Radiculopathy in Veterans Disability | All You Need To Know
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- In this video Leah explains radiculopathy and its relevance to VA disability. She describes radiculopathy as a condition characterized by numbness, pain, and tingling in extremities, which can arise from various levels of the spine, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Leah B clarifies the difference between radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy, emphasizing that radiculopathy originates from the spine, whereas peripheral neuropathy arises from peripheral nerve damage. She discusses how veterans can be service-connected for radiculopathy either as a primary condition if diagnosed during active duty, or secondarily related to spinal degeneration. Treatment options like traction, steroid injections, and surgery are mentioned.
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About:
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
The purpose of this channel is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This video is not medical or legal advice and should not be substituted for advisement from your VSO, accredited agent, or Attorney.
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I just got approved for 20% left and 10% right Radiculopathy of lower extremities because of this video. Thank you so much!
Excellent! Thank you for watching!
Using DBQ'S. With assistance I was able to link ridiculopathy symptoms, secondary to my chronic knee pain. Cheers
Awesome! Thanks for your input buddy
I tried to link my lower back secondary to my service connected knee and they denied me, even with a Nexus from Prestige. It took 15 months to get have a higher level review deny it for the second time. I need to talk to Prestige Veteran to see if they can help me revise the letter for a supplemental claim submission. How did you get them to connect radiculopathy?
@@GrumpyPantsAirsoft
Usually a C&P exam and Supplement review requires you to explain how your knee pain lead to your back pain.
For example maybe shifting the weight of your upper body to your left or right leg to easy pain on your knees. This could cause low back pain.
I hope this helps, let me know.
@@GrumpyPantsAirsoft
P.S
They want YOU to describe it in your own words and be able to elaborate.
Also creating a medical paper trail helps.
Especially seeking continuous medical therapy...like acupuncture.
Thanks for going over radiculopathy. I’ve got it pretty bad it my arms from DDD in my neck. Not rated for it yet, put in a claim recently, exam scheduled for this month, hope it goes my way. Either way would love to see more videos that go more in depth on this.
I am glad you enjoyed the videos! Keep us posted and good luck
Good news, I got my radiculopathy service connect in both my arms. Very happy that was proven
@@JessD-34did you need to get diagnosed first or no before you put your claim in if you don’t mind me asking
@real440fordd I didn’t get diagnosed before submitting my claim but I had complained about numbness in my arms for several years so I think that’s what helped my claim
@@JessD-34 ok thank you very much
Oh wow, thank you this was super helpful and easy to understand!i was told that Thoracic Rad. can cause gerd! I just had a xray, frame looked misaligned! He asked if i had acid reflux and back pain! I have all the symptoms and was thinking about filing a secondary claim! Im currently at 80%!!
I am so glad you found this helpful! Thank you for watching!
Thanks for the explanation in this video. I have had neck and back problems for years and just now have been diagnosed with “diffuse prominent facet disease” and Radiculopathy, both in my cervical spine. I can’t say for sure but believe it would be as likely as not from an accident while on active duty.
I am sorry to hear this sir. Thank you for watching!
Have you ever seen a claim where a Veterans cervical service connection had an ulnar nerve entrapment or cubital tunnel syndrome as a secondary condition? Just went to my C&P exam (labeled as a correction of local quality error rating) for an increase for my cervical injury with a new diagnosis of degenerative disc disease from an MRI and cubital tunnel syndrome from an EMG test that the orthopedic doctor stated it was "more than likey associated" with my cervical issues. It was a very good C&P exam. The nurse admitted I had worse conditions. Thank you!
I have not personally seen this but I am happy that you had a good exam!
Thank you so very much for all of the information that you give us. Todays is another great piece to the puzzle that some of us are trying to put together. At present I only have a 10% rating for Tinnitus but I went to the Doctor last week for a MRI for this tingling and numbness in both my hands and arms with pain in my neck along with headaches. I'm trying to get some of my symptoms service connected so that I can begin a healing process. I also suffer with sciatic nerve pain in my right leg along with radiculopathy of both legs and planter fasciitis in my right heel. I have left knee damage/complete knee replacement from an inservice event that I have the condition along with medical proof and what I believe to be a weak NEXUS letter in linking it.
I would like to get you to review my evidence to see if there is a way to gather new and relevant information to prove my case.
Thanks
I am sorry to hear this sir. Please email us at info@prestigeveteranmctx.com and we will get you some info
Thanks for your video today and your other videos. I am strongly recommending you and your company to several of my Vietnam era friends that could use your help.
Big hugs my friend and I am looking forward to hearing about your outcome!
Thanks for the info. Was low-rated with lumbar strain back in the day, working to up that now and definitely have radiculopathy. (Like your explanation.) Best i ever got out of VA was 5 sessions of PT, otherwise here's a pill. Oddly, last VA doc i saw was perplexed that just taking an aspirin didn't take care of it. 🙄 Never did get the refill, nor have i been back to the VA since then. Thinking of trying again to see if that doc is still there.
I am sorry to hear that sir. Thank you for watching!
I did pretty much private doctors once I got out. Didn’t have good experience with the VA after one visit.
Sorry to hear this@@airlinename2614
8 months late, but, you can always request a new pc doc at the VA. Just go through the patient advocate
Thanks much. Disspaced vert. L-4-5, deadlifting WAY too much in 76 in Marines wrestling team training. Denied. (no new info..) when I have nexux from Dr. Vilms Lakewood Co.?) Bad ache all the x..Diag. after service. Severe degen. 45 years later. 2 more likely than not..
I am very sorry to hear this. Best of luck to you and thank you for watching
Great video...wish I knew all this years ago...but it's never too late.
Thanks for watching buddy
It is the Gate Pain Theory first postulated by Galindo, M.D.
I have his book. Autographed by Galindo himself
Awesome! Thank you for watching as always
@@prestigeveteranmedical I'll forward you the book. That time is over for me but it may help you.
I am a Vietnam Veteran, and I am Type 2 diabetic. My left leg from my knee down my leg and foot, pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. The V.A. gave me all kind of tests MRI, EMG, X-RAY and more I don't remember there name. And they said I have Radiculopathy, abnormal MRI. Do you think I have a secondary claim on Type 2 diabetic? Thank you.
If you have peripheral neuropathy that may be something that is secondary to your diabetes but it would depend on what your doctor thinks and has documented
Over 25 years of radiculopathy going down my legs it’s in my medical record while on active duty. NOBODY told me said anything no doctor (c&p) no VSO nobody till 1 year ago finally a C&P examiner said you have radiculopathy and I got rated at 10
Fought that and now increased, increases enough? It’s frustrating that there is no one out there telling you anything shame on the VA. No one is going to give you a helping hand.
I know it is tough sir. It should not be that way but hopefully they continue to try to improve the system
Everything you said about lumbar radiculopathy I am experiencing. But, during my C & P nothing measured, no range of motion, nothing.
Thanks, I have lower back problems
I am very sorry to hear this. Thank you for watching!
Explosion in the back of my head I've had that for a long time now
I am sorry to heat this sir thank you for watching
I injured my back in Afghanistan in 2012 on my last deployment as a combat infantryman. Went on profile and then saw a doctor after I got home who diagnosed me with lumbago in 2012. Got out of army in 2013 and same year was assigned 90% disability rating with a 10% rating for thoroculumbar spine strain. Thats it for my back. For 10 yrs I have been complaining about my back to the VA. In 2019, my back completely went out (sciatia). All in records. Last week, I finally had an MRI that showed 6 bulging discs, hypertrophy, stenosis, and mass effect upon nerve roots, as well as other words I can't pronounce! Im not sure if this is why my sciatica keeps going out but I think its possible Ive had these issues since my injury in 2012. Since I have never had any radiology tests performed. Should I file a new claim for Lumbar Radiculopathy (sciatica), or an increase to my 10% rating for Thoroculumbar spine strain. I do not have a diagnosis for lumbar or lower back and Im not to happy with the VSO's around her as they cant answer any of my questions. Any help would be much appreciated!
I am so sorry to hear this. You can always search for another VSO or accredited legal representative to assist with the legal process. If you are interested in a nexus letter please contact us at info@prestigeveteranmctx.com
25th ID?
Do you have a video on the C&P exam for radicalopthy? What it consist of? I have invertebral disc syndrome with a surgery. Having pain down my leg. Thanks
I do not but if you check out my back pain C&P video it will touch on that. Thank you for watching!
Your talk is very informative. I have a question, do you need that big mike that keeps turning different colors?
Yes I do because it is my personal preference and I like using it
I’ve just gotta know if you got this name from Step Brothers? 😂
Great channel, great advice but the name gets me every time 😆
I am glad you are enjoying the content. Many people have asked that question over the years but our name is Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting now so hopefully that clears things up =-)
Thank You !
You're welcome! Thank you for watching
Hey lea b! I was crushed by a giant man in service it cracked my sternum a collar bone i think it tried to pop my ribs out of my spine, it was a documented moment in the er and on record im pretty sure my neck suffered major damage as well, i tell people im in pain in a circle going from tip of thumb to the other thumb tip a circle up my arms around the shoulders and neck, im pretty sure no one believes me, i lost use of my right arm for last 3 years im just starting to get my main arm muscle back in if i makes a muscle your finger will leave a impression
I am so sorry to hear this. I hope you start improving and best of luck sir
I got denied for lumbar back pain/strain even though I have medical records during my time in service stating the events. I was denied because they said I did not have a current diagnosis even though there has been issues during my time.
I just filed for a supplemental claim for LBP, I see I have no upcoming C&P exams for this condition.
I now suffer from sciatica, and osteoarthritis. Do you think the examiner would include these symptoms for a rating for my lumbar strain? That’s if it gets approved. And if so, should the rating be higher ?
It just depends if the examiner believes your current condition is a continuation of the original condition. If you have radiculopathy as a secondary to the low back pain and the examiner/rater agrees it is all related you are able to receive separate compensation for radiculopathy.
@@prestigeveteranmedical thank you very much yes I do suffer from radiculopathy as well. Awesome feedback.
You need a current diagnosis to go with your in service event. Then you need a nexus letter from your doctor(linking your in service to the current diagnosis) before filing a supplemental. As for the ridiculopathy, get an MRI have a diagnosis, nexus letter and then file it as a secondary to the current lower back diagnosis. Basically, anything you want to file from your in service event- current diagnosis and nexus letter. Then you can do secondary - diagnosis and nexus letter again. Goodluck!
@@airlinename2614 still got denied even though they recognize my in service events. I have both a diagnosis and complaints and treatment from the VA. However, the rater said because I didn’t have any medical records from the time I ETS until the time I filed a claim which was 8 years later.
The problem is I made complaints to my pcp and went for a c&p exam but my pcp never annotated anything at all. Sadly he’s retired so I’m really really stuck at this point.
Go to the doctor, go to the doctor then go to the doctor again. Leave a trail!!!!!!! They need that to approve your claim. Keep going to the doctor to prove chronicity !!!
Hilarious! I was just evaluated for this today.
Best of luck and thanks for watching!!
I did 18 months with USMC (Honorable discharge; not medical; complicated issue) during the 1980's there was a law that veterans can only receive benefits if completed 24 months of active duty. I did go to VA 2 years afterwards, VSO stated I can't apply for benefits. I was so frustrated that I did not want anything to do with VA. Can VA deny me compensation because I can't prove that I went to doctors for my military symptoms/injuries during time I got out until 2011 (can show proof of medical diagnosis during military from 2012 through present)?
If you have a good personal statement to explain why you were not being seen that should help. They can deny you for that reason but they will not necessarily
What DBQ would be used at the exam for lower radiculopathy when filing secondarily from degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine?
The low back DBQ
If you have a dbq that is filled out and the nurse checked radiculopathy will that be like a diagnosis? I am at 10% for ddd and 10% lower/mid back was wondering do I put in for an increase or do I put in for a new claim for lower extremity thanks
Was it a nurse or a nurse practitioner?
@@prestigeveteranmedical CRNP what ever that is
@@xguyonacouchxx8975 got it. Well that may be helpful. Radiculopathy is not a claim for lower extremity. It is for radiculopathy. I hope that clarifies.
I attended a C&P exam a couple of weeks ago for an increase rating for lumbar degenerative disk disease. During the exam, I also spoke about my radiculopathy symptoms. These symptoms are also documented in my medical records with medical evidence showing foraminal narrowing. The examiner did not perform any of the checks listed on the DBQ for radiculopathy. Would this be something that would automatically warrant and higher level review for a DTA error?
I am not sure sir, you may want to discuss this with a legal professional
I filed for Lunbar strain but was denied due to not having it in my records but in the denial letter I was told I had favorable findings for right side radiculopathy In my treatment records I have been diagnosed with DDD bulging disc and pinched nerve I have done the shots and wore back brace and had the teins unit. So should I just refile as radiculopathy secondary to my service connected knee or just file radiculopathy on its own?
Sir if you have questions on filling you should discuss this with a legal professional like a VSO
I would get an MRI on your back.
Good Day. Do you think I would need a nexus letter to file secondary to DDD (20%)? If yes, could I use a functional capacity evaluation that was done for ssdi.
Hi sir nexus letters are never required. It is really just a personal choice you have to make based upon your situation. I am not sure that a functional capacity assessment would discuss or help demonstrate a relationship between your service/service connected issue and your current disability
I was misdiagnosed after an active duty injury. The dr said I had spina bifida occulta. I was denied s/c. My pain management dr tells me I don’t have spina bifida and have bilateral radiculopothy. The problem I face now is he won’t write a nexus. He provided with his progress notes which states no spina bifida and bilateral radiculopothy. Is that sufficient or do I need to find another dr?
There really is not a blanket answer to this question as there are many variables that go into the process. You may want to seek legal guidance with a legal professional. If you are interested in a nexus letter we would be happy to look at this with you if you would like. Email us any time at info@prestigeveteranmctx.com
@@prestigeveteranmedical I’m being represented by DAV and waiting for an appeal board hearing before a VLJ. I have suffered greatly for many years. Now I find this out and after some research there appears to a somewhat permanent fix. I’d love to get the rest of my medical notes and have professional nexus to present to the board. I’d love to get back pay for all these years but that’s doubtful.
@@joeh14 That is really tough sir. Glad to hear you have a legal professional working with you
@@prestigeveteranmedical I’ll email you this week and see if you think it’s something you can help me with.
@@joeh14 Sounds good!
Can Radiculopathy be secondary to Diabetes Mellitus II? Thank you.
No those items are unrelated
I just put in a secondary claim for Lumbar strain due to bilateral knee strain/pain. Can the lumbar be affected secondary from knee strain/pain?
Some veterans do have these linked
I am looking to submit a rating increase for a current lumbar disability i have rated at 20%, and lately have radiculopathy in arms and legs. Do I submit two claims, one for the increase, and one for the radiculopathy? or will the radiculopathy be addressed in a C&P exam?
Hey sir I am not to sure about that. You will want to discuss the filling process with a legal professional
Can radiculopathy of the lumbar also contribute to cervical nerves/spine also?
Not that I am aware of but you may want to ask your treating doctor about that
I've been diagnosed Wirth a back condition, service connected but they keep saying my radiculopathy is not service connected. Why why why? What am I missing? It has been 18 years!
I’m sorry to hear this sir. Thank you for watching
@@prestigeveteranmedical I was just venting. Thank For the videos. They've been very informative on the VA process.
I have a l4/l5 herniated disc, i tried all the alternatives (cortisone shot, therapy etc) now my next step is surgery. Do i still get va disability after my surgery when I get out the military?
I am so sorry to hear this sir. Many veterans that have had back surgery receive VA disability compensation. Every case is different of course
@@prestigeveteranmedical ok thank you for replying 🙏.
@@MrMassive876 You bet thank you for watching
So which DBQ is filled out for sciatica and or lumbar radiculopathy if it’s going down the legs?
Radiculopathy is done on the DBQ for the lumbar spine sir.
I get 20% for left 20% for right leg can I also put a claim for stenosis
I am not sure sir you would want to check with a legal professional on the filling aspects. Thank you for watching
@Leah I just got rated after 32 years for the same condition I was denied for back then. I filed for low back and left knee. This resulted in a direct service connection. My QUESTION is, it appears they awarded me radiculopathy for the low left extremity as it states it was “inferred” but why wasn’t I awarded the same inference for the right knee if low back issues exist? Confused. What are the next steps? File another claim for radiculopathy as a secondary condition? APTTMHY
Hey I am so very sorry to hear this. Have you followed up with a VSO or another legal professional?
@@prestigeveteranmedical I do have a VSO but he is providing no assistance. Doesn’t even answer emails until he does. Been doing it all through asking questions and self education now but really confused with this one. I even called and asked VBA to “infer” the sale pain for my right lower extremity. They respond “Put in a claim”!?
@@dawidbenyahudahisrael6959 Sorry to hear this sir
@@prestigeveteranmedical no issue. Thanks for the responses. Hey, when I started filing 1 year ago, I was not service connected after 32 years of my discharge. The claim in question got me 70% alone. Thanks to CZcams education channels like yours and others, I think I can get to the 💯 club given my other claims. APTTMHY
@@dawidbenyahudahisrael6959 Congrats sir I am so happy to hear this. Thank you for watching
What type of testing after MRI should be conducted to pin point which type it may be?
Every case is different it just depends on your specifics. Have you discussed with your treating doc?
I have a service connected rated lumbar strain (Secondary). I get tingling, numbness, needling sensations in my upper and lower extremities. Would I need an IMO for requesting Radiculopathy secondary to my service connected lumbar strain? Thank you.
Hi sir IMO's are never required. They can just be helpful at times. Thank you for watching!
@@prestigeveteranmedical Appreciate your response! What would be more reasonable when filing this claim; a radiculopathy (secondary to my back) or a Back increase claim? Or will radiculopathy be included in the back increase claim? I ask because I'm just a layman saying I have symptoms of radiculopathy doesn't mean its facts. Your info helping me get me to 💯! Thank you!
That is a great question. I would recommend discussing this with a legal professional as I am not the expert when it comes to the filling process unfortunately @@TheAnomaly21
Will do! Thank you.
Can you claim Ridiculopothy down your hips from back pain on a BDD claim?
Yes. Have you spoken with your VSO about this?
Hello I have a 40% low back with degenerative disc along with 20% rad. For both legs. Is it possible to get the 20% increased?
Hello sir you would want to check with an accredited legal professional to get clarification on what the max percentages on those would be. Thank you for watching!
I see people writing about DBQs. What is a DBQ
That is a great question! This video may be helpful: czcams.com/video/-VCKcnVhQpw/video.html
@@prestigeveteranmedical thank yoy
Can have both Radiculopathy & Neuropathy? And would that be pyramiding?
Yes you can have both. If they are affecting the same nerve it would likely be pyramiding but you will want to follow up with a legal professional for clarification
@@prestigeveteranmedical Thanks for your prompt response!
@@dwaynejones1555 Of course thank you for watching
I would love to be able to talk to you sometime
Hey sir if you would like more infomation on our services please contact us at info@prestigeveteranmctx.com
You are not good at this are you ??? 🤷🏼♂️
Good at what specifically?