VA Ratings For Restless Leg Syndrome And Its Secondary Service Connection

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition followed by itching, burning, and other unpleasant sensations. The reason behind RLS is still unknown. Itching or burning may create a constant urge to move your affected body part, most commonly occurring in one or both legs.

The common symptoms of RLS are noticeable during rest – for instance, at night when you are trying to sleep.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) may qualify veterans to get VA ratings if they prove their service connection. In several cases, a veteran with RLS has other underlying conditions, like sleep apnea or PTSD, that can also qualify for disability benefits.

Restless Leg Syndrome VA Ratings

Like every other medical health condition or disability, a veteran must file a specific VA claim to receive RLS disability benefits. To do that, veterans will require the following:

• An updated diagnosis of the restless leg syndrome from any licensed doctor, preferably one currently treating them;
• Medical records of the in-service illness, injury, or event that caused or aggravated their condition;
• A "nexus letter" that specifically connects a veteran's RLS to their service event.

To file the VA disability benefits claim for restless leg syndrome, veterans may use VA Form 21-526EZ.

VA rates restless leg syndrome as Diagnostic Code 8620 under the VA Disability codes. It is used to rate disabilities and injuries similar to neuritis. Similar to several other disabilities, VA ratings for RLS range between mild to severe with different severity percentages such as:

• Mild – 10%
• Moderate – 20%
• Moderately severe – 40%
• Severe – 60%

Although VA ratings for RLS are determined similarly to every other disability or injury analyzed via the VA office, RLS is specifically complicated. There isn't any definitive or single medical test for this medical condition.

Restless Leg Syndrome and Secondary Service Connection

Regarding disability benefits compensation, secondary service connections can be granted if a veteran's condition is worsened by or caused by another condition already linked to their service.

For instance, a veteran having service-connected obstructive sleep apnea can get a secondary service connection for their restless leg syndrome if their sleep apnea negatively impacts or aggravates their RLS.

Filing and obtaining a successful VA claim for secondary service connection benefits may be complicated. VA claim experts can help veterans navigate the complexities of that setup and get maximum VA disability benefits for their service-connected medical conditions.

C&P (Compensation & Pension) Examinations for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

You must first file the VA disability benefits claim at your local VA Regional Office (RO). It will generally be followed with the request for the applicant to contact a VA doctor for a C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam. In the case of RLS, this process is likely to be a certainty.

During your exam, the VA doctor may review your complete medical history and what happened during service. They may ask several similar questions that your physician asked you, though they can reach a different conclusion.

The VA doctor isn't treating your RLS, though they might provide a distinct diagnosis that could result in new treatment options.

If your VA doctor doesn't agree with your physician that you have RLS and that it's linked to the service, the RO can deny your VA claim. After the Regional Office has sent you the official ruling, you can challenge their decision and appeal.