Spinal Cord Injury & Amputation VA Disability Claims

Spinal cord injuries and amputations are among the most severe and life-changing disabilities that veterans can suffer due to military service. Whether caused by combat injuries, vehicle accidents, falls, explosions, or degenerative conditions, these disabilities can result in permanent loss of mobility, chronic pain, and significant lifestyle changes. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability compensation, medical care, and adaptive support for veterans suffering from spinal cord injuries and amputations, but the claims process can be complicated and frustrating without proper legal guidance.


Martin and Lerda is dedicated to helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and limb loss obtain the full VA benefits they are entitled to, ensuring they receive the medical care, financial support, and adaptive resources needed for long-term quality of life.

A soldier is sitting in a wheelchair in a living room.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in Veterans

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, leading to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of bodily functions. These injuries can occur due to:

  • Combat-related explosions or shrapnel injuries
  • Parachute jumps, falls, or training accidents
  • Gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma
  • Degenerative spinal conditions caused by heavy lifting, prolonged service, or exposure to extreme conditions


The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage, with many veterans experiencing:

  • Paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body)
  • Quadriplegia (paralysis from the neck down)
  • Chronic pain and nerve damage
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Muscle spasms and impaired movement



Because spinal cord injuries often worsen over time, veterans may qualify for increased disability ratings and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on their level of impairment. Martin and Lerda ensures that veterans receive the appropriate disability rating and access to all available VA benefits.

Understanding Amputation & VA Benefits

Many veterans suffer limb loss or amputations due to:

  • Combat injuries from IEDs, gunfire, or explosions
  • Severe infections or medical conditions requiring surgical removal
  • Crush injuries sustained in military operations
  • Vascular disease or complications from diabetes
A man is carrying a little girl on his shoulders while she holds an american flag.

Losing a limb impacts mobility, independence, and quality of life, requiring prosthetics, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. The VA provides specialized benefits for veterans with amputations, including:

  • Disability compensation for service-connected limb loss
  • Adaptive equipment and prosthetics
  • Home and vehicle modification grants
  • Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for severe disabilities affecting daily life


Veterans should not have to fight for the benefits they deserve. Martin and Lerda ensures that veterans with service-connected amputations receive the full compensation and medical support they need.

VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Cord Injuries & Amputations

The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of impairment and loss of function. Common ratings include:

Spinal Cord Injury Disability Ratings

  • 100% Rating – Complete paralysis or total loss of mobility.
  • 60-90% Rating – Partial paralysis or severe functional limitations.
  • 40-50% Rating – Limited mobility, chronic pain, or nerve damage.


Amputation Disability Ratings

  • 100% Rating – Loss of both arms, both legs, or a combination of major limbs.
  • 60-90% Rating – Above-the-knee amputations or amputation of a dominant arm.
  • 40-50% Rating – Below-the-knee amputations or partial hand/foot amputations.



For severe disabilities, veterans may also qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), which provides additional financial support for veterans requiring assistance with daily activities, mobility, or prosthetic use. Martin and Lerda helps veterans secure the highest possible disability rating and SMC benefits to ensure long-term financial stability and healthcare access.

Proving Service Connection for Spinal Cord Injuries & Amputations

To receive VA disability benefits, veterans must establish that their spinal cord injury or amputation is directly linked to military service. This requires:

  1. A medical diagnosis confirming the condition.
  2. Service records documenting the injury or in-service event.
  3. A medical nexus linking the injury to military service.

For veterans with degenerative spinal conditions or complications from previous injuries, proving service connection can be more difficult, requiring detailed medical evidence and expert opinions. Martin and Lerda ensures that all necessary documentation is submitted correctly to strengthen the claim.

How Martin and Lerda Helps Veterans with Spinal Cord & Amputation Claims

Veterans should not have to navigate the VA disability system alone. Martin and Lerda provides:

  • Assistance in gathering service records, medical documentation, and expert medical opinions.
  • Legal guidance on maximizing disability ratings and securing Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
  • Help in filing a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) for faster VA processing.
  • Representation to ensure veterans receive adaptive equipment, prosthetic support, and home modifications.


Veterans who suffer from spinal cord injuries or amputations due to military service deserve full VA compensation. Martin and Lerda ensures that veterans receive every benefit they are entitled to for their service-connected disability.


Additional Resources for Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries & Amputations

📌  VA Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders Services
📌  VA Amputation Care & Prosthetics
📌  Paralyzed Veterans of America

Take the First Step in Your Spinal Cord Injury or Amputation Disability Claim

Veterans suffering from spinal cord injuries or amputations due to military service deserve fair compensation for their severe physical limitations and lifelong healthcare needs. Martin and Lerda is committed to providing expert legal guidance to ensure veterans secure the benefits and care they need.


Call (412) 271-6800 today to discuss your spinal cord or amputation claim and take the next step toward securing your VA disability benefits.