VA Disability Rating for Radiculopathy / Sciatica
Rated 10/20/40/60/80% by nerve involvement severity. Separate rating from the underlying back/neck condition.
Radiculopathy is nerve root irritation causing pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down an extremity. It is rated separately from the underlying spine condition, which often doubles a veteran's combined rating. The sciatic nerve (DC 8520) is the most commonly rated.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Mild incomplete paralysis. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Moderate incomplete paralysis. |
| 40% | $795.84 | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy. |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | Complete paralysis: foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible below knee. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
- →At 80%: $2,102.15/mo · $25,226/year, tax-free
How to get rated for radiculopathy / sciatica
- Document radiating symptoms: pain, numbness, tingling, weakness below the knee (sciatic) or in arms (cervical).
- EMG/nerve conduction study is strong objective evidence.
- File alongside the lumbar or cervical spine claim — they are rated separately.
Common secondary conditions
- +Depression from chronic pain
- +Erectile dysfunction (from nerve involvement)
- +Bladder/bowel dysfunction (severe cases)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Radiculopathy nearly always has a spinal cause. If the underlying spine condition is service-connected, the radiculopathy usually follows automatically as secondary.
Frequently asked
Can I file radiculopathy without a back rating?
Yes, but it is harder. You would need to show direct service connection (in-service nerve injury). Most successful claims are secondary to a service-connected spine condition.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.