NeurologicalDC 8520

Sciatica (Sciatic Nerve)

The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and runs down each leg, playing a major role in leg, foot, and hip movements. Damage to the sciatic nerve is rated under Diagnostic Code 8520 for paralysis (most common), DC 8620 for neuritis, or DC 8720 for neuralgia. Since there is a sciatic nerve for each leg, veterans can receive separate ratings for each side. The bilateral factor applies. Severity ranges from mild incomplete paralysis (tingling, mild pain, some range of motion impact) to complete paralysis (foot dangles and drops, no active movement below the knee, weakened or lost knee flexion). Peripheral nerve conditions are presumptive if diagnosed within one year of separation, within one year of Agent Orange exposure, as a Gulf War illness, or for former POWs held at least 30 days.

VA Rating Levels

10%

Incomplete paralysis, mild: tingling or mild pain with some mild range of motion impacts.

20%

Incomplete paralysis, moderate: tingling, numbness, moderate pain, or other symptoms that interfere with ability to function.

40%

Incomplete paralysis, moderately severe: ability to function is seriously limited.

60%

Incomplete paralysis, severe: marked muscular atrophy is present.

80%

Complete paralysis: foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee is weakened or very rarely lost.

Exam Tips & Key Evidence

→Each leg has its own sciatic nerve, so you can receive separate ratings for the left and right leg. These ratings qualify for the bilateral factor.
→Moderate severity and above requires testable symptoms that an examiner can observe, such as decreased sensitivity, reduced reflexes, muscle weakness or atrophy, or impaired function.
→If you believe your severity rating is too low, consider filing a Higher Level Review. There can be significant differences of opinion on nerve severity assessments.
→If you have a current diagnosis and report any symptoms, your severity should be rated at least mild, even if the examiner notes no visible symptoms.
→Sciatica is commonly secondary to lumbar spine conditions such as degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis.

Commonly Related Conditions

Degenerative Disc DiseasePeripheral Neuropathy (Lower Extremities)

38 CFR Reference

38 CFR $ 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8520