Radiculopathy - Upper and Lower
The VA evaluates radiculopathy in the arms and hands as a neurological disability caused by nerve root compression—usually from a neck (cervical spine) condition. It’s rated under 38 CFR § 4.124a, using specific nerve diagnostic codes (DCs) depending on which nerve is affected.
Radiculopathy, also known as Sciatica, can affect 1 or both arms/hands and 1 or both legs/feet. Please select Not Applicable for any limbs not affeect by Neuropathy.
Please proceed to the quiz questions.
The VA rating system determines the severity based on your Range of Motion on a “Flare-Up”. Consider a Flare-Up as the worst day in the last year.
Step 1. Helpful Videos
Please review the video’s that demonstrate the range of motion.
Radiculopathy Upper Extremities
Radiculopathy Upper Extremities. Radiculopathy is pain, tingling, and/or numbness in the arms, hands, and or fingers is sometimes caused when the disc’s in the neck irritate the nerves in your arms. You cannot have both Radiculopathy and Neuropathy rated.
The VA rates Radiculopathy Upper Extremity based on frequency. Do you feel the pain, tingling, and/or numbness all day every day, once a day, or a couple times per week or month?
Radiculopathy Lower Extremities
Neuropathy for the Lower Extremities. Neuropathy is pain, tingling, or numbness that runs down the back side of one or both of your legs and/or feet. This is sometimes commonly associated with Diabetes or other nerve conditions. You cannot have both Radiculopathy and Neuropathy rated.
The VA rates Neuropathy based on the frequency. Do you feel the pain, tingling, and/or numbness all day every day, once a day, or multiple times per month?
Step 2
Review the Key Factors:
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Sensory loss (numbness, tingling)
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Reflex changes (e.g., reduced biceps or triceps reflexes)
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Muscle weakness or atrophy
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EMG/NCS testing for objective nerve function
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Positive Spurling’s sign (compression test for cervical nerve root)
- Document intermittent worsening, pain during activity, or dexterity loss
Step 3:
Continue with the quiz for both the right and left ankle. When completed, you will view the results of your quiz.