Sciatic nerve, paralysis (DC 8520) | VA Rating Tool
| Diagnostic Code | 8520 |
|---|---|
| Category | Neurological Conditions And Convulsive Disorders |
| Subcategory | Peripheral Nerves |
| Also Known As | Sciatic, sciatica, sciatic nerve, leg pain, shooting pain down leg, radiculopathy, pinched nerve, leg numbness, tingling, nerve pain, neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy |
| CFR Section | 38 CFR § 4.124a |
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
Sciatica is rated based on sciatic nerve paralysis. Most commonly rated at 10-20%. Each leg is rated separately. This is often filed as secondary to a back condition.
Next Steps for This Condition
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 80% | Complete; the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost |
| 60% | Severe, with marked muscular atrophy |
| 40% | Moderately severe |
| 20% | Moderate |
| 10% | Mild |
Conditions Secondary to This
6 linksSciatica and lumbar conditions are bidirectionally linked
Chronic radiating pain severely impacts quality of life
Severe sciatic nerve compression can cause peroneal nerve damage
Compensating gait from sciatica stresses the knee
Altered gait from numbness changes foot mechanics
Pain disrupts sleep, medications may worsen sleep apnea
This May Be Secondary To
8 linksDegenerative disc disease commonly compresses the sciatic nerve and causes sciatica symptoms.
Diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy, damaging nerves in the extremities.
Disc herniation or stenosis can compress the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica.
Disc problems, strain, or stenosis can compress the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica symptoms.
Spinal arthritis can compress nerves causing radiculopathy
HIV-associated neuropathy causes peripheral nerve damage, pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities.
Uremia from kidney disease can damage peripheral nerves
Hip conditions can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.