VASRD 8520 · Neurological

Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve VA Disability Rating

Damage to the sciatic nerve that causes leg weakness, pain, or paralysis.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
80%Foot hangs limp and can’t move below the knee due to nerve damage.
60%Severe weakness and pain in leg with visible muscle loss.
40%Leg weakness and numbness interfere with walking and standing.
20%Mild leg weakness or numbness from nerve damage.
10%Mild nerve issues like tingling or shooting leg pain.

How the VA Evaluates Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve

Based on motor strength, reflexes, pain, and sensory exam findings in the leg and foot.

Approval rate

High if symptoms are persistent and confirmed by EMG or physical exam.

Annual service-connected

72,500 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •EMG or nerve conduction study showing sciatic involvement
  • •Neurologist report describing motor/sensory deficits
  • •Functional assessment showing gait or mobility loss

Strategy Tips

  • •Include physical therapy records
  • •Clarify onset related to back trauma or disc issues
  • •Provide documentation of assistive devices if used

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Inconsistent reporting of leg weakness or numbness
  • •No clinical evidence of nerve damage
  • •Symptoms attributed to unrelated back conditions

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Failing to distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis
  • •No EMG or diagnostic evidence
  • •Not detailing functional limitations in walking or standing

Onset Patterns

  • •Follows spinal injury or disc herniation
  • •Gradual from chronic back strain
  • •Post-surgical complication affecting the sciatic nerve

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Foot Drop

    Result of complete sciatic paralysis

  • Depression

    Due to chronic pain and limited mobility

  • Pressure Sores

    From immobility or bracing

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve is frequently claimed.

Marines6314Fixed Wing Aircraft Power Plant Mechanic F-402Marines6332Fixed Wing Aircraft Power Plant Mechanic J-85Marines6423Aviation Electronics TechnicianMarines6432Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical/Weapon Systems TechnicianMarines6462Aviation Meteorological Equipment TechnicianMarines6466Aviation Logistics Information Management Systems TechnicianMarines6467Aviation Supply/Fiscal/Material Management TechnicianMarines6469Expeditionary Airfield Systems TechnicianMarines6482Aircraft Maintenance Data SpecialistMarines6492Aviation Supply Administration and Technology Systems SpecialistMarines6531Aviation Ordnance TechnicianMarines6541Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician

Common questions about Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve

Is Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve under VASRD diagnostic code 8520 (Neurological). Damage to the sciatic nerve that causes leg weakness, pain, or paralysis.
What VA disability rating can I get for Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve?
Possible VA ratings for Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve are 80%, 60%, 40%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 80% — Foot hangs limp and can’t move below the knee due to nerve damage.; 60% — Severe weakness and pain in leg with visible muscle loss.; 40% — Leg weakness and numbness interfere with walking and standing..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve?
The average awarded rating for Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve is 40%. Roughly 72,500 veterans are service-connected for Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve each year. Typical approval likelihood: High if symptoms are persistent and confirmed by EMG or physical exam..
What evidence helps prove Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve claim includes: EMG or nerve conduction study showing sciatic involvement; Neurologist report describing motor/sensory deficits; Functional assessment showing gait or mobility loss.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve?
Common pitfalls when filing for Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve: Failing to distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis; No EMG or diagnostic evidence; Not detailing functional limitations in walking or standing.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve include: Foot Drop, Depression, Pressure Sores. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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