If you think you may be suffering from sciatica, but youve never visited the doctor about it, pick up the phone and call the VA nearest to you to make an appointment. Many disabled veterans are not disabled by societys definition of disability, or by their own definition of disability. If an officer is discharged by a general court-martial, they receive a dismissal notice, which is the same as a dishonorable discharge. Once the history of your sciatica has been established, a physical exam will then be completed by a state-certified technician to understand the underlying cause of your sciatica issue. You dont have to pay anything until we win your case anyway. Time in a military prison usually precedes a BCD. If you have a disability due to sciatica, consult your doctor about any limitations that may exist. However, if a veteran can show that their sciatica is a direct result of their military service, it is possible that it could be service connected. The Military Wallet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. This could help you gain a higher rating. Make sure that you let your doctor know about any limitations you're having because of your sciatica pain. Most applicants with sciatica don't meet the strict criteria for a finding of "medical disability." A service-connected condition means an illness or injury that was caused byor got worse because ofyour active military service. Sciatica can make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time. 0 share; SHARE ON TWITTER; Share on Facebook Under the direction of its leader Maj. Gen. Ondra . How do I file for a claim after my discharge from the military? Hello. Signup to never miss a beat with special offers, blog updates, exclusive trainings, and more delivered right to your inbox! You must then submit the form to the Discharge Review Board of senior officers and noncommissioned officers within 15 years of your discharge. Compare the rates, fees, and rewards of top credit cards for military servicemembers and veterans, including cards with waived annual fees under the SCRA. Reggie is thankful to God for being a servant in helping our veterans. The veterans rating of 10 indicates that he or she has a minimum schedular limit for motion of the lumbosacral spine under Diagnostic Code 5292. When the spine becomes bulded, either as a result of natural degeneration or as a result of physical injury, the disc is damaged. The https:// ensures that you're connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and sent securely. Here is more information on how Social Security evaluates chronic pain. For more information, see our articles on how Social Security decides if you can work or are disabled. See what the upcoming Navy museum might . Furthermore, you must demonstrate that the back pain is related to a service-related injury, illness, or incident. As a result of the bulging disc, pain, numbness, discomfort, and weakness can all be used to establish a disability rating in the VA. The site is secure. Your commanders opinion does not assure the boards decision. For many people, sciatica can be treated effectively and the symptoms resolve. A medical separation is a type of military discharge that stems from a soldier, sailor, or Marine having a physical or mental condition that affects their ability to serve. Veterans with certain diseases that presented themselves after discharge from military service may be eligible for disability compensation. If your medical records show signs of a disease such as spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, or piriformis syndrome, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may consider you to be disabled if your sciatica is severe enough to qualify for disability benefits. MORE: Discover the Power of a VA Loan for Veterans and Military Families. People with scurvy face a slew of challenges, including walking difficulties and paralysis. Any opinions are those of the author alone, and not those of an advertiser to the site nor of The Military Wallet. What type of veterans benefits am I entitled to with a general medical discharge? The average percent disability for back pain was 11%, and the . They, on the other hand, do require some manifestation during your service. When filling out the ADL questionnaire, avoid making vague statements like "I can't do anything" or "Everything hurts." Sciatica (sy-AT-ik-uh) is the medical term for pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve in your lower back. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! The majority of the time, it will make you feel better in a matter of weeks. It is defined as an ankylosis of one or more lower back vertebrae. In some cases, sciatica may be considered a permanent disability, although this will depend on the severity of symptoms and the individuals ability to manage them. About 3.6% of U.S. adults ages 18 to 54 (5.2 million people . Depending on your age, education, and skills, you'll also likely have to show that you can't do the easiest, least physically demanding jobs. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, or as directed. If your discharge was more than 15 years ago, you must request a change to your military records. results of physical examinations, including muscle strength and reflexes, medications such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants, how long the SSA thinks you can sit, stand, and walk, how much weight you can lift and carry, and. Apply heat to help decrease pain and muscle spasms. To understand which of the three classifications your sciatica falls under, look to the sciatic nerve itself. The resulting pain, numbness, discomfort, and weakness can provide a basis for obtaining a VA disability rating for a bulging disc. If a ranking or list has a company noted to be a partner the indicated company is a corporate affiliate of The Military Wallet. An other than honorable conditions or OTH discharge is the most severe kind you can get without a court martial. Chester Jones wasn't discharged, but he did lose a job he loved. In contrast to arthritis, which is a disease of the joints, sciatica is a symptom of a condition of the sciatic nerve. This can be demonstrated by muscular atrophy, poor blood circulation, and limited movement of the affected body part. As a result, sciatica is not a permanent disability but rather a temporary one. If they can be shown to warrant separate ratings, then they will be combined together. Repeated misconduct, which includes two or more minor disciplinary actions. The VA offers two disability programs for veterans, which are listed below. If I was discharged under other than honorable conditions, can I get my discharge upgraded? The severity of the pain can be determined using a scale ranging from 1 to 10. This discharge indicates whether military personnel left the service under favorable or unfavorable conditions, ultimately affecting their eligibility for veterans' benefits and reenlistment. It is not the bank advertisers responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. MORE: Learn More About VA Loan Opportunities for Active Duty Military. Veterans who developed scoliosis during their service may be eligible to receive VA disability benefits for their condition. For more information on how to apply, contact the VA in Vermont, or for information on accredited service officers. 1. If you meet the financial eligibility requirements for disability benefits and you've been unable to work full-time for at least one year, the SSA will want to see objective findings, like an MRI, of the underlying disorder causing the sciatica. Those suffering from sciatica will experience pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve which travels from the lower back down through the legs. A veterans rating of 5 indicates that he or she is not experiencing any pain. Veterans who suffer from sciatica often experience debilitating pain in . References to third-party products, rates and offers may change without notice. The disability claims examiner reviewing your file will be looking to see: Most importantly, the examiner will look for medical imaging that can pinpoint the source of your sciatica. However, in most cases, sciatica can be managed through medications, physical therapy, and surgery. PURPOSE OF MEDICAL DISCHARGE ON GROUNDS OF INJURY OR ILLNESS Each year thousands of servicemembers are injured while on duty. The sciatic nerve branches from your lower back through your hips, buttocks, and down each leg. The Army has moved to discharge a sergeant that was convicted of murder on April 7 for killing an Air Force veteran during a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020. The symptoms of sciatica may be short-term or long-term: Pain that goes from the lower back into your buttocks and down the back of your thigh. The sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips, buttocks, and down your legs, is responsible for the pain in sciatica. Lower back pain is the hallmark of sciatica. Veterans may not be eligible for certain veterans benefits under a general discharge, including the GI Bill. By combining sciatica treatment and long-term medication avoidance, we can alleviate your pain while also reducing your reliance on long-term medication. A sciatic nerve condition like complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve results in the muscles in the leg and below the knee worsening. Support your beliefs with professional medical records before and after service to demonstrate that you didnt suffer from back pain until after your time in service. Incomplete paralysis can be determined as severe, moderately severe, moderate, or mild with disability ratings as low as 10 percent. Service-connected disabilities deserve a disability rating based on all of their health issues, regardless of how severe they are. If an individual leaves the military before completing at least 180 days of service, they receive an entry-level separation status. The decision to medically discharge a person with scoliosis is made on a case-by-case basis. Officer Discharge A VA rate for neurological conditions under 38 CFR part 4.124a is $414. Then, file a disability claim for your medical issues. If two exams record the diagnosis differently, then the exam with the most exhaustive data and performed by the most qualified professional in that sector will be the exam the rating is based on. Because the deformation in the disc can protrude into the spinal canal, it can press on nerves. There are several types of military discharges, but they fall under two main categories for enlisted personnel, administrative separations (or ad-seps) and punitive discharges. If your sciatica is idiopathicmeaning that your doctors haven't been able to find what's causing ityou'll have a harder time getting the SSA to find you disabled. Eighteen soldiers had a spinal cord injury, 10 of which were complete. Reggie has a Bachelors degree in Business and Marketing, and a Masters in Public Relations and Advertising. When filling out an ADL application, avoid making statements like I cant do anything or everything hurts.. Here at Woods and Woods VA Disability Lawyers, weve been helping veterans gain the VA rating they deserve for years and we have the skill and experience to help you gain the support you need. Your military service does not always result in the identification of disabilities that the VA provides for. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A partial paralysis has the potential to cause compromised blood flow, limited functional abilities, and muscle wasting. If you have questions about Veteran programs offered through or by the Dept. The VA rates sciatica based on the severity of the pain, the length of time the pain has been present, and the effects of the pain on the veterans ability to work and perform daily activities. Each branch of the VA has its own set of responsibilities, each serving its own set of veterans. By submitting a solid medical record, you can obtain a fair VA disability rating for a bulging disc. Ryan Guina is The Military Wallets founder. This could offer a veteran a 60 percent disability rating for their sciatic nerve condition. Last updated on Apr 2, 2023. Leg pain that increases with standing, sitting, or squatting. It follows a pattern of significant departure from behavior, omission, or conduct expected of military members. Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) compresses the sciatic nerve, causing inflammation, numbness or tingling, and occasionally incontinence. When a muscle or bone presses on the sciatic nerve, it is frequently referred to as sciatica. To qualify for Social Security, you must demonstrate that pain has a negative impact on your ability to work. Security violations, arrest and conviction by civilian authorities, assault, abuse of authority, and drug violations are all examples of the type of conduct warranting an Other . Their knowledge of the VA Disability system is phenomenal. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. The SSA values the opinions of doctors who can shed light on your restrictions. If you are thinking about trying to upgrade your discharge and want to learn the basics on how to go about the process, take a look at Episode # 106. Remember if you ever fell, what your daily activities included, and how those activities could hurt your back. in severe cases, bowel or bladder incontinence. Rest, ice, and pain medications are all available in addition to rest. Types of Military Discharges Understanding Discharge Ratings, U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erick Requadt. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. I believe due to the reasons on my medical forms shows a medical discharge and not an ELS discharge. If your record contains evidence of mental limitationslike difficulty focusing because of painyour RFC will also contain "non-exertional" limitations, such as whether you can perform simple or complex tasks and how much contact you can have with other people. These discs act as shock absorbers and is what lets you move around with ease. Each of these veterans benefits have different eligibility criteria so be How to Make the Most of Your 0% Benefits If you've gone through the VA claims process and received a 0 percent VA disability rating, you may be disappointed by the outcome. Likewise, a member might not be able to reenlist or enter a different branch of the service. The cause of sciatica, on the other hand, is not necessarily caused by a major back injury, such as a ruptured disc. Daniel . Inability to meet weight, body composition or fitness standards. Ulceration, varices, fistula, achalasia, or other dysmotility disorders; chronic or recurrent esophagitis if. Instead, its a precise way of describing the location of the pain. Prolonged sitting (more than 1-2 hours) frequently intensifies sciatica symptoms. This could result in a 20 percent disability rating. 2. Military Record and Report of Separation Certificate of Service : Form WD AGO 55 : Title : Honorable Discharge from The Army of the United States : Form WD AGO 755 : Title : Honorable Discharge, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps : Form Bureau of Investigation No. Presented by Mortgage Research Center, LLC. Other Than Honorable Conditions (OTH) Discharge, How Military Discharge Information Should Be Used for Job Interviews, Unleash the Full Potential of Your VA Home Loan Benefits, Your Path to Homeownership Begins with a VA Loan, Discover the Power of a VA Loan for Veterans and Military Families, Veterans: Unlock Your Homebuying Dreams with a VA Loan, Learn More About VA Loan Opportunities for Active Duty Military, more information about military discharge upgrades, Small-Business Loans for Military Veterans and Spouses. of Veterans Affairs, the Dept. Veterans who have been injured or sick while serving in the military and who have had an existing condition worsen as a result of their service are eligible for VA disability compensation (pay) monthly tax-free payments. Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is irritated, leading to shooting pain, weakness, tingling or burning through the buttocks and down a leg, or both. A person with scoliosis can be medically discharged from the military if the curvature of the spine is severe enough to cause pain or other health problems. If your mom remembers a before and after, have her talk to our staff to write up a lay statement to back your case. (See our article on sedentary work limitations.). The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. It then runs down the back of your thigh, into your lower leg and foot. How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Herniation occurs when the fibrous ring around the disc ruptures and the inner nucleus of the disc is pushed out. His background is in search and rescue and navigation as an Operations Specialist. Jackson Forringer, of Chesnee, South Carolina, was apparently killed by an inadvertent gun discharge while he was with other Marines in the back of a Medium Tactical . You'll need to have the imaging showing evidence of nerve root compression, but you'll also need to show that you're exceptionally limited in the use of your extremities (legs, arms, or hands). MORE: Veterans: Unlock Your Homebuying Dreams with a VA Loan. Her physical and mental health deteriorated, and she died March 4, six weeks after her discharge. If you have questions of a specific nature consider consulting a financial professional, accountant or attorney to discuss. The sciatic nerve, which runs through the back of the thigh, is frequently compressed. If you have a service-related back condition, your sciatica is likely connected to this, as sciatica is usually caused by other back issues. In almost all cases, disc herniation surgery is a good choice for people with a high quality-of-life goal. The leading causes: OA and back pain. People who have sciatica frequently experience pain down their legs and are unable to walk or even sit normally for extended periods of time. Honorable (CO) Discharge, the CO part I dont understand. It is a complicated process. The process by which the SSA determines what you can and can't do in a work setting is called assessing your residual functional capacity (RFC). It is extremely unlikely that sciatica is caused by these back issues. Finally, you must demonstrate that the pain in your back is a direct result of the event, injury, or illness. You served you deserve. If you are applying for SSI or SSDI, we recommend that you work with your local Area Agency on Aging. This is the biggest nerve in the human body, and it extends from the lower back right through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Many physical activities, such as those you did while serving in the military, can lead to a bulging or herniation disc. A number of less common causes of sciatica are also listed below, such as degeneration of the discs and spinal cord compression. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be granted a military discharge. medically evacuated for MSKIs failed to return to the theater. When dealing with a range of motion issue, you can receive a 100% disability rating for your back condition if you have stiffening of the entire spine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be granted a military discharge. There is no one answer to this question as it depends on the individual case. Muscle weakness, difficulty moving or controlling your leg or foot. The reason could have been a medical discharge or other administrative discharge. They kept me informed of the progress of my case on a regular base. Thank you. Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time. Well also look and see if you can apply for more than one to combine and increase your benefits. A veteran can be rated for sciatica in a variety of ways. Use our VA disability calculator to determine your combined VA rating and monthly payment. All Rights Reserved. The Department of Veterans Affairs is the second largest federal agency, trailing only the Department of Defense. You may also hear a herniated disc called a slipped disc. Ideally, your medical record will contain one or more of the following objective findings: If you don't have any of the above documentation, set up an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Enter your information to join our mailing list. Instead, the board can make independent recommendations to the senior commander for final approval. A herniated or bulging disc is an injury that impacts your back, specifically your spine. In many cases, sciatica is the result of a ruptured intervertebral disk,an injury, or narrowing of the spinal canal that applies pressure on the nerve. Truly and outstanding firm. Commissioned officers cannot receive bad conduct discharges or dishonorable discharges, nor can they be reduced in rank by a court-martial. But the SSA can still find you disabled if you can show that your limitations prevent you from doing any full-time work. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly payment. If a disabled veterans spouse or child dies, the surviving spouse or child may be eligible for benefits such as pensions and education. of Defense or any governmental entity. Sciatica can be caused by a variety of things, including herniated discs, bone spurs, and pregnancy. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Two medical review boards determine medical discharges: the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) and the Medical Evaluation Board (or MEB). You have trouble controlling your urine or bowel movements. It has an 80% chance of being incomplete or severe paralysis of the sciatic nerve. There are many types of military discharges, including an honorable military discharge, general discharge, under other than honorable conditions, bad conduct discharge, dishonorable discharge, and entry-level separation. When it comes to requesting benefits from the VA, sciatic nerve conditions such as sciatica are ranked in three different categories established on the degree of severity of symptoms. Some conditions involve hospitalization or consistent medical care, such as an at-home nurse, for example. If conservative methods fail to solve the problem, we may recommend surgery. This is because it can offer valuable information on the causes of your problem. As discussed above, the VA typically assigns a Veterans Disability rating of between 10 and 20% for degenerative disc disease. If you are experiencing pain that is not caused by anything, your doctor may recommend physical therapy as a treatment option. Veterans can also be given a rating based on their disability applications performance. This nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg. But for others, compression of the sciatic nerve causes lumbar radiculopathyweakness and loss of feeling in the legs. If your condition is severe, you may also require an orthopaedic exam. You might feel a dull, constant ache, or a sharp, stabbing jolt. Consider contacting an experienced disability attorney (or a non-attorney representative) to help you with your application. The VA uses a general rating formula that considers the degree of flexion you have in both your cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine. Symptoms include pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. June 29, 2022. The latter is known asspinal stenosis. You must have objective findings to support your diagnosis of spinal stenosis or nerve root compression. If you dont have a service-related back condition, dont worry because you may still be able to get your sciatica service-connected. Regardless of what state you live in, its important that veterans pursue the monthly compensation payments due them for disabilities connected to their military service. Symptoms of moderately severe, moderate, and mild sciatic neuritis can be given a range of ratings including 40, 20, and 10 percent. Even if a veteran did not receive an honorable or general discharge, it doesnt necessarily mean they were discharged for bad conduct. An application for service can be made based on any medical records that indicate that you were affected by back issues while serving. Find out which documents the NCA accepts. People who meet the musculoskeletal listings typically need an assistive device, such as crutches or a walker. You would receive a 100 percent disability rating if scoliosis caused your entire spine to freeze in an unmovable position. A discharge relieves the veteran from any future military service obligations, whereas an individual in the retired reserve may be called back to active duty. The patient may also report radiating pain in the leg, and a drawing of the distribution may be used to evaluate it. Sciatica is a medical condition characterized by pain going down the leg from the lower back. You should be aware of the factors that will be considered when determining the location of your symptoms, the movements that make pain worse, and what gives you relief. Following an injury, the military's first priority is to provide medical treatment to the servicemember with the goal of returning him or her to duty as soon as possible. The VA should give you the one that has the highest rating, if they only give you one. Ensure that this occurs properly to make sure you receive a genuine rating. Some patients may require more time to recover than others. If your command issues an administrative separation, you will receive notification in writing. Brandon Callahan, MD is a board-certified orthopedic physician with a decade of experience in providing comprehensive orthopedic care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. When applying for VA benefits for sciatica and related conditions, certain principles apply. How the Pentagon is dealing with the intel leak impact. You may also need one or more of these documents so you can get other benefits. A buddy statement can go a long way as we add it to your evidence. (Here you can download a free form for your doctor to complete). Available for Android and iOS devices. It may also depend on the characterization of recommended service. Sciatica is not a direct diagnosis of the problem. Stick to numbers and quantities, like "I can walk for 15 minutes before I need to sit down." Special thanks to Jennifer for keeping me updated and returning my many phone calls. However, there is no automatic upgrade process. This guide explains the difference among these types of military discharge ratings. The spine is made of bones stacked on top of each other with a disc of soft tissue in-between each layer. Since medical discharge from the Army represents a significant cost and threat to military readiness 18 and greatly contributes to prolonged disability 19 and societal burden, it is critical to understand the longitudinal risk factors of LBP and PTSD, beginning with active duty service. If you have sciatica, it is critical that you see a doctor as soon as possible. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. The Veterans Affairs (VA) system uses a complicated schedule to rate disabilities, including sciatica. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual case and the severity of the condition. You're not alone. There is a chance that sciatica will develop if either of these conditions are present. MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE. Copyright Merative 2023 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Separations can be voluntary or involuntary and may leave additional unfulfilled military service obligations that the service member will need to carry out in the Individual Ready Reserve. To understand the causes of your sciatica, the first stage of the examination will involve you giving a complete history of your pain and symptoms relating to the issue. There is no definitive answer when it comes to the Veterans Affairs (VA) rating for nerve damage in legs. Receiving a discharge or separation is not the same thing as military retirement. If someone is dishonorably discharged from the military, they are not allowed to own firearms according to U.S. federal law. The Military Wallet does not include all card companies or all available card offers. We will need medical records and evidence that sciatica is a permanent condition, so you must demonstrate that it will make it difficult for you to perform tasks that are essential to your job. As we mentioned earlier, sciatica is caused by the irritation of the roots of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine, which can result from several physical activities. There are two kinds of punitive separations a military service member can receive: Only enlisted members can receive a Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD), and only through a court-martial due to punishment for bad conduct. Discover exactly what sciatica is and whether yournerve ratingsallow you to claim benefits for your condition.

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