Question Regarding DBQ For Lumbar Radiculopathy

[18Blade]

Hello,


Per the subject, I'm trying to decipher my paperwork / comparing it to the VA's schedule of ratings, and I'm getting more frustration than understanding up to this point. Wondering if anyone here has recent experience with lumbar radiculopathy ratings, and if so, how the VA actually breaks down the rating(s)?

On my DBQ, section 8A has the "Moderate" boxes checked for Left and Right lower extremity in both the "Paresthesias and/or dysesthesias" and "Numbness" rows.

Section 8C has the boxes labeled "both" checked for both "Involvement of L2/L3/L4 nerve roots (femoral nerve)", and "Involvement of L4/L5/S1/S2/S3 nerve roots (sciatic nerve)".

My interpretation of the VA's rating schedule suggests this would be a 'moderate' diagnosis for lumbar radiculopathy on each side, which I assume would be worth 20% per side? I've read posts around the web of folks who have this condition, equal to or worse than me, and they were 'awarded' 0%. Others I've read have suggested that each of those nerves would receive its own individual rating?

As has been the case since the onset of my MEDBOARD, I'm again confused as to what to reasonably expect here. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Shaun

 

[18Blade]

Hello,

Hoping someone can shed some light on the above? Grateful for anything and everything!

Shaun

 

[NHow20]

Hello,


Per the subject, I'm trying to decipher my paperwork / comparing it to the VA's schedule of ratings, and I'm getting more frustration than understanding up to this point. Wondering if anyone here has recent experience with lumbar radiculopathy ratings, and if so, how the VA actually breaks down the rating(s)?

On my DBQ, section 8A has the "Moderate" boxes checked for Left and Right lower extremity in both the "Paresthesias and/or dysesthesias" and "Numbness" rows.

Section 8C has the boxes labeled "both" checked for both "Involvement of L2/L3/L4 nerve roots (femoral nerve)", and "Involvement of L4/L5/S1/S2/S3 nerve roots (sciatic nerve)".

My interpretation of the VA's rating schedule suggests this would be a 'moderate' diagnosis for lumbar radiculopathy on each side, which I assume would be worth 20% per side? I've read posts around the web of folks who have this condition, equal to or worse than me, and they were 'awarded' 0%. Others I've read have suggested that each of those nerves would receive its own individual rating?

As has been the case since the onset of my MEDBOARD, I'm again confused as to what to reasonably expect here. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Shaun

View attachment 11000

So these symptoms do reflect a 20% rating for radiculopathy, but it doesnt mean they will add it to your MEB referred condition. I had the same thing come up on my DBQ and asked if the provider was going to add radiculopathy and he said no. It will still get rated by the V.A but no added to your DOD %

 

[18Blade]

So these symptoms do reflect a 20% rating for radiculopathy, but it doesnt mean they will add it to your MEB referred condition. I had the same thing come up on my DBQ and asked if the provider was going to add radiculopathy and he said no. It will still get rated by the V.A but no added to your DOD %

Hello NHow,

Thank you for the reply. The VA side is actually what I'm trying to determine. I'm not worried if the DOD adds it...I'm just wondering if the VA actually would rate this at 20% since the boxes checked are aligned with their rating schedule for 'moderate'?

I'm just expecting them to lowball in any way they can...too many horror stories from vets everywhere to have much faith in the VA rating system.

Shaun

 

[d001]

Since this DBQ has sciatic nerve and femoral nerve checked, i'll paste both.
Your DBQ aligns with 20% rating (moderate)

The Sciatic Nerve (Ischiadic Nerve, Ischiatic Nerve)​

Starts in the lower back and runs down each leg.

It is a major player in allowing leg, foot, and hip movements.

Paralysis​

Rating​	Description​
10%​	Incomplete (Mild).​
20%​	Incomplete (Moderate).​
40%​	Incomplete (Moderately-severe).​
60%​	Incomplete (Severe - marked muscular atrophy).​
80%​	Complete (Foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost).​

Neuritis​

Rating​	Description​
10%​	Mild.​
20%​	Moderate.​
40%​	Moderately-severe.​
60%​	Severe.​

Neuralgia (Sciatica)​

Rating​	Description​
10%​	Mild.​
20%​	Moderate.​

The Femoral Nerve (Anterior Crural Nerve)​

Comes from the spinal cord and moves around outside of the hip towards the abdomen, and then moves down the thigh.

Controls movement of the knee and leg.

Paralysis​

Rating​	Description​
10%​	Incomplete (Mild).​
20%​	Incomplete (Moderate).​
30%​	Incomplete (Severe).​
40%​	Complete (Paralysis of quadriceps extensor muscles).​

Neuritis​

Rating​	Description​
10%​	Mild.​
20%​	Moderate.​
30%​	Severe.​

Neuralgia​

Rating​	Description​
10%​	Mild.​
20%​	Moderate.​