If you’ve filed a VA disability claim for radiculopathy, the Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is one of the most decisive steps in the entire claims process. This single appointment often determines whether your condition is service connected and how much monthly compensation you’ll receive.
Radiculopathy and sciatica are extremely common among veterans due to years of heavy physical training, combat injuries, and strain on the spine. In fact, paralysis of the sciatic nerve is consistently ranked among the top three most common VA disability claims nationwide.
VA disability expert Brian Reese explains, “Radiculopathy claims are won or lost at the C&P exam. Veterans who understand how the VA evaluates nerve damage always have a major advantage.”
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Understanding Radiculopathy and VA Disability Claims
Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root is compressed or irritated, often due to conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or arthritis. The result is radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that follows the nerve pathway into the arms or legs.
For VA purposes, radiculopathy is rated as a neurological condition, separate from the underlying spine condition. That distinction is critical, because it allows veterans to receive additional compensation beyond their back or neck rating.
Key Features of the Radiculopathy C&P Exam
| Exam Area | What the VA Evaluates |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Confirmation of radiculopathy |
| Nerve involvement | Sciatic, femoral, peroneal, or other nerves |
| Symptom severity | Mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe |
| Functional loss | Impact on work and daily activities |
| Range of motion | Spine movement and pain |
| Documentation | Completion of Radiculopathy DBQ |
A former VA medical examiner notes, “The VA isn’t guessing. They rely almost entirely on what’s documented in the DBQ.”
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VA Disability Ratings for Radiculopathy Explained
VA disability ratings for radiculopathy generally range from 0% to 70%, depending on symptom severity and nerve involvement. Sciatica, which affects the sciatic nerve, is rated from 10% to 80%, while complete paralysis of certain nerve groups can reach 90%.
General Rating Guidelines
| Severity Level | Typical VA Rating Range |
|---|---|
| Mild symptoms | 10% – 20% |
| Moderate symptoms | 20% – 40% |
| Moderately severe | 40% – 60% |
| Severe with marked muscle atrophy | 60% – 80% |
| Complete paralysis | Up to 90% |
Brian Reese emphasizes, “Frequency, severity, and duration drive the rating not how tough you are.”
What to Expect During a Radiculopathy C&P Exam?
Medical Records Review
The examiner will review your VA and private medical records, focusing on spine injuries, imaging studies, nerve tests, and prior diagnoses. You are not required to bring documents, but doing so can help ensure nothing is overlooked.
Service History and Onset Discussion
Expect questions about:
- When symptoms began
- Whether symptoms started during or after service
- Prior injuries, deployments, or physically demanding duties
Veterans with combat or training-related injuries often have stronger service-connection arguments.
Symptom Evaluation
You will be asked to describe:
- Pain type (sharp, burning, electric)
- Radiation pattern (leg, arm, foot, hand)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Muscle spasms or coordination issues
A VA-accredited neurologist explains, “Radiating pain tells the story of nerve damage better than any scan.”
Functional Impact on Work and Daily Life
Radiculopathy often affects much more than mobility. During the exam, the VA wants to understand how symptoms interfere with real-world functioning.
Common Work Impacts
- Difficulty standing or sitting for long periods
- Reduced productivity due to pain
- Missed workdays for treatment or flare-ups
Life and Social Impacts
- Inability to exercise or participate in hobbies
- Social withdrawal due to pain
- Strained relationships
Functional Limitations
- Trouble lifting objects
- Gait disturbances
- Balance problems and fall risk
A veterans’ disability attorney explains, “Functional loss is where many veterans leave money on the table by underreporting.”
Physical Examination and Range of Motion Testing
The examiner will evaluate:
- Spine movement using a goniometer
- Pain during active and passive motion
- Muscle strength and reflexes
- Sensory loss
The VA requires examiners to estimate additional limitations during flare-ups even if you’re not flaring that day.
Radiculopathy DBQ: Why It Matters
All findings are documented on the Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) DBQ, which includes a dedicated radiculopathy section. This document is the primary evidence used by the VA rater.
As one former VA rater stated, “If it’s not written on the DBQ, it doesn’t exist.”
Common Questions Asked During the Exam
The examiner must document detailed findings, including:
- Presence of radicular pain
- Nerve roots involved
- Severity of pain, numbness, and weakness
- Functional loss after repeated use
- Impact on employment
These questions directly control your final rating.
How to Prepare for Your Radiculopathy C&P Exam?
Preparation Checklist
| Preparation Step | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Gather medical records | Confirms diagnosis and severity |
| Keep a symptom diary | Shows frequency and duration |
| List functional impacts | Supports higher ratings |
| Review the DBQ | Prevents missed details |
| Be specific, not vague | Improves examiner accuracy |
Brian Reese advises, “Never say ‘I’m fine most days’ if you’re not. The VA records exactly what you say.”
Recent Trends Affecting Radiculopathy Claims (2025–2026)
- Increased focus on flare-up documentation
- More scrutiny of functional loss after repeated use
- Greater separation between spine and nerve ratings
Veterans filing new or increased claims should ensure radiculopathy is claimed separately from back conditions.
Why Getting the Right Rating Matters?
A properly rated radiculopathy claim can add hundreds to thousands of dollars per month in tax-free compensation. It can also:
- Increase your combined VA rating
- Support eligibility for TDIU
- Strengthen secondary condition claims
As one veteran advocate puts it, “Radiculopathy is often the missing piece that pushes veterans to 100%.”
FAQs
Is radiculopathy rated separately from a back condition?
Yes. Radiculopathy receives its own neurological rating.
Can radiculopathy be rated at 0%?
Yes, if symptoms are present but not compensable.
Does sciatica count as radiculopathy?
Yes. Sciatica is a form of radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve.
Do flare-ups matter for VA ratings?
Absolutely. Flare-ups must be considered when assigning ratings.
Can radiculopathy qualify for TDIU?
Yes, if symptoms prevent substantially gainful employment.
