Radiculopathy (Sciatic and Upper Extremity Nerve Involvement) VA Disability Rating

Radiculopathy is nerve root compression that radiates pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness into an arm or leg. VA rates it under the peripheral nerve codes in 38 CFR 4.124a — most commonly DC 8520 for the sciatic nerve — separately from the underlying spine rating, and separately for each affected extremity.

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Educational information only. StratForge is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not guarantee any rating, decision, or benefit.

Radiculopathy (Sciatic and Upper Extremity Nerve Involvement) rating percentages and criteria

Criteria are paraphrased from 38 CFR 4.124a. Read the official text before relying on any summary.

Complete paralysis

The nerve is completely non-functional; for the sciatic nerve, the foot dangles and drops with no active movement possible below the knee.

Severe incomplete paralysis

Marked muscular atrophy with severe symptoms.

Moderately severe incomplete paralysis

Significant sensory and motor involvement short of severe.

Moderate incomplete paralysis

More than sensory symptoms alone, with some motor involvement.

Mild incomplete paralysis

Wholly sensory symptoms — numbness, tingling, radiating pain without motor loss.

View official rating criteria

Common symptoms

Shooting or burning pain radiating from the spine into a limb
Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, arm, or hand
Weakness, foot drop, or dropping objects
Loss of reflexes on examination
Muscle atrophy in advanced cases

Evidence VA may consider

EMG and nerve conduction study results
MRI showing disc herniation or nerve root impingement
Neurology or orthopedic examination noting reflexes, strength, and sensation
Treatment records showing radiating symptoms into a specific extremity
Statements describing functional limits at work and at home

Not sure what is already in your file? Request and review your VA C-File or gather your medical records.

C&P exam information for radiculopathy (sciatic and upper extremity nerve involvement)

Identify which limb or limbs are affected — each extremity is rated separately.
Describe whether symptoms are sensory only or include weakness.
Report flare-ups, dropped objects, falls, and use of a cane or brace.

More detail: How to prepare for a VA C&P exam.

Potential secondary conditions

Radiculopathy secondary to a service-connected lumbar or cervical spine condition
Bowel or bladder impairment secondary to severe nerve involvement
Depression or sleep impairment secondary to chronic nerve pain
Knee or hip strain secondary to altered gait

Learn how these claims work on the VA secondary conditions guide.

Radiculopathy (Sciatic and Upper Extremity Nerve Involvement) VA claim FAQs

Can I be rated for both my back and radiculopathy?

Yes. Neurological manifestations of a spine disability are generally rated separately from the orthopedic spine evaluation, and each affected extremity may receive its own evaluation.