Claiming Sciatica / Radiculopathy?
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VA Rating Tiers
80%
complete paralysis
60%
severe with marked muscular atrophy
40%
moderately severe incomplete paralysis
20%
moderate incomplete paralysis
10%
mild incomplete paralysis
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›80%: Complete paralysis — foot drop, loss of active movement below the knee.
- ›60%: Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy.
- ›40%: Moderately severe incomplete paralysis.
- ›20%: Moderate incomplete paralysis.
- ›10%: Mild incomplete paralysis.
- ›0%: Neuralgia or minimal neuritis — service connection still established.
- ›Rated under DC 8520 (paralysis of the sciatic nerve).
- ›Complete paralysis under the schedule includes foot dangle/drop and no active movement possible below the knee.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
—
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Often associated with a lumbar spine condition.
- •Can be claimed directly or as secondary depending on facts.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •complaints of radiating pain
- •back injury records
- •neurologic symptoms documented in service
Medical Evidence
- •MRI showing disc issues
- •exam notes documenting numbness or weakness
- •physical therapy or orthopedic notes
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
- •statement describing episodes of leg symptoms
Diagnostic Tests
- •MRI
- •EMG
- •neurologic exam
- •straight leg raise
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Peripheral Nerves / Spine
Be ready to describe
- •where symptoms travel
- •whether one leg or both are affected
- •episodes of numbness or weakness
- •how symptoms affect standing, walking, and work
Prep notes
- •Describe where the pain or numbness starts and where it travels.
- •Be specific about weakness, falls, or loss of endurance.
- •Explain whether symptoms come with back flare-ups.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 8520
- Category
- Neurological
- Subcategory
- Peripheral Nerves / Spine-related
- Typical Claim Type
- secondary
- Rating Range
- 0% – 80%
Also Known As
radiculopathynerve pain down legshooting leg painlumbar radiculopathy
Related Conditions
Secondary to
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