Nerves of the Low Back and Legs
Topics:
The Nerves of the Low Back and Legs Overview
Rating the Nerves of the Low Back and Legs
The Nerves of the Low Back and Legs Overview
The VA awards disability for conditions of the Nerves of the Low Back and Legs that are service-connected. The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty. For Reservists, the condition must have occurred in, or resulted from an injury in, the Line of Duty to qualify.
The nervous system connects the brain to the rest of the body. Impulses travel up the nerves and spinal cord to the brain, and the brain then turns these impulses into ideas like pain, heat, etc. Similarly, the brain can send signals through the nerves to various parts of the body, telling it to raise the arm, point the toes, expand the lungs to breath, etc.
The nervous system is divided into two parts: the central nervous system, and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the cranial nerves. The peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves that travel from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.
The Peripheral Nerves of the Low Back and Legs extend from the spinal cord in the mid and lower back and travel down the legs, controlling the movements of the hips, legs, and feet.
The majority of conditions of the Nerves of the Low Back and Legs are rated on the functioning of the affected body part and the symptoms that they cause. These symptoms could include numbness, pain, muscle atrophy, the inability to properly move the legs, paralysis of the legs, etc.
When rating peripheral nerve conditions, each side of the body can be rated separately, so if the right leg and the left leg are affected, both can receive their own rating.
However, to honor the Pyramiding Principle, only a single rating can usually be given for multiple nerve conditions affecting the same limb unless it is possible to clearly and distinctly separate the symptoms (highly unlikely). In situations where multiple Nerves of the Low Back and Legs are affected on one side of the body, a single rating is usually given under the code that best covers all of the symptoms (see the Ratings of the Peripheral Nerves of the Low Back and Legs page).
Return to Top
Rating the Nerves of the Low Back and Legs
The VASRD offers ratings for the following Nerves of the Low Back and Legs:
- The Sciatic Nerve
- The Tibial Nerve
- The Posterior Tibial Nerve
- The Common Peroneal Nerve
- The Deep Peroneal Nerve
- The Superficial Peroneal Nerve
- The Ilioinguinal Nerve
- The Obturator Nerve
- The Femoral Nerve
- The Internal Saphenous Nerve
- The Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve
The ratings for the Nerves of the Low Back and Legs are split between three codes: Paralysis, Neuritis, and Neuralgia. The ratings are assigned based either on the type of nerve damage and the symptoms present or on limited motion of an affected joint if that would provide for a higher rating.
In cases where the cause of the limited motion is the peripheral nerve condition, then only a rating for the nerve or limited motion can be given, not both. However, if the limited motion is caused by another condition, then both the limited motion and the peripheral nerve can be rated separately.
In addition, a nerve condition resulting in the loss of use of the foot or leg can qualify for Special Monthly Compensation.
Return to Top
FAQs
How will the VA rate my peripheral nerve conditions?
The VA uses the rules of the VASRD to rate nerve conditions based on the main symptoms that they cause, like numbness, pain, muscle atrophy, etc. Check out our Ratings of the Peripheral Nerves of the Low Back and Legs page for the exact codes and ratings.
My nerve condition wasn't diagnosed until after I was discharged. Can it qualify for VA disability?
The VA can only rate conditions that meet some type of service-connection requirement. For conditions diagnosed after service, the condition must either be a secondary condition caused by another service-connected condition, or it must be on the VA's Presumptive List.
Are my conditions eligible for a rating?
Your conditions are eligible to be rated by the VA if they are the result of your military service. You must be able to show proof of service-connection for each condition. For the DoD, they will rate your service-connected conditions as long as they also make you Unfit for Duty.
How do I apply to receive my ratings?
If you are still in the military, then you can request your military physician to refer you to the MEB and start the IDES process. If you are already a veteran, you can submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim.
If my claim is approved, what benefits will I receive?
If you are rated 20% or less from the DoD, then you will receive a single separation payment. If you are rated 30% or more, you will receive full retirement benefits. From the VA, you will receive a monthly payment as well as full medical care from the VA for the qualifying conditions.
How long does it take to receive my disability benefits?
Brand new claims usually take 3-6 months to process. Once processed, you will start receiving payments in 1-3 months.
How are the rating percentages assigned to my conditions?
The rules of the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) are used to assign rating percentages to conditions. The VASRD gives rating rules for conditions based on their symptoms, treatment options, and the resulting level of disability they cause.
My nerve conditions have worsened. How do I increase my rating percentages?
If your conditions have worsened since you last applied and now qualify for a higher rating, you can submit a new claim, checking the box for an increased evaluation.
