Radiating leg pain, numbness, or weakness from a compressed or irritated sciatic nerve, commonly secondary to a spine condition, is rated by the degree of paralysis, based on motor loss, sensory disturbance, and muscle atrophy.
Common Filing Mistake
This is rated SEPARATELY from the underlying spine condition that's causing it, not folded into the spine's percentage, if you have a claimed back condition with radiating leg symptoms, make sure both are actually claimed and rated. Each leg is rated independently, and if both legs are affected, that triggers the bilateral factor (38 CFR § 4.26), see the Rating Calculator, which correctly applies it, unlike a simple side-by-side add.
Diagnostic Codes
- DC 8520Sciatic nerve, paralysis of
- DC 8620Sciatic nerve, neuritis of
- DC 8720Sciatic nerve, neuralgia of
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|
| 80% | Complete paralysis: the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of the knee weakened or (very rarely) lost |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis, with marked muscular atrophy |
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis |
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis |
Special Rules
- "Incomplete paralysis" means impaired function substantially less severe than the complete-paralysis picture described for the 80% rating, most claims fall somewhere in the incomplete range.
- Related codes DC 8620 (neuritis) and DC 8720 (neuralgia) cover the same nerve under different mechanisms, neuralgia in particular has a lower maximum rating, using the correct code for your actual clinical picture matters.
- This condition pairs naturally with the Spine entry in this list, sciatica is one of the most common "associated neurological abnormalities" rated alongside a back condition.
Sourced from 38 CFR §§ 4.71a / 4.130. This is a reference aid, not a rating decision, your actual rating depends on the medical evidence in your specific case and your C&P exam findings. Rules can be amended, verify current text at eCFR.gov or with an accredited VSO before relying on this for a specific claim.