If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy and frequently have numbness, tingling, and chronic pain, you know how these symptoms can significantly impact your ability to function. They often make things like driving, typing, or walking a challenge.
But getting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fully recognize the severity of this disability is often an uphill battle. Many veterans feel their VA nerve damage rating doesn’t accurately reflect the condition’s impact on their lives.
The crucial first step toward securing the necessary financial support is understanding how these ratings are calculated and how they interact with other benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Why Nerve Damage Claims Can Be Undervalued
A common frustration among veterans is receiving a rating that seems far too low, given the pain they experience. This frequently occurs because nerve damage is not visible on standard diagnostic imaging like X-rays. Unlike a broken bone, neuropathy is subjective, which can make it harder to substantiate to a VA examiner.
To ensure your condition is properly recognized, you need evidence beyond basic scans. Successful claims typically depend on specific neurological test results and accurate reporting of how the injury happened.
Here are key factors that often lead to a lower rating:
- Subjective Symptoms: Examiners may downplay complaints of pain without objective medical documentation. Diagnostic tests like Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies are essential for validating your reported experience.
- Secondary Connections: Nerve damage frequently stems from other service-connected conditions, such as diabetes or spinal injuries. A frequent error is failing to file the neuropathy as a secondary condition linked to the primary injury.
- Functional Loss: The “pain on motion” principle is very important during your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. If you push through the pain during a range of motion assessment, the examiner might conclude your function is better than it truly is.
How the VA Determines Your Rating
The VA generally classifies nerve issues into two primary categories: paralysis and neuritis. Paralysis refers to a substantial loss of movement or sensation, while neuritis covers conditions characterized by pain, tingling, and sensitivity.
The rating scale for affected limbs typically ranges from 0% to 70%. A mild tingling sensation might result in a 10% rating, while severe issues that functionally prevent almost all use of a limb can reach the higher percentages.
Since conditions like peripheral neuropathy often affect both sides (e.g., both feet from diabetes), the “Bilateral Factor” is key as the VA adjusts the calculation. This accounts for the compounding effect, frequently leading to a higher total disability percentage than simple addition.
Connecting Benefits: TDIU and Social Security Disability
A lower numerical VA rating does not automatically mean you are ineligible for higher compensation. If your nerve damage prevents you from maintaining employment, you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This benefit pays you at the 100% rate even if your actual combined rating is lower.
Veterans can receive both VA disability compensation and SSDI simultaneously, as these benefits do not offset. Though a high VA rating isn’t an SSDI guarantee, the medical evidence used for the VA (e.g., EMG results, doctor’s notes on daily limitations) is crucial for a strong Social Security claim. Detail how your condition affects fine motor skills, like buttoning or typing, to prove your inability to work.
Contact Us Today to Understand Your VA Nerve Damage Rating
Navigating two separate government systems can be overwhelming. While National Disability Benefits focuses on helping clients win Social Security Disability claims, we have a deep understanding of the unique complexities of veteran cases.
We can help you utilize your existing VA medical records to build a comprehensive case for SSDI, ensuring you receive the maximum monthly financial support available.
Contact us online today or call 1 (844) 777-0615 to discuss your options and learn how we can help you bridge the gap between your military service and your long-term financial security.
