Sciatica VA Ratings Guide Understanding VA Benefits for Sciatic Nerve Conditions

Sciatica isn’t just back pain; for many veterans, it’s a condition that makes walking, standing, or even sitting unbearable.

The VA does offer disability compensation, but your sciatica VA rating depends on how severe your symptoms are and the strength of evidence you provide.

In this guide, we’ll explain how the VA rates sciatica, what medical documentation strengthens your claim, and how Telemedica’s DBQs and Nexus Letters may help you secure the benefits you’ve earned.

Key Takeaways

• The VA rates sciatica based on severity, from 10% for mild incomplete paralysis to 80% for complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. 

• Medical evidence such as MRIs, nerve conduction studies, and physician evaluations is important in proving both severity and service connection. 

• Telemedica’s Nexus Letters and sciatica DBQs can provide the detailed documentation the VA looks for in determining your rating. 

• Secondary conditions caused by sciatica, like muscle atrophy or mental health conditions, may increase your total VA disability compensation. 

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica, also called lumbar radiculopathy, describes pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the hips and buttocks, and down one or both legs.  

It’s not a disease by itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying problem such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur, or narrowing of the spine compresses part of the nerve. This can cause inflammation, pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg. 

Common Causes

For veterans, sciatica can be the result of service-related injuries like: 

• Falls, jumps, or impacts during training or combat 

• Repeated heavy lifting or carrying heavy gear 

• Spinal trauma from vehicle accidents or blast injuries 

Symptoms

Sciatica symptoms vary from mild discomfort to severe impairment. Common signs include: 

• Sharp or burning pain radiating down the leg 

• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot 

• Muscle weakness in the affected limb 

• Difficulty standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods 

• Worsening pain with sudden movements like coughing or sneezing 

• In severe cases, paralysis or loss of mobility 

How the VA Rates Sciatica

The VA evaluates sciatica under 38 CFR § 4.124a – Schedule of Ratings for Neurological Conditions, using Diagnostic Codes 8520 (Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve), 8620 (Neuritis), and 8720 (Neuralgia).

Sciatica VA Rating Chart

The Importance of Strong Medical Evidence

The VA’s decision is only as strong as the evidence you provide. Key documentation can include: 

• Imaging studies (MRI, CT scans) 

• EMG or nerve conduction studies 

• Clinical notes documenting symptoms and functional impact

• Credible Nexus Letters or DBQs

• C&P exam findings 

Establishing Service Connection for Sciatica

To qualify for VA disability benefits for sciatic nerve pain, you must show: 

• A current diagnosis from a qualified medical provider 

• An in-service event, injury, or illness that could have caused or aggravated the condition 

• A medical nexus linking the condition to your service (e.g., a Nexus Letter)

C&P Exam for Sciatica

The VA may require a Compensation & Pension exam to confirm your diagnosis, assess severity, and determine service connection. At this exam, be honest and specific about: 

• When your symptoms began 

• How they affect your daily activities 

• Flare-ups and functional limitations 

Missing a C&P exam can hurt your claim, so attend all scheduled appointments. 

Secondary Conditions to Sciatica

Sciatica can lead to or worsen other health issues. Veterans may be entitled to additional compensation for conditions like: 

• Degenerative Disc Disease 

• Muscle Atrophy 

• Urinary or Bowel Incontinence 

• Mental Health Conditions (such as depression from chronic pain) 

• Radiculopathy in other nerve distributions 

Related: When You Need a Nexus Letter for a VA Claim

Conclusion

Sciatica can have a serious impact on your quality of life, but with the right medical evidence, you can secure the VA rating you deserve.  

Telemedica’s independent evaluations, DBQs, and Nexus Letters are designed to meet VA standards and clearly document your symptoms, severity, and service connection. 

If you’re ready to strengthen your sciatica VA claim, connect with Telemedica today.

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied? 

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims! 

Schedule your 20-minute consultation call and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VA rate sciatica?

The VA rates sciatica under Diagnostic Codes 8520 (paralysis), 8620 (neuritis), and 8720 (neuralgia) of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica VA ratings range from 10% for mild incomplete paralysis (mostly sensory symptoms) to 80% for complete paralysis (no movement below the knee, foot drop, and severely weakened or lost knee flexion). Neuritis can be rated from 10% to 60%, and neuralgia from 10% to 20%, depending on severity. 

How does the VA rate sciatica radiculopathy?

Sciatica is the most common type of lumbar radiculopathy. The VA rates it under Diagnostic Codes 8520, 8620, and 8720, with ratings from 10% for mild symptoms to 80% for complete paralysis. Neuritis is rated from 10%–60% and neuralgia from 10%–20%, based on pain, weakness, numbness, and loss of mobility. 

What is the highest VA rating for sciatica?

The highest possible VA rating for sciatica is 80% for complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. This occurs when the foot dangles and drops, no active movement is possible below the knee, and knee flexion is severely weakened or lost. 

Is there a bilateral sciatica VA rating?

Yes. If sciatica affects both legs, the VA applies a bilateral factor when calculating your combined disability rating. This factor may increase your overall VA monthly compensation. 

Can I get TDIU for sciatica?

Yes. If your sciatica prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This provides compensation at the 100% rate even if your combined ratings are lower. 

How does the VA decide between mild, moderate, and severe ratings for sciatica?

The VA considers factors such as muscle weakness, reflex changes, sensory loss, and muscle atrophy. “Mild” generally means mostly sensory symptoms, while “severe” includes significant motor loss and muscle wasting. 

Can I get VA disability for sciatica in both legs?

Yes. If both sciatic nerves are affected, each leg may be rated separately and then combined for your overall VA disability percentage. 

What if my sciatica gets worse after my VA rating is assigned?

You can file for a sciatica VA rating increase, supported by updated medical evidence (e.g., a DBQ) showing worsening symptoms, such as new imaging, nerve tests, or specialist evaluations.