NYS Radiculopathy Calculator

Score radiculopathy findings using the 2012 NYS Impairment Guidelines (Tables S11.4, S11.4(a), S11.4(b), S11.5, S11.6, S11.7) to determine the severity ranking for spine impairment classification.

Step 1: Injury Location

Spine Region

Primary Nerve Root Determines max sensory/motor values per Tables S11.5 & S11.6

Step 2: Score Findings (Table S11.4) 2012 Impairment Guidelines

Imaging

Significant disc abnormalities displacing nerve tissue and/or bony/mechanical nerve root encroachment on imaging, correlating with the clinical picture.

EMG Abnormalities

Fibrillation potentials and/or positive sharp waves in at least 2 muscles in the distribution of the involved nerve root(s).

Muscle Weakness

Table S11.4(a)

Objective muscle weakness scored by motor grade. Value from Table S11.4(a), capped by nerve root max from Table S11.5 or S11.6.

Grade 0 (no contraction) = 20 | Grade 1 (slight contraction, no movement) = 20 | Grade 2 (movement, gravity eliminated) = 18 | Grade 3 (against gravity, no resistance) = 6 | Grade 4–5 (against resistance / normal) = 0

Muscle Atrophy

Unilateral muscle atrophy shown by bilateral circumferential measurements (calf, thigh, arm, or forearm) or inspection of hand/foot muscles. Difference ≥2 cm at matched bony landmarks is significant.

Sensory Involvement

Table S11.4(b)

Reproducible alteration of sensation (sharp/dull, light touch) consistent with specific dermatomal distribution. Capped by nerve root max from Table S11.5 or S11.6.

Anesthesia (total sensory loss) = 6 | Compromised (diminished or altered sensation) = 4 | Normal = 0

Reflex Changes

Deep tendon reflexes (biceps, triceps, brachioradialis, patellar, ankle jerk) compared to the non-affected side. A difference of ≥1 grade is significant.

0 (Absent) = 6 pts | + (Present but diminished) = 4 pts | ++ or +++ (Normal/Increased) = 0 pts

Tension / Compression Signs

Spurling's Sign (cervical), Straight Leg Raise (L5/S1), or Femoral Stretch (L2–L4).

Total Points 0

Severity Ranking Reference (Tables S11.7(a) & S11.7(b))

Table S11.7(a): Cervical & Thoracic

Ranking	Cervical Pts	Thoracic Pts
C	0	0
D	4–16	4–16
E	17–32	17–32
F	33–48	33–48
G	49–64	49–64
H	65–80	—

Table S11.7(b): Lumbar

Ranking	Lumbar Pts
D	0
E	4–16
F	17–32
G	33–48
H	49–64
I	65–80
J	81–92

The severity ranking letter is used with Table 11.1 (Non-Surgically Treated Soft Tissue Conditions) or Table 11.2 (Surgically Treated Spine Conditions) to place the claimant within the appropriate Medical Impairment Class. Per Table S11.4(b), for each additional root in the same spinal region, the severity ranking increases by one letter per level (max 3 letters).

How the Point System Works

Under the 2012 NYS Impairment Guidelines, radiculopathy is scored using a point system defined in Table S11.4. Points are accumulated across six categories of objective clinical findings: imaging, EMG, muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, sensory involvement, reflex changes, and tension/compression signs. The total determines a severity ranking letter via Tables S11.7(a) or S11.7(b).

Table S11.4 — Main Scoring

Six categories of objective findings, each scored Yes/No or by grade. Imaging (0 or 16), EMG (0 or 6), Muscle Weakness (0–20 per S11.4(a)), Atrophy (0 or 6), Sensory (0–6 per S11.4(b)), Reflexes (0–6), Tension Signs (0 or 4).

Tables S11.5 & S11.6 — Nerve Root Caps

Maximum point values for sensory deficit and weakness by specific nerve root. E.g., C5 allows max 0 sensory / 10 weakness; L4 allows max 4 sensory / 24 weakness. These cap the S11.4 scores.

Tables S11.7(a) & S11.7(b) — Severity Ranking

Total points map to a letter (C through H for cervical, D through J for lumbar). This letter determines placement within the Medical Impairment Class from Tables 11.1 or 11.2.

Multi-Level Radiculopathy

Per Table S11.4(b) note: for each additional nerve root in the same spinal region, the severity ranking is increased by one letter per level, up to a maximum of 3 letters.

Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It implements the point system from the 2012 NYS Impairment Guidelines (Tables S11.4–S11.7). The severity ranking output must be used with Tables 11.1 or 11.2 to determine the final Medical Impairment Class. Actual findings are determined by the Workers' Compensation Board based on all medical evidence. Consult a qualified workers' compensation attorney for guidance on your specific case.