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View Full Enhanced Guide →38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.124a
Sciatic Nerve Paralysis
dc-8520-sciatic-nerve-paralysis
Peripheral nerves
Diagnostic code
8520
Why your DC matters: DC 8520 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 8520 — Sciatic Nerve Paralysis — covers radiculopathy, sciatica, and nerve compression conditions, listed under 38 CFR § 4.124a.
Radiculopathy can be rated from 10% to 80% based on the severity of symptoms: mild (sensory only), moderate (motor weakness with some functional loss), or severe (complete paralysis). The rating also considers which nerve is affected.
For a comprehensive guide with visual compensation breakdowns, secondary conditions, evidence strategies, and claim timelines, visit the detailed guide page for this condition.
Exact rating criteria: Mild incomplete paralysis (10% for sciatic nerve), moderate incomplete paralysis (40% for sciatic nerve with characteristic motor and sensory loss), severe or complete paralysis (60-80% for sciatic nerve depending on the extent and location of paralysis and functional loss).
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 8520 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 8520 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Sciatic radiculopathy is the most common back-claim and diabetes-claim secondary in the entire schedule. The ratings climb fast — mild is 10% per leg, moderately severe is 40% per leg, and each leg is rated separately. Most veterans with a back rating who say 'and it shoots down my leg' qualify for at least 10% per side that isn't on their decision.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 80% | Complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve — foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost. | EMG/NCS showing complete nerve conduction loss; exam documenting foot drop and absent below-knee strength; assistive devices. |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis, with marked muscular atrophy. | EMG findings + measurable calf/thigh atrophy on exam (circumference difference vs unaffected side); foot drop residuals. |
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis. | EMG/NCS abnormalities + significant strength loss (4-/5 or worse) in dorsiflexion/plantarflexion; persistent radiating pain and numbness; assistive footwear (AFO). |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis. | Clear sensory deficit in sciatic distribution + reduced reflexes + some strength loss; positive straight-leg raise; documented persistence over time. |
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis. | Sensory-only symptoms (numbness, tingling, paresthesia) in the sciatic distribution, with normal or near-normal strength and reflexes. |
What Qualifies as 'Sciatic Nerve Paralysis' Under DC 8520?
Documented sciatic nerve involvement
Radiating pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the sciatic nerve distribution (buttock, posterior thigh, lateral calf, dorsum/sole of foot). EMG/NCS confirms; positive straight-leg raise and dermatomal findings on exam support.
Severity of involvement drives the tier — EACH LEG separately
Per § 4.124a, peripheral nerves rate by completeness of paralysis. Wholly sensory caps at mild (10%); add weakness or atrophy to climb:
- • 10% — mild incomplete (sensory only)
- • 20% — moderate incomplete (sensory + reduced reflex/strength)
- • 40% — moderately severe (significant strength loss + sensory)
- • 60% — severe with marked muscular atrophy
- • 80% — complete paralysis (foot drop, no motion below knee)
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Moderately severe incomplete paralysis with strength loss and sensory deficit”
The jump from 20% to 40% nearly doubles your monthly comp and is the single biggest unlock for radiculopathy. Examiners default to 'moderate' (20%) when they see numbness; push them to document the strength loss with manual muscle testing (4/5 or worse = moderately severe territory).
“Marked muscular atrophy”
60% requires VISIBLE wasting. Examiner must tape-measure both calves and document the circumference difference, or note thigh wasting. Without 'marked atrophy' written down, you stay at 40%.
“Wholly sensory / largely sensory”
Per § 4.124a, when the involvement is 'wholly sensory' the rating should be for the MILD form. This is the language raters use to cap you at 10%. If you have weakness or reflex loss, make sure that's documented — sensory-only language locks you in at 10%.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Peripheral Nerves DBQ — separate exam for EACH leg
CRITICALIf both legs are symptomatic, both must be examined and rated separately. Bilateral 20% radiculopathy combines to ~36% under § 4.25 — far better than one 20%.
EMG / NCS results
CRITICALObjective electrodiagnostic evidence of nerve involvement. Anchors the diagnosis above the 'subjective complaints' floor.
Lumbar MRI
IMPORTANTDisc herniation, foraminal stenosis, or nerve root impingement matching the symptomatic dermatome. Establishes the anatomical source.
Strength and reflex testing notes
CRITICALManual muscle testing (graded 0–5/5) of dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, great toe extension; deep tendon reflexes at patella and Achilles. The grade IS the rating tier.
Pain / functional impact log
IMPORTANTFrequency, duration, and triggers of radiating pain; impact on standing, walking, sleep, work. Supports moving from 'mild sensory' to 'moderate' or higher.
C&P Exam Tips
Insist on bilateral exam if both legs hurt
Examiners often only test the worse side. If pain shoots down BOTH legs, say so — and make sure both sides are graded on the DBQ. Bilateral stacks under § 4.25.
Demonstrate the weakness — don't just describe it
When asked to push against resistance, give honest effort but don't fake strength. If your dorsiflexion is weak, the examiner needs to feel it. Pretending to be stronger than you are caps your rating.
Don't say 'my back hurts and it goes down my leg'
That sounds like referred back pain (not ratable separately). Say 'My LEG is numb from buttock to foot, my big toe is weak, and the pain is electric — not the same as my back ache.' That's radiculopathy language.
Bring your EMG/MRI to the exam
Hand the examiner the objective evidence at the top of the appointment. Subjective complaints + objective findings = higher rating; subjective complaints alone = mild.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing radiculopathy as one bilateral claim instead of two separate claims
Each leg is its own rating. File 'right lower extremity radiculopathy' AND 'left lower extremity radiculopathy' — two claims, two ratings.
Settling for 10% when there's measurable weakness
10% is the 'sensory only' tier. If your records show ANY strength loss, reduced reflexes, or atrophy, you should be at 20% or higher. File for increase with a current EMG and a peripheral nerves DBQ.
Not filing radiculopathy when your back is already rated
Radiculopathy is rated separately from the underlying back condition (§ 4.71a Note 1 to the General Spine Formula). The neurologic manifestation gets its own rating — it doesn't pyramid.
Missing the diabetic neuropathy pathway
If you have service-connected diabetes, peripheral neuropathy is a presumptive complication. File as secondary to diabetes — no in-service nerve injury required.
Tactical Plays
⚡ If you have a back rating, you probably have a missing radiculopathy rating
Pull your STRs and current treatment notes. Any mention of 'radiating pain,' 'numbness in leg,' 'foot tingling,' or positive straight-leg raise = file. Each leg = 10% minimum, often 20–40% per side. Stacks on top of your existing back rating with no pyramiding issue.
⚡ Bilateral 20% radiculopathy + lumbar strain = 50%+ combined
Existing 20% back + right LE 20% + left LE 20% = combined 49% (rounded 50%) under § 4.25. Add a bilateral factor (§ 4.26) for the paired extremities and you push past 50%. Critical for TDIU groupings.
⚡ Get an EMG before filing for increase
EMG/NCS is the single most powerful piece of evidence. A clean exam + clean EMG = upgrade. Ask your PCP or VA neurology for the referral — it's cheap and definitive.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Lumbar spine disability
STRONGDC 5237
Most sciatic radiculopathy stems from a service-connected back condition. File the back claim first (if not already SC), then the radiculopathy as a secondary neurologic manifestation.
Diabetes mellitus
STRONGDC 7913
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a presumptive complication of service-connected diabetes. The nexus is automatic.
Erectile dysfunction (cauda equina / sacral nerve involvement)
SITUATIONALDC 7522
Severe lumbosacral radiculopathy with autonomic involvement can cause ED. Unlocks SMC-K.
Knee strain (compensatory gait)
MODERATEDC 5260
Foot drop or weakness alters gait, stressing the contralateral knee. File when imaging shows degenerative change post-dating the radiculopathy.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
10% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
Mild sensory-only radiculopathy, one leg.
20% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$356.66
TOTAL
$356.66/mo
Moderate radiculopathy, one leg (sensory + reflex/strength loss).
40% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$795.84
TOTAL
$795.84/mo
Moderately severe, one leg (significant weakness).
60% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,435.02
TOTAL
$1,435.02/mo
Severe with marked muscular atrophy, one leg.
80% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$2,102.15
TOTAL
$2,102.15/mo
Complete paralysis (foot drop), one leg.
Bilateral 20% radiculopathy + 20% lumbar strain
TOTAL
$1,132.90/mo
Combined ~49% under § 4.25 + bilateral factor (§ 4.26) → rounds to 50% = $1,132.90/mo alone. Critical for TDIU groupings.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
⚡What is 'Radiculopathy'?
Symptoms caused by compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root. Sciatic radiculopathy = L4–S3 root involvement producing buttock → leg → foot pain, numbness, and/or weakness.
📌What is 'Wholly Sensory'?
The cap-at-mild qualifier. Per § 4.124a, if your involvement is 'wholly sensory' (numbness/tingling only, no weakness or reflex loss), the rating is capped at 10%. ANY documented weakness moves you above this cap.
📏What is 'Marked Muscular Atrophy'?
Visible wasting of the calf or thigh, measured by circumference difference between affected and unaffected leg. Required for 60% rating. The examiner must tape-measure both calves.
🦵Why does each leg rate separately?
Per § 4.124a, peripheral nerve ratings apply per extremity. Bilateral radiculopathy = two separate ratings combined under § 4.25 with a bilateral factor under § 4.26. Two 20% ratings combine to roughly 36% — far more than one 20%.
How to File Your Claim
Get an EMG/NCS BEFORE filing for increase
Electrodiagnostic study is the single most powerful piece of evidence. Confirms nerve involvement objectively and supports moderate-or-higher tiers. Ask your PCP or VA neurology for the referral.
File VA Form 21-526EZ listing 'right lower extremity radiculopathy' AND 'left lower extremity radiculopathy' as SEPARATE conditions
Each leg is its own rating. Filing 'bilateral radiculopathy' as one condition risks the rater applying a single rating instead of two.
Submit Peripheral Nerves DBQ with both legs examined separately
Make sure the examiner performs manual muscle testing (graded 0–5/5), reflex testing (patellar + Achilles), and sensory testing per dermatome — for BOTH legs.
If radiculopathy stems from service-connected back, file as secondary
Note 1 to the General Spine Formula states neurologic abnormalities associated with the spine are rated separately. Your existing back rating doesn't pyramid with a separate radiculopathy rating.
If diabetes is service-connected, file diabetic neuropathy as secondary
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a presumptive complication of service-connected diabetes (§ 3.310). No nexus letter required — just labs/EMG showing neuropathy.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
If you have a back rating, you probably have a missing radiculopathy rating
Any STR mention of radiating leg pain or positive straight-leg raise + current symptoms = file. Most veterans with rated backs have unclaimed bilateral radiculopathy worth 20–40% on each side.
Wholly sensory caps you at 10% — push for objective weakness/reflex testing
If you have ANY weakness or reflex loss, make sure it's documented. 'Sensory only' language under § 4.124a is the cap.
Bilateral factor under § 4.26 stacks on top
When both legs are rated, VA adds a 10% bilateral factor under § 4.26 before combining. Two 20% ratings → combined ~36% with the bilateral boost.
Watch for the femoral vs sciatic distinction
L4 dermatome (anterior thigh) symptoms may belong under DC 8526 (femoral nerve) rather than DC 8520 (sciatic). Different max ratings. Verify dermatome with a VSO.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have radiculopathy without back pain?
Yes. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-surgical neuropathy, and direct nerve injury can all cause sciatic-distribution symptoms without active back pain. The rating is for the nerve involvement, not the underlying cause.
Does radiculopathy 'count against' my back rating?
No — per Note 1 to the General Spine Formula, neurologic abnormalities are rated SEPARATELY from the spine rating. It's not pyramiding.
How is 'mild' vs 'moderate' vs 'moderately severe' determined?
The schedule doesn't define these terms with numerical thresholds — but VA practice is: mild = sensory only (10%); moderate = sensory + reduced reflex or strength 4+/5 (20%); moderately severe = strength 3–4/5 with sensory loss (40%); severe = visible atrophy (60%).
Can I get radiculopathy rated higher than my back?
Yes. A 10% back with bilateral 40% radiculopathy is common and entirely allowed. The nerve rating reflects functional limitation that may exceed the spinal limitation.
Is foot drop automatic 80%?
Yes — foot drop is the hallmark of complete sciatic paralysis (80% rating). EMG/NCS should confirm complete or near-complete conduction loss, plus exam showing inability to dorsiflex.
Official Regulatory Source
Sciatic nerve paralysis is rated under 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8520.
38 CFR § 4.124a — Diseases of Peripheral Nerves (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 8520. The mild/moderate/severe scaffold appears throughout § 4.124a for other peripheral nerves.
⚠️ Verify with a VSO
Other peripheral nerves (femoral DC 8526, peroneal DC 8521, etc.) follow the same mild/moderate/moderately severe/severe scaffold but with different maximum ratings. If your radiculopathy is L4 dermatome (anterior thigh), the femoral nerve code may apply instead of sciatic. Verify the dermatome with a VSO.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 8520, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 8520 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.