Va Compensation For Secondary Neuropathy

Making a secondary claim is a similar process to filing a direct-service connected claim.

Va compensation for secondary neuropathy. Secondary claims can be submitted using the same methods as filing a direct-service connected claim. Neuropathy is listed as a disease of the peripheral nerves under Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders. This is called secondary service connection. For example if your diabetic neuropathy coronary artery disease hypertension or other conditions are all valid secondary claims.

Additional compensation is given by the VA for loss of use of the arms legs and a few other body systems. Veterans who are service-connected for diabetes and develop a secondary condition could qualify for VA disability benefits for the secondary disability. Way to do this is to provide medical records from your time on active duty showing thorough evidence of the condition especially its original diagnosis. There are many secondary claims which can be made secondary to a VA rating for diabetes.

As mentioned above secondary service-connected conditions can include any condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition. But if you watch the decisions coming out of the Board you will quickly see that most Veterans fail to get beyond the 10 rating level and its not because the condition is not severe. Establishing secondary service connection for peripheral neuropathy can greatly increase your VA rating but it is often overlooked. Prior to receiving disability compensation from VA veterans must prove that their disability is related to service.

VA Service Connection for Nerve Damage. Service connection for nerve damage can be established in a number of ways. The common peroneal nerve is derived from the lumbar and sacral spine regions as a part of the sciatic nerve. However arguably the most common way to do so is on a secondary basis.

However some of the most common secondary service-connected conditions among veterans include the following. Even the same form VA Form 21-526EZ is used. Additionally when dealing with the upper peripheral nerves the VA rating criteria will consider whether the side of the body affected is the veterans dominant armhand. Claiming Secondary Conditions for VA Disability For a condition to be eligible for VA Disability you must be able to prove that it is service-connected.

Generally to establish direct service connection you must have a current diagnosed disability. The VA uses this schedule to assess your disability. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs VA has a compensation schedule for rating disabilities. Does any body know the highest rating for neuropathy in the arm or leg.

Also in CFR38 some items dont have a disability percentage ie. Like a direct-service condition claim substantial evidence will be needed in order to have it approved. The ratings under DC 8520 range from 80 to 10. Typically lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated analogous to paralysis of the sciatic nerve under diagnostic code 8520.

For example nerve damage can involve the peroneal nerve sciatic nerve or femoral nerve. Lastly when deciding whether to rate a nerve condition according to a specific nerve versus a radicular group look at whether the majority of movements associated with a certain group are affected. The rating schedule that is applied to neuropathy is based on the level of incomplete paralysis for each extremity hands and feet. Peripheral Neuropathy Secondary to Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

This legal theory is called secondary service connection. Which is to file VA Form 21-526EZ Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Diabetic neuropathy arises as a result of type 2 diabetes. Secondary service connection can occur in the event that a veterans already service-connected condition causes or aggravates a non-service-connected condition.

Service-connected disability compensation is available for almost any disability that is the result of another service-connected condition. Service-Connected Neuropathy and Agent Orange. So you may be able to get a separate rating for diabetic neuropathy that will be combined with your diabetes rating to give you a total disability rating. If your nerve condition is severe enough that the affected body part is unable to function at all you probably qualify.

Often a service-connected condition will result in a disability or disease that was not incurred in service but because the service connected condition caused it VA will also pay a benefit. See the Special Monthly Compensation page to see if your particular condition qualifies. However you can sometimes argue that broader symptoms resulting in impairment also warrant service connection even if there is no actual diagnosis. VA Disability Ratings VA does not have a diagnostic code DC for peripheral neuropathy so it rates it analogous.

The easiest and fastest way to do this is by filing online which also allows you to track your claim. Diabetes Mellitus Type II Explained Diabetes mellitus type II is a chronic condition that affects the way an individuals body metabolizes glucose ie sugar. Getting a VA disability rating for diabetic neuropathy may be different than other ratings because of its status as a secondary condition. The VA doesnt have a diagnostic code for peripheral neuropathy so the VA rates the condition based on the nerve s involved.