Sciatica — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Describe the intensity, frequency, and duration of shooting/burning pain radiating from the buttock down the leg on your worst days.
• Explain how far the pain travels (buttock, thigh, calf, foot) and whether it reaches the foot/toes.
• Note any numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation and exactly where it occurs.
• Report any weakness — e.g., the leg gives out, you drag your foot, you trip, or you cannot push off when walking.
• Mention foot drop specifically if your foot slaps the ground or you cannot lift the front of your foot.
• Describe functional impact: how far you can walk, whether you need a cane/brace, difficulty with stairs, standing, or sitting.
• Be honest about flare-ups: how often they occur, what triggers them, and how long you are limited afterward.
• Do not exaggerate or minimize — describe a realistic worst day, not only your best or only your worst moment.

Evidence that helps

• Service treatment records or nexus documentation linking sciatica to a service-connected back condition or in-service event
• Current VA or private medical diagnosis of sciatic nerve involvement (radiculopathy)
• EMG/nerve conduction study results confirming nerve involvement and severity
• MRI/imaging of the lumbar spine showing nerve root impingement
• Physical exam findings documenting muscle strength, reflexes, sensory loss, and atrophy
• Records noting foot drop, gait abnormality, or assistive-device use (cane, brace, AFO)
• Physician statements describing severity (mild/moderate/severe) and functional limitations
• Buddy/lay statements describing observable symptoms and daily-life impact
• Pain and flare-up logs documenting frequency and duration

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

Conditions medically linked to Sciatica — each can be worth a separate or secondary claim:

• Radiculopathy — Sciatica is radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve — rated under the same peripheral-nerve criteria (DC 8520).
• Lumbar spine — Sciatica is most often secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine condition.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for sciatica?

The VA rates sciatica under 38 CFR diagnostic code 8520. The rating tiers are: 10% — Mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.; 20% — Moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.; 40% — Moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.; 60% — Severe incomplete paralysis, with marked muscular atrophy.; 80% — Complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve: the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is sciatica?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Sciatica can be rated from 10% to 80%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

What evidence do I need for a sciatica VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Service treatment records or nexus documentation linking sciatica to a service-connected back condition or in-service event; Current VA or private medical diagnosis of sciatic nerve involvement (radiculopathy); EMG/nerve conduction study results confirming nerve involvement and severity; MRI/imaging of the lumbar spine showing nerve root impingement; Physical exam findings documenting muscle strength, reflexes, sensory loss, and atrophy; Records noting foot drop, gait abnormality, or assistive-device use (cane, brace, AFO); Physician statements describing severity (mild/moderate/severe) and functional limitations; Buddy/lay statements describing observable symptoms and daily-life impact; Pain and flare-up logs documenting frequency and duration.

How do I get the correct rating for sciatica?

To be rated accurately: Describe the intensity, frequency, and duration of shooting/burning pain radiating from the buttock down the leg on your worst days.; Explain how far the pain travels (buttock, thigh, calf, foot) and whether it reaches the foot/toes.; Note any numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation and exactly where it occurs.; Report any weakness — e.g., the leg gives out, you drag your foot, you trip, or you cannot push off when walking.; Mention foot drop specifically if your foot slaps the ground or you cannot lift the front of your foot.; Describe functional impact: how far you can walk, whether you need a cane/brace, difficulty with stairs, standing, or sitting.; Be honest about flare-ups: how often they occur, what triggers them, and how long you are limited afterward.; Do not exaggerate or minimize — describe a realistic worst day, not only your best or only your worst moment..