Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the hip and down the leg. It is one of the most frequently claimed and service-connected VA disabilities, and it very often ties back to a spine problem. This guide covers how the VA rates it.
How the VA rates sciatica
Sciatica is rated under diagnostic code 8520, paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Ratings run from 10 to 80 percent, with breaks commonly at 20, 40, and 60 percent, based on the severity of the nerve impairment (from mild incomplete paralysis up to complete paralysis).
The rating depends on how much the nerve impairment limits function, including numbness, weakness, and loss of movement in the affected leg.
Sciatica is usually a secondary condition
Sciatica most often results from a spine problem: a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spine compressing the nerve. That means for many veterans, sciatica is claimed as secondary to a service-connected back condition (38 CFR 3.310).
This is good news for your claim. If your back is already service-connected, you connect the sciatica to the back, not to service directly.
What the evidence needs to show
- A current diagnosis of sciatica or radiculopathy
- The service-connected back condition it stems from
- A medical opinion (nexus letter) linking the two, in VA terms
- Documentation of the symptoms: which leg, what type of pain, weakness, numbness
A real-world example
A veteran with a service-connected lower back condition developed shooting pain and numbness down his right leg. Rather than filing sciatica as a new direct claim, a provider connected it as secondary to the back condition, and it was rated separately.