VA Disability Rating for Sciatica (Sciatic Nerve Paralysis)
Rated 10% mild → 80% complete paralysis. Always file with underlying back condition.
Sciatic nerve paralysis (DC 8520) is the specific code for sciatica. Rated by severity of incomplete paralysis (mild / moderate / moderately severe / severe with marked muscular atrophy) up to complete paralysis. Almost always paired with an underlying lumbar spine condition (5237 strain or 5243 IVDS) — they stack.
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 of muscles below knee, flexion of knee weakened or lost. |
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 sciatica (sciatic nerve paralysis)
- EMG / nerve conduction study confirming sciatic nerve involvement is best evidence.
- C&P with neurologic exam: motor strength, sensory, reflexes, atrophy.
- Lumbar MRI showing nerve root impingement supports the etiology.
- File EACH leg separately if bilateral — bilateral factor adds 10%.
Common secondary conditions
- +Lumbar IVDS (parent condition)
- +Foot drop
- +Gait dysfunction → secondary knee/hip strain
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Always pair with underlying lumbar diagnosis — sciatica without spinal pathology is rare and requires alternative etiology.
- In-service heavy lifting, parachute jumps, MVA, or ruck-marching anchor the lumbar/sciatic nexus.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between 'sciatica' and 'lumbar radiculopathy'?
Sciatica = sciatic nerve specifically (DC 8520, leg pain pattern). Lumbar radiculopathy = any lumbar nerve root compression. If your symptoms follow the sciatic distribution (buttock → back of thigh → calf → foot), use 8520. Otherwise the appropriate radiculopathy DC (8521 external popliteal, 8522 musculocutaneous, etc.) applies.
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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.