Understanding Sciatica and Its Symptoms
Sciatica (or lumbar radiculopathy) is the third most prevalent service-connected condition among veterans. It is characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg.
It most often results from a spinal abnormality, like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, compressing the nerve root.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain: A burning, searing, or shooting pain that radiates down the leg.
- Numbness or Tingling (Paresthesia): Sensations in the leg or foot.
- Muscle Weakness (Motor Loss): Difficulty moving the leg or foot, often described as “foot drop.”
- Altered Reflexes: Diminished or lost ankle or knee reflexes.
- Difficulty with Mobility: Trouble standing up, walking, or sitting for long periods.
Establishing Service Connection for Sciatica
To pursue benefits for sciatica, you must establish service connection through one of the following paths:
1. Direct Service Connection
This path applies if your sciatica began during your military service or was directly caused or permanently aggravated by an in-service event or condition.
2. Secondary Service Connection (Most Common Pathway)
Sciatica is very often recognized as a secondary service-connected condition. This means the condition was caused or aggravated by another condition for which you are already receiving VA disability compensation.
- Spine/Back Conditions: The most common connection is with service-connected back disabilities (like degenerative disc disease), where the spinal condition physically compresses the sciatic nerve root.
- Limping/Gait Changes: Sciatica may also be linked to a service-connected condition in the opposite leg or hip that causes an altered gait, leading to chronic stress on the lower back and subsequent nerve compression.
Crucial Medical Evidence Needed
Building a strong case to support your sciatica rating requires objective medical evidence demonstrating the severity of your nerve impairment. Medical evidence is the foundation of a successful claim.
- Current Diagnosis: A formal diagnosis of sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy from a qualified medical professional (neurologist, orthopedic specialist, etc.).
- Diagnostic Test Results:
- MRI or CT Scan: Imaging to visualize spinal abnormalities (herniated disc, stenosis) compressing the nerve.
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG): Objective tests that measure the electrical activity of the nerve and muscle, which can confirm nerve damage and its severity.
- Symptom Log/Diary: Document the frequency, location, and severity of pain, numbness, and weakness, and their impact on sleep, walking, standing, and daily activities.
- Lay Statements: Personal accounts from you and supporting statements from family/fellow service members describing the onset, development, and functional limitations of the sciatica.
- Medical Nexus Letter (for secondary cases): A well-reasoned medical opinion from a qualified physician linking your sciatica to your service-connected primary condition, stating it is “at least as likely as not” caused by the primary condition. A medical nexus letter is often pivotal for secondary service connection.
VA Rating Criteria for Sciatica (Diagnostic Code 8520)
The VA rates sciatica, or paralysis of the sciatic nerve, under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8520 in 38 CFR § 4.124a (Neurological conditions and Convulsive disorders). The rating is based on the degree of incomplete or complete paralysis, measured by motor loss, sensory disturbances, and muscle atrophy.
| Rating | Description of Impairment/Paralysis (DC 8520) |
| 80% | Complete paralysis: The foot dangles and drops (foot drop), there is no active movement of muscles below the knee, and knee flexion is severely weakened or lost. |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy (significant muscle wasting) in the lower leg. |
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis: Significant motor weakness; symptoms interfere substantially with walking, standing, or use of the lower extremity. |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis: Sensory changes (numbness/tingling) plus some observable motor weakness or reduced reflexes. |
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis: Primarily sensory symptoms (pain, tingling, numbness) with little or no objective muscle weakness or loss of function. |
Note on Neuritis and Neuralgia
Sciatica can also be rated under DC 8620 (Neuritis, an inflammation of the peripheral nerves) or DC 8720 (Neuralgia, a sharp pain linked to nerve damage or a nerve disorder). Neuralgia (DC 8720) is typically pain-predominant with a lower maximum rating, and Neuritis (DC 8620) often requires objective findings of nerve damage/atrophy. For radiculopathy/sciatic paralysis involving motor or atrophy, the criteria under DC 8520 are most often applied.
Additional Considerations
Bilateral Sciatica
If sciatica affects both legs, the VA rates each leg separately and then applies the Bilateral Factor when calculating the combined disability rating. This factor combines the ratings for paired extremities (arms or legs) and then adds 10% of that combined value before further combinations, often resulting in a higher overall rating. (See 38 CFR § 4.26).
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Severe sciatica, especially if it leads to significant functional limitations like difficulty walking, standing, or sitting, may prevent a Veteran from maintaining substantially gainful employment. If your service-connected conditions, including severe sciatica, prevent you from working, you may be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which provides compensation at the 100% rate even if your schedular combined rating is lower.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to pursue the benefits you are medically, legally, and ethically eligible for, or if you have questions about building your medical evidence, schedule a free consultation with our team. There’s no upfront cost, and you remain in complete control of your benefits journey.
