Neurological · 38 CFR 4.124a · DC 8520 (sciatic)
Radiculopathy VA Disability Rating
Radiculopathy is rated as a separate disability from the underlying spine condition that caused it. The most common forms are sciatic radiculopathy (DC 8520, lower extremity) and cervical radiculopathy (DC 8510 or 8512, upper extremity). The rating tracks severity — mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe — and applies per affected limb. Left + right radiculopathy each rate separately, and the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26) adds 10% to that combined value.
Rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis. |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis. |
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis. |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy. |
Common secondary conditions
Veterans rated for radiculopathy frequently file secondary-service-connection claims for:
- Lumbar / cervical spine condition (primary)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bladder dysfunction
Use the calculator
Once you know the percentage assigned for this condition, plug it into the VA Combined Rating Calculator alongside any other service-connected ratings to see your combined percentage and 2026 monthly compensation.
Source citations
- 38 CFR 4.124a (eCFR)
- VA.gov current monthly compensation rates
- VA Office of General Counsel — Accreditation directory
VetDisabilityCalc is an independent reference site operated by Zoom Lifestyle LLC. We are not VA-accredited and we do not prepare or present VA claims. The information in this guide is reference material based on the cited regulations and is not legal advice. For representation, use the official VA OGC accreditation directory.