Radiculopathy (Sciatic Nerve)
Diagnostic Code 8520 • 38 CFR § 4.124a
Incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve—often secondary to lumbar spine pathology; each leg may be rated separately
Diagnostic Code
8520
Radiculopathy Rating Percentages at a Glance (per leg)
Complete paralysis
Foot dangles/drop; no active movement below knee
$2,102.15/mo
if that % were your combined
Severe incomplete paralysis + marked atrophy
Major muscle wasting documented
$1,435.02/mo
if that % were your combined
Moderately severe incomplete paralysis
Significant weakness/EMG changes
$795.84/mo
if that % were your combined
Moderate incomplete paralysis
Clear radicular pattern + objective findings
$356.66/mo
if that % were your combined
Mild incomplete paralysis
Sensory/mild motor findings
$180.42/mo
if that % were your combined
Note: Dollar amounts shown are schedular monthly rates for illustrative single percentages (veteran alone). Your actual payment depends on your combined rating for all conditions. DC 8620 (neuritis) and DC 8720 (neuralgia) use analogous scales for other nerves.
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes
Real-World Compensation Scenarios
Lumbar spine 40% + Bilateral radiculopathy 10% each
Separate ratings for spine and each lower extremity nerve can stack significantly versus spine alone.
Illustrative combined: mid–high 60s to 70%+ range → pay moves toward $1,435.02–$1,808.45/mo band
20% radiculopathy + 70% PTSD + 50% sleep apnea
Nerve rating adds to mental health + respiratory—often pushes combined rating over 80%.
~$2,102.15/mo illustrative @ 80% combined
Unilateral 40% radiculopathy + 50% migraine
Two strong ratings combine—approaching 70% combined ($1,808.45/mo) depending on other factors.
Complete Rating Criteria — DC 8520 (Sciatic)
| Rating | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|
| 80% | Complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy. |
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis. |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis. |
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis. |
| 0% | Diagnosis with minimal findings. |
Detailed Evidence Requirements
EMG / NCV
Localization to root level; severity supports moderate vs severe incomplete paralysis.
MRI correlation
Disc herniosis, stenosis, or foraminal narrowing matching symptoms.
Motor exam
Heel/toe walk, dorsiflexion strength, reflex asymmetry.
Pain diary
Radiation pattern, bowel/bladder red flags if any.
Nexus from spine
If spine is SC, radiculopathy often claimed secondary with clear rationale.
Secondary Conditions Grid
Primaries: Lumbar/cervical spine, IVDS, diabetes (rule out diabetic neuropathy vs radiculopathy).
Radiculopathy Claim Timeline
Image spine
MRI if not recent—rater needs anatomy.
EMG request
Neurology orders EMG/NCV bilaterally if symptoms bilateral.
File secondary
Link to already-SC spine in 21-526EZ.
C&P
Describe radiation, numbness, weakness—not just “back hurts.”
Increase later
If foot drop develops, file for increase with new EMG.
What Gets You Higher Ratings?
10% → 20–40%
Objective EMG, clear dermatomal pattern, motor weakness on exam.
40% → 60–80%
Atrophy on exam, severe EMG, foot drop, or complete paralysis documentation.
Common Mistakes
FAQs
▸ Cervical radiculopathy?
Upper extremity nerves use different DCs (e.g., median, ulnar)—not DC 8520.
▸ Both legs?
Often yes—two separate evaluations when each leg meets criteria.
▸ Surgery?
Post-op residuals still rated—may improve or worsen; file for adjustment if nerve symptoms persist.
Cross-Links
⚠️ 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.
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