Peripheral neuropathy is a common and often debilitating condition among U.S. Veterans. It occurs when peripheral nerves are damaged, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning pain, weakness, and loss of balance—most commonly affecting the feet and hands. For Veterans living in Charleston, South Carolina, peripheral neuropathy is frequently linked to military service, environmental exposures, or injuries sustained during active duty.

Understanding how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates peripheral neuropathy—and knowing where to receive experienced medical care—can significantly impact both symptom relief and disability compensation.

VA Disability Benefits for Peripheral Neuropathy

To qualify for VA disability compensation, Veterans must establish a service connection for their peripheral neuropathy. This means showing that the condition is directly caused by, aggravated by, or presumed to be related to military service.

Presumptive Service Connection

The VA recognizes early-onset peripheral neuropathy as a presumptive condition for Veterans exposed to herbicides such as Agent Orange. Veterans who served in Vietnam, certain areas of Korea, or other qualifying locations may be eligible if symptoms developed to a compensable level.

Even if symptoms appeared years after service, Veterans may still qualify through direct service connection by demonstrating:

  • A current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy
  • Evidence of an in-service exposure, injury, or illness
  • Medical documentation linking the condition to military service

VA Rating Criteria for Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is rated under nerve-specific diagnostic codes in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, commonly involving the sciatic, femoral, or upper-extremity nerves. Ratings depend on severity, functional loss, and whether one or multiple limbs are affected.

  • 10% – Mild sensory symptoms
  • 20% – Moderate symptoms with functional limitation
  • 40% – Moderately severe impairment
  • 60% or higher – Severe nerve damage with muscle atrophy or significant loss of function

Accurate, detailed medical records are essential to ensure the VA properly evaluates the condition.

The Importance of Medical Documentation

Strong medical documentation plays a critical role in VA claims. Consistent treatment records, diagnostic testing, functional assessments, and physician notes describing symptom progression can significantly improve a Veteran’s chance of receiving an appropriate disability rating.

Veterans in Charleston often seek specialized, non-surgical pain care to both manage symptoms and strengthen VA claim documentation.

Peripheral Neuropathy Care at DeNovo Pain Management

DeNovo Pain Management provides comprehensive, patient-focused care for Veterans suffering from peripheral neuropathy. The practice specializes in identifying the underlying causes of nerve pain while offering individualized treatment plans designed to improve daily function and quality of life.

Treatment approaches at DeNovo Pain Management may include:

  • Advanced diagnostic evaluations to assess nerve involvement
  • Non-opioid pain management strategies
  • Image-guided procedures when appropriate
  • Physical restoration strategies to improve mobility and balance

For Veterans pursuing VA disability benefits, medical evaluations and ongoing care from DeNovo Pain Management can help clearly document symptom severity, functional limitations, and long-term impact—key factors in VA disability determinations.

Why Charleston Veterans Choose Specialized Pain Care

Charleston has a large and growing Veteran population, many of whom live with chronic nerve pain related to service. Peripheral neuropathy often worsens over time, increasing fall risk, limiting mobility, and affecting independence. Early and consistent treatment can help slow progression and improve quality of life while supporting VA benefit claims.

Final Thoughts

Peripheral neuropathy can have a lasting impact on Veterans’ physical and emotional well-being. Fortunately, Veterans in Charleston, SC have access to experienced pain specialists who understand both chronic nerve conditions and the importance of thorough medical documentation.

By combining expert care at DeNovo Pain Management with a clear understanding of VA disability benefits, Veterans can take meaningful steps toward pain relief, functional improvement, and the compensation they deserve for service-connected conditions.

 

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