Veterans Benefits Law Group – Trusted Advocates for Veterans with Service-Related Back Injuries

Back Injuries Attorney Ridgeland MS

Securing VA Disability for Your Back Pain

Serving in the armed forces is grueling. It can be extraordinarily hard on your body resulting in debilitating pain. One of the most common injuries suffered by people during their service are back injuries. Back injuries can be serious, limiting your mobility and making it challenging for you to earn a living. If you sustained a back injury during your military service, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits. 

In order to obtain VA disability benefits for your back injury, you need to speak with an attorney. At the Veterans Benefits Law Group, we handle a wide range of disability cases on behalf of veterans. We fight to ensure that veterans receive the coverage and compensation they deserve after an injury. If you injured your back while serving, contact our office at (601) 414-3707 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

a man looking at an x-ray

What Are Common Types of Back Injuries Sustained in the Armed Forces?

Back pain can be caused by a number of factors. It may have been an old injury that became worse over time or it may be a newly caused injury that must be addressed. Any back pain that can be attributed to your military service may be covered by a VA disability claim. 

Common back injuries for service members frequently include:

  • Bulging discs
  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  • Cervical spine fracture
  • Misaligned vertebrae
  • Arthritis 
  • Inflammation
  • Spine impairment

You should not have to suffer through debilitating pain. VA disability benefits can help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Do not wait for the VA to find you. We will guide you through the legal process. You should never have to settle for less. 

Many veterans develop degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or chronic radiculopathy – conditions that may not become symptomatic until years after their service, but are directly linked to in-service strains or injuries. Even if you received treatment for a “minor” back sprain during your service, that initial injury could lead to long-term spinal deterioration.

The VA evaluates these conditions using its musculoskeletal rating criteria, which take into account range of motion, functional limitations, and neurological complications. It is essential to have proper documentation, and our legal team will ensure that your medical records accurately reflect the full extent of your limitations.

Online VA Benefits Resources

Filing a Claim for Your Service-Related Back Injury

You may be able to file a claim for your service-related back injury. To be eligible you must be able to show that the back injury occurred during your military service. It is recommended that you be seen by a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis of your condition. You may also be able to file a claim if you had an underlying condition that was exacerbated or made worse by your service.

It is generally in your best interest to consult with a lawyer prior to filing. An attorney can review your case to determine whether you are eligible to file a back injury. Consulting with an attorney immediately after a workplace account can help ensure that you receive every dollar you deserve.

One of the biggest challenges in back injury claims is proving “nexus” – the medical link between your current condition and your military service. This can be especially difficult when there is a gap between your discharge and diagnosis. Our attorneys work with orthopedic specialists and vocational experts to establish this connection through independent medical opinions (IMOs), functional capacity evaluations, and analysis of your service records. We also help veterans who have been denied benefits due to “pre-existing conditions” by demonstrating how their military duties materially worsened their health – a key legal standard under VA regulations.

Understanding VA Disability Ratings

In order to receive disability through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs you will need to receive a VA disability rating. 

The VA disability rating ranges from 0% to 100%. Your disability compensation will be adjusted according to your rating. In some cases, however, you may be entitled to additional benefits. For instance if you have severe disabilities or the loss of a limb you might be entitled to additional compensations. Other factors that might impact your compensation include if you have a child, spouse, and dependent parent or if you have a seriously disabled spouse. 

For back conditions, the VA uses specific diagnostic codes under 38 CFR §4.71a to determine ratings. These ratings are primarily based on the range of motion of the spine, the presence of spinal fusion, and any associated neurological deficits such as sciatica or foot drop. Veterans with limited flexibility may receive a rating of 20% or 40%, while those with severe spinal fusion may qualify for a rating of 50% or more.

Additionally, if the back injury prevents the veteran from working, they may be eligible for Total Disability benefits based on Individual Unemployability, which provides 100% compensation regardless of the overall rating. Our lawyers carefully review VA exam reports to ensure that the rating accurately reflects the veteran’s functional impairment.

Signs and Symptoms of Back Injuries

The signs and symptoms of a serious back injury may be difficult to differentiate in the beginning. Your body may be in shock and unable to absorb the true extent or effects of the harm. It is imperative that you seek medical treatment even if you do not believe that you are seriously injured. Back pain can get worse over time becoming unbearable.

Signs and symptoms of back injuries:

  • Pressure in your lower back
  • Tenderness
  • Stiffness
  • Difficulty moving
  • Swelling
  • Pain that radiates down the legs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Loss of sensation
  • Weakness or lack of coordination

What begins as a minor ache or discomfort can quickly become extremely painful. Back injuries are one of the most serious types of injury because they can impact so many other parts of your life. 

Neurological symptoms, such as numbness in the legs or loss of bowel control, may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. Even if the acute phase has passed, chronic nerve compression can lead to long-term disability. The Veterans Administration (VA) recognizes these secondary complications and may provide separate ratings for conditions like radiculopathy and bladder dysfunction. Our team will ensure that all related conditions are identified and addressed, maximizing your overall benefit entitlement.

How the VA Rates Back Pain, Herniated Discs, and Degenerative Spine Disease

Did You Suffer a Back Injury As a Result of Your Service?

If you sustained a back injury as a result of your military service, you might be entitled to compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Filing a disability claim can be difficult, however, without the help of an attorney. You do not have to do this alone. We are here to help you and your family get the compensation you deserve.

Our law firm has extensive experience handling VA disability claims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the benefits you need. Contact our office at (601) 414-3707 to schedule a free case evaluation, All consultations are provided free of charge. Cases are handled on a contingency fee basis meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Call now to get started. We proudly serve clients throughout Jackson, MS and the surrounding communities. 

Common Back Injury FAQs

Can I get VA disability benefits for a back injury from military service?

Yes. If your back injury occurred during service or a pre-existing condition worsened due to military duties, you may qualify for VA disability compensation. Common service-connected back issues include herniated discs, arthritis, spine fractures, and chronic pain.

What evidence do I need to support my back injury claim?

You’ll need a current medical diagnosis, service records showing an in-service event (like training, combat, or heavy lifting), and a medical opinion linking your current condition to your service. Even if your injury appeared years later, it may still be compensable.

How does the VA rate back injuries?

The VA uses diagnostic codes based on range of motion, nerve involvement, and functional loss. Ratings typically range from 10% to 60%, depending on severity. For example, limited spinal motion or radiculopathy (nerve pain down the legs) can increase your rating.

What if my back condition developed after I left the military?

Many back injuries worsen over time. As long as a doctor can connect your current diagnosis to an event or aggravation during service, you may still be eligible—even if symptoms appeared years later.

Can I file a claim if I had a pre-existing back problem?

Yes. If your military service made a pre-existing condition significantly worse, you may qualify for benefits under the principle of “aggravation.” Medical records before and after service help support this type of claim.

Why are back injury claims often denied?

Common reasons include lack of clear medical documentation, missing service records, or failure to show a direct link between the injury and military duty. An experienced attorney can help gather the right evidence and avoid these pitfalls.

Related Articles