Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 8520: Sciatic Nerve Paralysis / Radiculopathy Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Rating range
- 10% to 80%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Neurological conditions
The VA rates Sciatic Nerve Paralysis / Radiculopathy under diagnostic code 8520 in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 8520 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis What raters look formild numbness or tingling; mild pain |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis What raters look formoderate pain; some weakness; decreased sensation |
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis What raters look forsignificant weakness; marked sensory loss; frequent pain |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy What raters look formarked atrophy; severe weakness; constant pain |
| 80% | Complete paralysis, foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible below the knee What raters look forcomplete paralysis; foot drop; no active movement |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Sciatica. The Sciatica condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
Other conditions rated under this code: Radiculopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy.
What happens to Sciatica appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 583 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Sciatica as the primary issue. The Sciatica condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Sciatica appeals generally rather than DC 8520 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 8520?
Diagnostic code 8520 is the VA rating schedule entry for Sciatic Nerve Paralysis / Radiculopathy, found in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 8520?
DC 8520 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 8520 require?
The 80% rating for Sciatic Nerve Paralysis / Radiculopathy requires: Complete paralysis, foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible below the knee.