★ Neurological
Sciatica VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8520
Overview
Sciatica is the most common secondary condition to a service-connected lumbar spine disability.
Each leg is rated separately, with the bilateral factor applied if both are service-connected.
EMG and clinical exam findings drive the severity level.
In Depth
Sciatica is rated under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520, as paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The five rating tiers correspond to mild incomplete (10%), moderate incomplete (20%), moderately severe incomplete (40%), severe incomplete with marked muscle atrophy (60%), and complete paralysis (80%).
Sciatica is the single most common secondary condition to lumbar spine disabilities. When a veteran is service-connected for the lumbar spine and develops radiating leg pain, weakness, or numbness, a separate rating under DC 8520 is appropriate — not a higher rating for the spine.
Bilateral sciatica (both legs) qualifies for the bilateral factor under 38 CFR § 4.26 — an additional 10% added to the combined value of the two ratings before further combinations.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Secondary: most commonly secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine condition.
- Direct: in-service nerve injury or onset.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8520
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis. |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis. |
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis. |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy. |
| 80% | Complete paralysis: foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or lost. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- EMG/NCS.
- MRI of lumbar spine.
- C&P sensory and reflex exam findings.
Evidence VA Commonly Cites in These Claims
Descriptive summary of evidence types frequently referenced in rating decisions for this condition. Not a checklist of actions to take — every claim is decided on its own facts.
- ★An EMG/nerve conduction study documenting nerve involvement objectively is commonly cited; it separates sciatica from generalized back pain.
- ★Specific neurologic findings — which dermatome, sensory loss vs. weakness, reflex changes — are typically central to a sciatica evaluation.
- ★When both legs are affected, separate ratings for each are required for the bilateral factor under § 4.26 to apply.
Common pitfalls VA sees
- Letting the rater combine sciatica into the lumbar spine rating instead of assigning a separate neurologic rating.
- Failing to claim each leg separately when both are involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Sciatica claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.