Back injuries, heavy lifting, airborne operations, and combat-related trauma make sciatica one of the most common and debilitating nerve conditions among veterans. When severe, sciatica can interfere with walking, sitting, sleeping, and even basic mobility. The VA does recognize sciatica as a compensable disability. However, the rating system can be confusing because sciatica is evaluated under multiple diagnostic codes depending on nerve involvement and severity.
Understanding how the VA rates sciatica, what evidence is required, and how to properly service-connect the condition can make the difference between a low rating and compensation of up to 80%. This guide explains how sciatica is evaluated, what ratings apply, and how veterans can maximize their VA benefits.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower spine and travels through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg.
Sciatica itself is not a disease but a description of nerve pain caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
“Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur, or spinal narrowing compresses part of the nerve, causing pain, inflammation, and numbness,” explains a Mayo Clinic neurologist.
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In veterans, sciatica is frequently linked to service-related spinal injuries, degenerative disc disease, or repetitive strain from physically demanding duties.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica symptoms vary widely depending on nerve damage severity and duration.
Veterans with sciatica may experience:
- Sharp, shooting pain down one or both legs
- Burning or electric-like sensations
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Foot drop or partial paralysis in severe cases
“Persistent nerve pain and weakness can significantly limit employability and daily functioning, which is critical in VA disability evaluations,” says a VA medical examiner.
How the VA Rates Sciatica?
VA disability ratings for sciatica range from 10% to 80%, depending on:
- Type of nerve involvement
- Severity of symptoms
- Degree of paralysis or functional loss
Sciatica is rated under the Schedule of Ratings for Neurological Conditions, primarily involving the sciatic nerve.
Diagnostic Code 8520: Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve
VA Rating Criteria for DC 8520
| VA Rating | Severity Level | Qualifying Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 80% | Complete paralysis | Foot dangles and drops, no active movement below the knee, knee flexion weakened or lost |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis | Marked muscular atrophy |
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis | Significant weakness and functional loss |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis | Persistent sensory symptoms with weakness |
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis | Intermittent pain, tingling, or numbness |
“Incomplete paralysis means the nerve still functions to some degree, while complete paralysis reflects total loss of voluntary movement,” explains a VA-accredited claims agent.
Diagnostic Code 8620: Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve
VA Ratings for Sciatic Neuritis
Neuritis involves inflammation of the sciatic nerve and is often accompanied by constant pain and sensory disturbances.
| VA Rating | Severity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 60% | Severe | Constant pain, marked muscle atrophy, loss of reflexes |
| 40% | Moderately severe | Significant weakness, reflex impairment |
| 20% | Moderate | Frequent numbness or tingling |
| 10% | Mild | Occasional sensory symptoms, minimal weakness |
Diagnostic Code 8720: Neuralgia of the Sciatic Nerve
VA Ratings for Sciatic Neuralgia
Neuralgia typically causes intermittent pain without significant motor loss.
| VA Rating | Severity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | Moderate | Chronic nerve pain with sensory changes |
| 10% | Mild | Intermittent pain and tingling |
“Neuralgia ratings are capped lower because they usually lack the muscle atrophy and paralysis seen in more severe nerve injuries,” says a former VA rater.
VA Sciatica Rating
| Diagnostic Code | Condition Type | Maximum VA Rating |
|---|---|---|
| DC 8520 | Paralysis | 80% |
| DC 8620 | Neuritis | 60% |
| DC 8720 | Neuralgia | 20% |
Establishing Service Connection for Sciatica
Direct Service Connection Requirements
To qualify for VA disability compensation, veterans must provide:
- A current diagnosis of sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy
- Evidence of an in-service event, injury, or illness
- A medical nexus linking sciatica to military service
Service connection is commonly established through back injuries, degenerative spine conditions, or trauma sustained during service.
“A strong nexus letter explaining how spinal injuries lead to sciatic nerve compression is often decisive,” explains a VA disability attorney.
Secondary Service Connection for Sciatica
Sciatica is frequently granted as a secondary condition to other service-connected disabilities.
Common primary conditions include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Lumbar strain
- Arthritis of the spine
Secondary service connection requires medical evidence showing sciatica was caused or aggravated by the primary condition.
Secondary Conditions Caused by Sciatica
Veterans with service-connected sciatica may qualify for additional compensation for secondary conditions, including:
- Muscle atrophy
- Radiculopathy in other nerve groups
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
- Depression or anxiety due to chronic pain
- Gait abnormalities and joint damage
C&P Exam for Sciatica
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for sciatica typically assesses:
- Nerve damage severity
- Muscle strength and reflexes
- Sensory loss
- Impact on mobility and employment
“Failure to attend a scheduled C&P exam often results in denial or underrating,” says a former VA examiner.
VA Compensation for Sciatica (2025 Estimates)
| VA Rating | Monthly Compensation (Single Veteran) |
|---|---|
| 10% | ~$175+ |
| 20% | ~$346+ |
| 40% | ~$774+ |
| 60% | ~$1,361+ |
| 80% | ~$1,995+ |
TDIU and Sciatica
Veterans whose sciatica prevents substantially gainful employment may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
TDIU pays at the 100% rate, even if the schedular rating is less than 100%.
Final Thought
Sciatica can range from manageable discomfort to complete paralysis. The VA recognizes this wide spectrum and provides ratings from 10% to 80% depending on severity. Veterans who understand the diagnostic codes, provide strong medical evidence, and clearly document functional limitations are far more likely to secure the highest possible rating.
If sciatica limits your mobility, independence, or ability to work, you may be entitled to significant VA compensation.
FAQs
What is the average VA rating for sciatica?
Most veterans receive ratings between 10% and 40%, depending on symptom severity.
What is the highest VA rating for sciatica?
The maximum schedular rating is 80% for complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
Is there a bilateral sciatica VA rating?
Yes. When both legs are affected, the VA applies the bilateral factor, increasing the combined rating.
Can I receive TDIU for sciatica?
Yes. If sciatica prevents substantially gainful employment, TDIU may apply.
How does the VA rate sciatica radiculopathy?
Ratings are based on nerve impairment severity under DCs 8520, 8620, or 8720.
