Did you know the VA commonly underrates service-connected back pain? Due to this, it is important for veterans to understand how the VA rates back pain claims.

Common service-connected back problems include spinal stenosis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and degenerative disc disease, among others. Back pain ratings are evaluated in the diagnostic code usually by incapacitating episodes or in lesser severity by loss of range of motion.

The VA assigned Ratings Officer needs to take into account the functional loss shown in your CMP exams as well as any pain that you are experiencing due to your service-connected back problems.

Unfortunately, veterans often do not fully disclose their pain and functional loss to the examiners in these CMP exams. Always make sure to inform the examiner of any radiculopathy you may be experiencing in addition to your back pain because that is a separate service-connected condition.

It is also recommended that you tell your examiner if you have any side effects from the pain medications that you're being prescribed for your back pain. The fact is, severe back pain can lead to unemployment and can be service-connected as a totally disabling condition or even the cause of an IU rating.

Back pain is a common condition that occurs during service, but there are other conditions that may be service-connected that can lead to back pain. An example of this would be a lower extremity injury such as in the leg that results in a limp, otherwise known as an antalgic gait.

If you are unable to work due to your back pain or because of other service-connected disabilities, you may qualify for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). Contact us to see if you are eligible. Give us a call and receive a free legal consultation.

We have helped thousands of veterans all over the United States and we only charge a fee if we win your case.

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