Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Radiculopathy in Veterans' Disability.
Leah explains radiculopathy and its relevance to VA disability. She describes radiculopathy as a condition characterized by numbness, pain, and tingling in extremities, which can arise from various levels of the spine, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Leah B clarifies the difference between radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy, emphasizing that radiculopathy originates from the spine, whereas peripheral neuropathy arises from peripheral nerve damage. She discusses how veterans can be service-connected for radiculopathy either as a primary condition if diagnosed during active duty, or secondarily related to spinal degeneration. Treatment options like traction, steroid injections, and surgery are mentioned.