Sciatic nerve, paralysis of
Diagnostic code 8520
This formula governs the neurological conditions and convulsive disorders criteria published in 38 CFR §4.124a. The criteria below are quoted from the regulation and are current as of 2026-07-07.
This explains the published rating criteria. It is not a prediction about any veteran’s claim, and only VA decides a rating.
38 CFR §4.124aRegulation text current as of 2026-07-07
Published criteria
8520 Paralysis of:
80%Complete; the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost
Incomplete:
60%Severe, with marked muscular atrophy
40%Moderately severe
20%Moderate
10%Mild
Related condition pages
- How VA rates sciatica (diagnostic code 8520)
Related VA rating resources
Browse the VA rating criteria hub, use the combined-rating calculator to understand how ratings combine, or see the published figures in the VA disability pay chart.
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