Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers for Veterans

Spinal cord injuries occur when trauma or disease damages the spinal cord, affecting the brain’s ability to communicate with the body. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, the effects can range from chronic pain and limited movement to full paralysis. For Veterans, spinal cord injuries often result from combat wounds, training accidents, falls, vehicle crashes, and the physical demands of military service.

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries:

• Complete Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries result in total loss of function below the affected area. Veterans with complete SCIs may experience full paralysis in their lower body (paraplegia) or from the neck down (quadriplegia).
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: With incomplete SCIs, some communication between the brain and the body remains. Veterans with incomplete injuries may retain some movement or sensation, though often with significant impairments.
  
  

Spinal cord injuries can have devastating long-term effects, impacting physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. Many Veterans require lifelong medical treatment, assistive devices, and modifications to their living environment to accommodate their disabilities.

Veterans are at a higher risk for spinal cord injuries due to the physically demanding and often dangerous nature of military service. Some of the most common causes of service-related spinal cord injuries include:

Combat Injuries

Explosions, gunshot wounds, and shrapnel injuries can severely damage the spinal cord. Combat Veterans, especially those who served in war zones, face a heightened risk of traumatic spinal injuries due to exposure to enemy fire, blasts from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and falls from high-impact forces.

Parachute and Training Accidents

Military training often involves physically strenuous activities that increase the risk of spinal cord trauma. Parachute jumps, hand-to-hand combat training, and intense physical conditioning exercises can all result in serious spinal injuries. Even a minor miscalculation during training exercises can lead to life-altering damage.

Falls and Heavy Lifting Injuries

Many Veterans sustain spinal cord injuries from falls, especially those who served in high-risk occupations such as airborne divisions, mechanics, or construction units. Falls from heights, slipping on uneven terrain, or improper lifting techniques can put excessive strain on the spine, leading to fractures, herniated discs, or nerve damage.

Vehicle and Aircraft Accidents

Service members frequently operate military vehicles, aircraft, and heavy machinery, increasing their risk of serious accidents. Helicopter crashes, Humvee rollovers, and tank collisions can cause severe spinal trauma, leaving Veterans with permanent mobility impairments.

Degenerative Spinal Conditions

Not all spinal cord injuries are caused by sudden trauma. Many Veterans develop degenerative spinal conditions over time due to the cumulative wear and tear from their service. Conditions such as degenerative disc disease (DDD), spinal stenosis, and arthritis can progressively damage the spinal cord, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.

Spinal cord injuries can have a profound impact on nearly every aspect of a Veteran’s life, from daily mobility to mental health and financial security.

Loss of Mobility and Independence

Depending on the severity of the injury, Veterans with spinal cord injuries may require mobility aids such as wheelchairs, braces, or walkers. Many need assistance with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and cooking. Severe cases may require in-home caregivers or specialized housing modifications, which can be financially burdensome.

Chronic Pain and Secondary Health Issues

Even if a spinal cord injury does not result in full paralysis, Veterans often experience chronic pain, muscle spasms, and nerve damage. Secondary health issues, such as depression, migraines, change in gate, pressure sores, urinary tract infections, and respiratory complications, are common among those with limited mobility.

Mental and Emotional Impact

Adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury can be emotionally challenging. Many Veterans struggle with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their reduced independence and loss of physical abilities. The emotional toll can also affect relationships with family members and caregivers.

Financial Hardship and Employment Challenges

Veterans with spinal cord injuries often find it difficult or impossible to maintain steady employment. Many are forced to leave their careers due to physical limitations, leading to financial instability. The cost of medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment can be overwhelming, making VA disability benefits a critical source of financial support.

There are many misconceptions surrounding spinal cord injuries in Veterans, which can lead to misunderstandings about their severity, causes, and impact on daily life. These misconceptions often contribute to difficulties in securing VA disability benefits, as claims reviewers, medical examiners, and even the Veterans themselves may not fully understand the complexities of these injuries. Clearing up these myths is essential to ensuring that Veterans receive the support and compensation they need.

Only Combat-Related Injuries Qualify for VA Benefits

Many people assume that spinal cord injuries must be the result of direct combat, such as gunshot wounds or explosions, to qualify for VA disability compensation. However, spinal cord injuries can develop from a wide range of service-related activities, including training accidents, falls, vehicle crashes, and cumulative physical strain over time. Even if an injury did not occur in a combat zone, it may still be service-connected and eligible for VA benefits.

If You Can Still Walk, Your Injury Isn’t Severe Enough for Compensation

Some Veterans believe that if they are not fully paralyzed, their spinal cord injury is not serious enough to qualify for VA disability benefits. In reality, spinal cord injuries exist on a spectrum, with many Veterans experiencing partial loss of function, chronic pain, and nerve damage. Even if a Veteran retains some mobility, they may struggle with muscle weakness, impaired coordination, or debilitating pain that significantly impacts their quality of life and ability to work.

Spinal Cord Injuries Are Always Immediately Recognizable

Unlike traumatic spinal cord injuries that result in sudden paralysis, some spinal cord conditions develop gradually over time. Degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs may not show severe symptoms right away but can progressively worsen. Veterans who experience delayed-onset symptoms may struggle to prove service connection if they do not have early medical documentation, but this does not mean their injuries are any less valid.

A Denied VA Claim Means the Injury Isn’t Service-Connected

Receiving a denial from the VA does not mean that a spinal cord injury is not service-connected. The VA frequently denies claims due to missing documentation, errors in medical evaluations, or misinterpretation of evidence. Many Veterans who are initially denied benefits successfully appeal and receive compensation after providing additional medical records, expert opinions, or legal assistance. A denial is not the end of the road — it is often just a hurdle that can be overcome with the right strategy.

VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Cord Injuries Are Based Only on Paralysis

Many Veterans assume that the VA assigns disability ratings for spinal cord injuries solely based on paralysis. While paralysis is a significant factor, the VA also considers other symptoms such as pain, muscle weakness, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and reduced range of motion. A Veteran with a spinal cord injury that causes severe, chronic pain and limits their ability to work may still qualify for a high disability rating, even if they are not paralyzed.

Once You Receive VA Benefits, the Rating Is Permanent

Many Veterans assume that once they receive a disability rating for a spinal cord injury, it will never change. However, the VA periodically reviews disability ratings and may reduce them if they believe a Veteran’s condition has improved. This is why it is crucial for Veterans to continue seeking medical treatment and documenting their symptoms over time. If the VA improperly lowers a Veteran’s rating, they have the right to appeal and present new medical evidence to support their claim. If your condition gets worse, we can help you file for an increase or file for any new secondary issues as well.

Legal Representation Isn’t Necessary for a VA Disability Claim

While Veterans can appeal their VA disability claims on their own, many are unaware of the complexities involved in proving a spinal cord injury’s service connection and obtaining the appropriate disability rating. The VA claims process can be difficult to navigate, and simple errors or missing documentation can lead to denials or low ratings. Experienced legal representation can significantly improve a Veteran’s chances of securing the benefits they deserve.

Despite the clear impact of spinal cord injuries on Veterans’ lives, obtaining VA disability benefits is not always straightforward. Many Veterans face obstacles that prevent them from receiving the compensation they need.

Denial of Service Connection

The VA requires Veterans to prove that their spinal cord injury is directly related to their military service. However, this can be difficult, especially for Veterans whose injuries developed over time. If medical records do not clearly document the connection between military service and the condition, the VA may deny the claim.

Unfairly Low Disability Ratings

Even when the VA acknowledges a spinal cord injury as service-connected, the assigned disability rating may not accurately reflect the severity of the condition. Many Veterans receive ratings that do not consider the full extent of their mobility loss, chronic pain, or secondary complications, resulting in inadequate compensation.

Inadequate Medical Examinations

VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams are used to evaluate the severity of a Veteran’s disability. However, these exams are often rushed and fail to assess the full impact of a spinal cord injury. In some cases, examiners may overlook key symptoms or underestimate the long-term effects of the condition.

Veterans struggling to secure disability benefits for spinal cord injuries should not have to fight the VA alone. The experienced attorneys at Veterans Law Group specialize in VA disability appeals, helping Veterans navigate the complex claims process and maximize their benefits.

Gathering Comprehensive Medical Evidence to Establish a Service Connection

One of the biggest challenges Veterans face is proving that their spinal cord injury is service-connected. Veterans Law Group compiles extensive medical records, expert opinions, and service history documentation to build a strong case. By presenting clear evidence, the firm ensures that the VA cannot dismiss the appeal without justification.

Challenging Wrongful Denials and Strengthening Appeals

Many Veterans receive claim denials due to a lack of documented evidence or errors in their initial application. Veterans Law Group reviews the VA’s reasoning for denial, gathers additional supporting evidence, and submits a compelling appeal to overturn the decision.

Advocating for a Higher Disability Rating

Spinal cord injuries often receive disability ratings that do not reflect their full impact on a Veteran’s life. Veterans Law Group works to secure a rating that accurately accounts for mobility loss, chronic pain, and secondary conditions, ensuring Veterans receive the maximum compensation possible.

Assisting with Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) Claims

Veterans whose spinal cord injuries prevent them from maintaining steady employment may qualify for TDIU benefits, which provide compensation at the 100% disability rating level. Veterans Law Group helps Veterans gather vocational and medical evidence to support their TDIU claims, ensuring they receive the financial assistance they need.

Navigating the VA Claims Process with Confidence

The VA disability claims process is complex and often frustrating. Veterans Law Group takes the burden off Veterans by handling all aspects of their appeal, from filing paperwork to representing them in hearings. With decades of experience, the firm fights to secure the benefits Veterans have earned.