Helping Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries due to accidents, traumatic injuries, or disease, are often left with paralysis and/or pain. For example, in the case of veterans with spinal cord injuries, the spinal cord is often severed or damaged, and the injury can lead to paralysis of the arms and legs. In addition, spinal injuries can cause pain that can be difficult to treat. The spinal cord is a thick, flexible tube of nerve cells that runs through the vertebral column. Spinal cord injuries can occur as a result of traumatic injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or gunshot wounds, or as a result of non-traumatic injuries, such as degenerative diseases.
Recent estimates in the United States indicate that approximately 248,000 people have some type of spinal cord injury or disorder that significantly affects their life activities, and 11,000 more sustain these injuries every year. Nearly 44,000 are veterans eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care
There is ongoing research focused on the return of motor and sensory function to Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries. These fields of study include regenerative medicine, such as transplanting neural cells in the spinal cord, 3D printing spinal cords, helping nerve fibers regenerate.
Spinal Cord Injuries in Veterans
VA Ratings for Spinal Cord Injuries
There are two ways the Department of Veterans Affairs rates spinal cord injuries.
- Loss of Range of Motion
- IVDS or intervertebral disc syndrome
IVDS usually result in higher ratings for a back or neck disability because the connected incapacitating episodes require increased bed rest which can result in less time with family, loss of income, and even other health issues.
Some of the issues that result from spinal cord injuries are numbness or tingling in the limbs, hands, and feet. This could lead to additional rating decisions for radiculopathy of the limbs. If there is a connection to issues of particular nerves, specifically the femoral or sciatic nerves, you might receive ratings for each of those nerves if testing shows involvement.
VA Spinal Disability Claims
Veterans might have to make several disability claims for spinal or back injuries. A veteran can file multiple claims and receive separate ratings for both the lower back and neck injuries as well. Separate injuries caused by your time in service can lead to additional ratings from the VA as well.
Denied Benefits from the VA?
Did the VA deny you the benefits you are entitled to? If so you must file your appeal as quickly as possible. There is a limited time to submit the required evidence and the VA is strict timelines and requirements they adhere to.
Are you one of the thousands of Veteran’s Claims that have been denied by the VA? Have you received a decision that is lower than you expected? As a Veteran who has served your country, YOU should receive Disability Benefits.
If you were injured and haven’t received the VA benefits you deserve, please call Chad Barr Law today at (407) 599-9036 and discuss your case with an experienced Orlando Veterans Benefits Attorney, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
