Sciatic Nerve Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
DC 8520 §4.124a Neurological ICD-10: M54.30 Secondary
Lower extremity nerve pain from lumbar spine impairment. Each leg rated separately.
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 80% | Complete paralysis; foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost |
| 60% | Incomplete paralysis, severe, with marked muscular atrophy |
| 40% | Incomplete paralysis, moderately severe |
| 20% | Incomplete paralysis, moderate |
| 10% | Incomplete paralysis, mild |
Often claimed secondary to
If you're already service-connected for any of these, Sciatic Nerve Radiculopathy (Sciatica) is often a viable secondary claim.
Lumbosacral Strain / Lower Back
ROM-based. Goniometer required. 10-40% typical.
Cervical Strain / Neck
Same general formula as low back. Often paired from rucks, helicopter/vehicle vibration.
Filing this claim
For most veterans this is filed as a secondary claim. You need a nexus letter linking it to a service-connected primary condition. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.124a. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.