Back pain affects many people, including a large number of Veterans, and one of the most intense forms of that pain is sciatica. This condition develops when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg, becomes pinched or damaged. Because this nerve controls much of the movement and sensation in the lower body, any irritation can feel severe and may even become disabling. Sciatica is also common among Veterans, ranking as the seventh most frequent VA-rated disability.
Radiculopathy is closely related. It occurs when the nerve roots that branch out from the spine become damaged or inflamed. These nerve roots are responsible for sending signals throughout the body, so problems in this area can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness. Radiculopathy can appear in different parts of the spine, each with its own symptoms. Cervical radiculopathy affects the arms and hands, while thoracic radiculopathy involves the upper body. Lumbar radiculopathy, which often appears with sciatica, affects the lower back and legs. Even the sacrum can develop nerve root problems that impact the feet and lower limbs.
Our VA-accredited attorneys can discuss the possibility of getting benefits for your sciatica or radiculopathy as secondaries to your primary service connected back condition.
For many Veterans, service conditions play a major role in developing sciatica or radiculopathy. Long hours in heavy machinery, repeated lifting, and the intense physical demands of active duty place constant pressure on the spine. Falls, combat incidents, or training accidents may cause herniated discs or vertebral fractures, and those injuries may lead to nerve compression later in life. Even when the original injury occurred years earlier, symptoms may worsen with age. This is why documenting your medical history and connecting your symptoms to your time in service is so important.
Sometimes sciatica or radiculopathy develops as a secondary condition to something the VA already recognizes. If you have a service-connected diagnosis such as spinal stenosis, arthritis, or degenerative disc disease, you may also qualify for benefits for related nerve damage.
The VA evaluates each affected nerve separately and assigns ratings based on the level of paralysis or sensory loss. Mild incomplete paralysis may receive a 10 percent rating, while severe or complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve may receive much higher ratings.
Because symptoms can resemble other back problems, proper testing is essential. Studies such as EMGs or nerve conduction tests help confirm the diagnosis and give a clearer picture of the nerve damage. It also helps to explain how your symptoms affect your daily life. Back and leg pain may make walking, lifting, or even sitting difficult. Episodes of severe pain may interrupt work or limit your normal activities, while personal statements from family members or fellow Veterans can provide helpful insight into the challenges you face each day.
If you believe your sciatica or radiculopathy is connected to your military service, reaching out for legal guidance can make a meaningful difference. Our Veterans Disability attorneys understand how much nerve pain affects every part of daily life. They help with initial claims, medical evidence, diagnosing related conditions, and seeking the correct disability rating. If your claim was denied or rated too low, there may still be options to appeal or submit additional evidence.
We are committed to standing with Veterans throughout the claims process, by reviewing records, working with medical providers, and helping you build the strongest case possible. If your sciatica or radiculopathy symptoms limit your work or daily activities, you deserve fair compensation. You can contact the firm for a free consultation and take an important step toward proper treatment, support, and recognition of your service-connected condition.
