10 VA Secondary Conditions to Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy can have far-reaching effects beyond nerve pain, often leading to a variety of secondary health conditions that impact your daily life and overall well-being.  

These VA secondary conditions to radiculopathy can include musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain syndromes, sleep disturbances, and even mental health challenges. 

This post covers 10 secondary conditions to radiculopathy, explains VA ratings, key elements for establishing secondary service connection, and how to file a claim.

Key Takeaways

• Secondary conditions to radiculopathy can develop when chronic nerve pain and limited mobility lead to additional health issues, such as muscle weakness, joint degeneration, or mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. 

• To prove secondary service connection for a condition related to radiculopathy, you need a current diagnosis and medical evidence showing it was caused or aggravated by your service-connected radiculopathy. 

• A nexus letter, while not required, is often essential to show that a secondary condition is “proximately due to” or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

How the VA Rates Radiculopathy

The VA rates radiculopathy under the Schedule of Ratings for Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, using diagnostic codes 8510– 8730.  

Ratings range from 0% to 80%, depending on symptom severity and the degree of paralysis. 

• View Our Complete Radiculopathy VA Ratings Guide 

10 VA Secondary Conditions to Radiculopathy

Mental Health Conditions

Chronic nerve pain from radiculopathy can take a significant toll on mental health. Constant discomfort, limited mobility, and the inability to perform everyday tasks can lead to mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.  

These mental health conditions often develop as veterans struggle to manage the emotional and physical challenges of long-term pain. 

The VA rates mental health conditions under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. Ratings range from 0% to 100%, based on the level of social and occupational impairment. 

• View Our Guide on Anxiety VA Ratings and Service Connection

• View Our Guide on Depression VA Ratings and Service Connection

Sleep Disturbances

For many veterans, chronic nerve pain from radiculopathy makes getting quality sleep nearly impossible.  

The discomfort often intensifies at night or when lying down, leading to insomnia, fatigue, and worsening pain over time. 

The VA typically rates sleep disturbances based on the primary condition causing the disturbance.  

For example, if it’s associated with a mental health condition, it would be rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. 

Chronic Pain Syndrome

Radiculopathy causes constant, debilitating pain in affected areas, leading to chronic pain syndrome (CPS), sometimes associated with Somatic Symptom Disorder. 

This secondary condition arises when the body’s pain receptors remain activated over long periods, creating a cycle of continuous pain.  

CPS can affect your physical and emotional health, leading to sleep disturbances, irritability, and fatigue, requiring both pain management and psychological support. 

The VA rates somatic symptom disorder under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, using DC 9421.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that can develop secondary to radiculopathy.  

When nerve damage from radiculopathy increases the body’s pain sensitivity, it may trigger fibromyalgia symptoms such as widespread muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties. 

The VA rates fibromyalgia secondary to radiculopathy under DC 5025, with possible ratings of 10%, 20%, or 40%, depending on the severity and persistence of symptoms like chronic pain, exhaustion, and sleep disturbance. 

Arthritis

Chronic nerve pain and altered movement patterns from radiculopathy can gradually wear down the joints, leading to arthritis as a secondary condition. 

When the body compensates for nerve-related weakness, numbness, or pain, it can place abnormal stress on certain joints.  

Over time, this uneven pressure accelerates joint inflammation and degeneration, increasing the likelihood of developing arthritis in areas affected by compensatory movement. 

The VA rates arthritis secondary to radiculopathy under various diagnostic codes, including 5002 and 5003.

Muscle Atrophy

When radiculopathy causes nerve compression or damage, it can lead to muscle weakness and atrophy in the affected limbs.  

Over time, the lack of proper nerve signals causes muscles to shrink and lose strength, making it difficult for veterans to perform everyday activities. 

The VA doesn’t rate muscle atrophy separately, as it is already considered part of the radiculopathy evaluation under the Schedule of Ratings for Peripheral Nerves (38 CFR § 4.124a).  

However, documented atrophy can support a higher rating for radiculopathy if it shows more severe nerve impairment. 

Foot Drop

Foot drop happens when nerve damage from radiculopathy weakens or paralyzes the muscles that lift the front of the foot.  

This can make walking difficult and increase the risk of tripping or falling, as veterans often have trouble raising their foot with each step. 

The VA rates foot drop secondary to radiculopathy under DC 8521, with disability ratings ranging from 10% to 40%.  

Higher ratings are given when symptoms include complete paralysis of the muscles controlling foot movement, significant weakness, or severe walking difficulties that limit mobility and daily function. 

Gait Abnormalities

Lower spine radiculopathy can lead to gait abnormalities as nerve damage affects balance and walking mechanics.  

Leg weakness, stiffness, and uneven stride can cause abnormal walking patterns, which may worsen other musculoskeletal issues. 

While the VA doesn’t assign a separate rating for gait abnormalities, they can be considered when evaluating related service-connected conditions.  

For example, you may receive additional compensation if gait issues, such as a limp, are linked to your radiculopathy and result in further complications in the legs, feet, or back. 

Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

Lumbar or sacral radiculopathy can affect the nerves controlling the bladder and bowels, leading to incontinence, constipation, or difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels.  

This makes bladder and bowel dysfunction a serious secondary condition that often requires ongoing medical management. 

The VA rates these conditions under DC 7542 (Neurogenic Bladder) and DC 7332 (Rectum and Anus, Impairment of Sphincter Control). 

Sexual Dysfunction

In more advanced cases of radiculopathy, particularly in the lower spine, nerve compression can affect the nerves that control sexual function.  

This can cause erectile dysfunction in men or reduced arousal in women, as pelvic nerve damage from lower spine issues can disrupt intimacy and overall quality of life. 

The VA typically assigns a 0% rating for erectile dysfunction (ED) or female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) unless there’s a penile deformity with loss of function.  

However, even without a compensable rating, you may still be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for the loss of use of a creative organ. 

How to Establish Secondary Service Connection

To prove service connection for secondary conditions to radiculopathy, you’ll need:  

• A current diagnosis – Medical documentation of your secondary condition from a qualified licensed provider.  

• A medical nexus – Evidence (e.g., a credible nexus letter) showing that your secondary condition was caused or aggravated by your service-connected radiculopathy.

Nexus Letter for Secondary Conditions

A nexus letter for secondary conditions is strongly recommended. While it’s not required, it frequently is the key factor between approval and denial.  

To prove secondary service connection, you must show your disability is “proximately due to” or “aggravated by” another service-connected condition. 

A detailed nexus letter from an independent medical provider is often the most effective way to demonstrate this link.

Filing a VA Claim for Secondary Conditions

To be eligible for a VA rating for secondary conditions to radiculopathy, you must file a VA claim. 

You can file a VA claim using VA Form 21-526EZ: 

• Online 

• By mail   

• Via fax 

• In person at a VA regional office 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied? 

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims! 

Schedule your 20-minute consultation call and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim. 

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VA rating for radiculopathy?

The VA rates radiculopathy under diagnostic codes 8520, 8620, or 8720 in the Schedule of Ratings for Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, with ratings from 0% to 80% based on symptom severity and degree of paralysis. 

How does radiculopathy cause secondary conditions?

Many veterans develop radiculopathy secondary conditions because chronic nerve irritation and impaired movement can strain other parts of the body over time, often leading to joint degeneration, muscle weakness, and disrupted sleep. 

Do I need a nexus letter for secondary conditions?

While not required, a nexus letter from a qualified licensed medical provider is often essential to demonstrate the connection between your radiculopathy and the secondary condition. 

Can secondary conditions increase my overall VA rating?

Yes. If your secondary condition is service-connected and rated, it can increase your total combined disability rating, potentially leading to higher benefits. >>View VA Disability Calculator 

Can I claim multiple secondary conditions at once?

If several conditions are caused or aggravated by your service-connected radiculopathy, you can file claims for each. The VA will evaluate each condition separately and combine the ratings into your total disability percentage. 

How long does it take to get a secondary condition approved?

Approval times vary, but secondary VA claims can take several months. Submitting thorough medical evidence and a nexus letter may speed up the process. You can always check the status of your VA claim through VA.gov.