Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common conditions of veterans that causes pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness.
But what exactly causes it?
There are various reasons for its occurrence, making it important to understand the VA rating for peripheral neuropathy.
Still, it can be difficult to navigate and extremely challenging to strengthen your claim when you apply for VA benefits, which makes the professional coaching and consultation services such as the Just4Veterans Enterprise invaluable in this process.
How Does The VA Rates Peripheral Neuropathy
Whether it is from diabetes, Agent Orange exposure, or another injury that may have some connection to service, neuropathy can and will affect a veteran’s quality of life and their ability to establish a meaningful career.
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms include:
- Numbness and tingling sensations; may also include burning or stabbing pain
- Sensitivity to touch or temperature
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness in limb, often causing coordination problems due to the affected limbs
- Sudden dizziness and vision problems
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Disturbance in sensory function
- Challenges in swallowing
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Bladder incontinence
- Damage in the ulnar nerve (warrants a VA rating for ulnar neuropathy)
With the number of symptoms it possesses, some veterans may express concern over the complication that comes with the VA rating for neuropathy or the VA rating for neuropathy in hands and feet. Fortunately, when you file a VA claim confirming your diagnoses, the VA will proceed to confirm your disability rating for peripheral neuropathy using diagnostic codes and assign a rating based on the specific nerves affected.
Typically, the VA assigns a rating of 10% (indicating mild nerve paralysis) up to 40% (complete nerve paralysis) for each extremity or affected limb.
VA Rating Schedule for Peripheral Neuropathy and Rating Chart
The neuropathy VA rating is based on the severity and impact of the condition on nerve function.
The condition is rated under the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), using different diagnostic codes based on the nerve affected (e.g., sciatic, ulnar, peroneal).
| Rating | Symptoms |
| 10% | Indicates mild paralysis of the nerve; shows any symptoms of mild pain, tingling, numbness, and minor loss of sensory nerves. It can also indicate any slight impairment in their movement, both from hands and feet. |
| 20% | This condition manifests as moderate paralysis, accompanied by pain and numbness. |
| 30% | Severe partial nerve paralysis |
| 40% | Complete nerve paralysis resulting in foot drop, severe impairment in lower leg muscle movement, and significantly reduced or absent knee flexion. |
The exact percentage depends on how the symptoms impair daily activities and motor function.
Note: Veterans with neuropathy in multiple limbs (such as both legs or both arms) may be eligible for bilateral factor consideration, which we’ll cover later in this article.
Service Connection Paths
To qualify for a neuropathy VA claim, it is important to establish a service connection of your condition during the C&P exam. Here are a few tips on how you can prove it:
Presumptive Service Connection
An updated study from 2023 confirms that the toxic component of Agent Orange can initiate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. You must demonstrate that you have served regions where Agent Orange exposure is known to have occurred.
Direct Service Connection
As long as you supply necessary evidence and confirm that you’ve developed symptoms of neuropathy during active duty, this can be due to toxin exposure, service-related injuries, or physical injuries caused by repetitive stress or sudden trauma.
Secondary Connection
This is also possible, particularly if a veteran has sustained an injury or disability that results from a service-connected condition. Some secondary conditions are results of service-connected disability that is aggravated, and peripheral neuropathy is a perfect example of this, especially if you contracted other injuries such as type II diabetes.
If your condition falls into one of these categories, you’re on the right track to strengthening your neuropathy VA claim.
Preparing for Your C&P Exam
A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is a critical part of the process. The VA uses it to evaluate the severity of your condition and how it impacts your functional ability. During this process, you need to explain how your conditions limit your movement.
Do not exaggerate your symptoms, but do not play them down either. Just be honest and thorough about it. You can document its frequency and its flare-ups to help your VA rating. The more accurately you describe your symptoms, the more precise your neuropathy VA rating is likely to be.
Building Strong Evidence
It sometimes takes longer for the VA to evaluate the claim and finalize a rating due to the lack of medical evidence. But the most notable downside is that veterans miss out on a higher rating.
You need to gather complete medical records; this includes neurological tests and impact reports. You can also secure nexus and buddy statements to confirm your limitations.
These items help demonstrate the frequency, severity, and occupational impact of your symptoms, directly influencing your VA disability rating.
Appeals and Rating Increases
If you’ve already received a VA rating for neuropathy and believe it’s too low or if your symptoms have worsened, don’t ignore it. Veterans have the right to seek rating increases or submit a supplemental claim with new evidence.
You may also appeal if you feel the VA overlooked critical evidence or misapplied the rating criteria.
Tips for Maximizing Your VA Benefits
Navigating the VA rating system can be confusing. Here are expert tips to make sure you receive everything you’re entitled to:
1. Understand the Bilateral Factor
If both sides of the body are affected (e.g., both legs), the bilateral factor may apply. This means the VA adds extra compensation based on the combined effect of symptoms.
Example: A 30% rating for each leg can combine into more than 60% due to the bilateral adjustment. Don’t overlook this.
2. Use Combined Ratings to Your Advantage
Neuropathy is often secondary to other conditions like diabetes or spinal issues. When combined with other rated conditions, your overall compensation may increase significantly. Understanding how ratings combine (not add) is essential. The VA uses a formula, not simple arithmetic.
3. Consider TDIU if You Can’t Work
If peripheral neuropathy makes it impossible to sustain gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), even if your combined rating is less than 100%.
4. Align Your Medical Records with VA Criteria
To improve your rating or win an appeal, your documentation should mirror the VA’s rating criteria. Use clear terms found in VA diagnostic codes. If your private doctor uses a different language, you may need professional coaching and consultation services to translate it into a VA-recognized language.
5. Consider VA claims consultancy
Understanding your neuropathy VA rating is more than knowing a number, it’s about recognizing how this condition affects your life and ensuring you receive proper compensation.
You can email us at support@just4veterans.com or book a strategy call. You may also visit our service page to learn more.