Understanding Radiculopathy: More Than Just Back Pain 

Radiculopathy is the medical term for a “pinched nerve.” It happens when a nerve root in your spine is compressed, irritated, or inflamed, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels down your arms, legs, or chest. For Veterans, radiculopathy is more than just discomfort. It can be a life-altering condition that impacts your ability to work, move, and enjoy daily life. 

Why is radiculopathy so common among Veterans? 

Military service is physically demanding. Common causes include: 

• Carrying heavy gear: Equipment weighing 60 pounds or more puts pressure on your spine. 

• Repeated movements: Physical training and repetitive duties cause wear and tear. 

• Physical injury: Falls, accidents, and combat-related trauma can directly injure your spine. 

• Long hours sitting: Extended time in vehicles or aircraft without proper support strains your back. 

Radiculopathy is named for where the pinched nerve is located: 

• Cervical Radiculopathy: Neck—symptoms in shoulders, arms, and hands. 

• Thoracic Radiculopathy: Mid-back—tight, band-like pain around the chest. 

• Lumbar Radiculopathy: Lower back—pain, numbness, or weakness in legs and feet (often called sciatica).
  

Building Your Medical Evidence Portfolio 

Clear and well-documented medical evidence is the foundation of a successful VA disability application. Here are the key types of proof the VA looks for when evaluating radiculopathy. 

Objective Diagnostic Tests

• MRI Scans: Show soft tissue problems like slipped discs or bone spurs. 

• CT Scans: Reveal bony changes where nerves exit the spine. 

• Nerve Tests (EMG/NCS): Measure electrical signals in nerves and muscles to confirm damage and pinpoint severity. 

Comprehensive Medical Records

• Military Medical Records: Document injuries, symptoms, or treatment during service. 

• Specialist Notes: Opinions from neurologists or orthopedists add credibility. 

• Physical Therapy Notes: Show limitations in daily activities and pain levels. 

• Emergency Room Records: Prove ongoing, severe flare-ups. 

Expert Medical Opinions (Nexus Letters)

A nexus letter from a qualified physician should: 

• Review your full medical history (military and post-service). 

• Clearly explain the connection between your service and radiculopathy. 

• State it is “at least as likely as not” that your condition is related to service. 

Personal and Buddy Statements

• Your Statement: Describe when symptoms started, how they’ve worsened, and how they affect your life. 

• Buddy Statements: From fellow service members or family, supporting your account of injury and current impact.

How the VA Rates Radiculopathy 

The VA rates radiculopathy based on: 

• Which nerve is affected 

• Severity of symptoms (paralysis, neuritis, neuralgia) 

• Impact on daily activities 

Rating categories: 

• Paralysis: Loss of movement or feeling. 10% (mild) to 50%+ (severe with muscle weakness). 

• Neuritis: Nerve swelling, pain, numbness, tingling, some muscle weakness. 10% to 60%. 

• Neuralgia: Pain along the nerve, but no major loss of feeling or muscle weakness. 10% to 20%. 

Bilateral Factor: If both arms or both legs are affected, the VA may add an extra 10% to your combined rating. 

Secondary Service Connection: 

Radiculopathy is often secondary to another service-connected condition (like a back injury or diabetes). If your radiculopathy was caused or aggravated by another disability, you may be eligible for additional benefits. 

Remember: Veterans Control Their Own Path Forward  

Your journey begins (and thrives) with accurate, comprehensive medical evidence.