from mild to complete paralysis:
- Mild (10%): Symptoms might include occasional pain, tingling, or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, or legs, but the condition doesn’t significantly affect daily activities.
- Moderate (20%): More frequent or intense pain, with some difficulty performing certain activities, but you can still manage most tasks with some discomfort.
- Moderately Severe (40%): Persistent pain or numbness that limits your ability to walk, stand, or perform daily tasks without significant discomfort.
- Severe (60%): Near-constant pain or paralysis of the leg muscles, making it extremely difficult to function normally.
- Complete Paralysis (80%): The foot dangles and cannot be moved, with complete loss of feeling and motor function in the affected leg.
Secondary Conditions Associated with Sciatic Nerve Paralysis
Sciatica and sciatic nerve paralysis can lead to other medical issues, which may also be considered when determining your VA rating. These secondary conditions might include:
- Foot Drop: A condition where you cannot lift the front part of your foot, leading to difficulty walking.
- Chronic Pain: Ongoing pain that may affect your ability to work, sleep, or engage in everyday activities.
- Depression or Anxiety: Chronic pain and disability can lead to mental health conditions, which the VA may rate as secondary to your sciatica.
- Bladder or Bowel Dysfunction: In severe cases, sciatica can cause issues with bladder or bowel control, which may be considered a secondary condition.
- Muscle Atrophy: Long-term paralysis can lead to muscle wasting in the affected leg.
- Gait Problems: Difficulty walking or maintaining balance can result from nerve damage, potentially leading to further injuries.
Additionally, if your sciatic nerve paralysis prevents you from working, you might be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which allows you to receive benefits at the 100% disability rate even if your sciatic nerve paralysis rating is less than 100%.
Qualifying for TDIU:
- One disability rated at least 60%, or
- Multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more, with one disability rated at least 40%.
How Much Money Can You Get Monthly from VA Disability Benefits?
The amount you receive depends on your VA disability rating for sciatic nerve paralysis.
The rating is a percentage measured by the severity of your service-connected condition. In other words, the more severe your condition, the higher your rating. If you have multiple conditions, the VA uses a special formula to combine them into one overall rating.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
These figures can increase if you have dependents or if your condition worsens over time. For more information, go to our VA Disability Compensation Page.
A higher rating not only means more financial support each month, it can also qualify you for additional benefits, such as increased access to VA healthcare services, vocational training and housing assistance.
Take the First Step Toward Getting the Benefits You Deserve
Dealing with sciatica and sciatic nerve paralysis is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Tucker Disability Law, we are dedicated to helping Veterans secure the benefits they’ve earned.
Whether you need help navigating the VA’s rating system, appealing your denial, or applying for TDIU, we’re here for you.
Click Here to start your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Sciatic Nerve Paralysis
