This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Radiculopathy
- Radiculopathy is rated separately from the underlying spinal condition that causes it.
- Each affected extremity (left leg, right leg) receives its own independent rating.
- The specific diagnostic code depends on which nerve is affected, DC 8520 (sciatic) is most common for lumbar radiculopathy.
- EMG/nerve conduction studies provide the most objective evidence of nerve root dysfunction and severity.
- Bilateral radiculopathy qualifies for the bilateral factor, which provides a small additional percentage increase.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Radiculopathy is a neurological condition caused by compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve pathway. It is most commonly rated under Diagnostic Code 8520 (sciatic nerve) for lumbar radiculopathy, though the specific code depends on the nerve affected.
The VA rates radiculopathy based on the severity of nerve involvement, from mild incomplete paralysis (10%) to complete paralysis (80% for the sciatic nerve). The key factor is the degree of functional impairment, mild cases involve intermittent pain and sensory changes, while severe cases show marked muscular atrophy and significant motor deficits.
Radiculopathy is almost always claimed as secondary to a spinal condition such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis. Each affected extremity is rated separately, so bilateral radiculopathy results in two distinct ratings. This separate rating principle is significant because the back condition and its radicular symptoms represent different body systems (musculoskeletal vs. neurological), allowing both to be compensated without pyramiding concerns.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Intermittent radiating pain with mild sensory changes. |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Regular radiating pain with moderate sensory loss and some motor weakness. |
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Frequent pain with significant sensory and motor deficits affecting function. |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve with marked muscular atrophy. Pronounced motor weakness with substantial functional limitation. |
| 80% | Complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible below the knee, flexion of the knee weakened or lost. |
- 10%
Mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Intermittent radiating pain with mild sensory changes.
- 20%
Moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Regular radiating pain with moderate sensory loss and some motor weakness.
- 40%
Moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Frequent pain with significant sensory and motor deficits affecting function.
- 60%
Severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve with marked muscular atrophy. Pronounced motor weakness with substantial functional limitation.
- 80%
Complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible below the knee, flexion of the knee weakened or lost.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
EMG/nerve conduction study (NCS)
Electrodiagnostic testing documenting nerve root involvement, the specific nerve affected, and the severity of nerve dysfunction.
MRI showing nerve root compression
Imaging demonstrating disc herniation, osteophyte formation, or stenosis compressing a specific nerve root at an identifiable spinal level.
Recommended
Neurological examination
Clinical examination documenting dermatomal pain patterns, sensory deficits, motor weakness, and reflex changes consistent with specific nerve root involvement.
Service treatment records
In-service records documenting the spinal condition that caused the radiculopathy, or showing onset of radiating symptoms during service.
Helpful
Functional impact statement
A personal statement or buddy statement describing how radicular symptoms affect walking, standing, sitting, and daily activities.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Radiculopathy. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Depression
DC 9434, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%
Muscle Atrophy
DC 5314, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%
Gait Abnormality / Fall Risk
DC 8520, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 40%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
Related DBQs
Peripheral Nerve Conditions
Form 21-0960C-10
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.