If the VA already service-connected your sciatica (also called sciatic nerve pain, sciatic neuropathy), it can cause or worsen other conditions that are ratable on their own. These "secondary" claims are where many veterans leave money on the table. Below is what a service-connected sciatica commonly leads to, why, and what evidence each one takes.
Sciatica is rated as impairment of the sciatic nerve under 38 CFR 4.124a, separately for each leg. It is very often claimed secondary to a service-connected back condition; see back secondaries and radiculopathy.
| Sciatic nerve (DC 8520) | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mild incomplete paralysis | 10% |
| Moderate incomplete paralysis | 20% |
| Moderately severe incomplete paralysis | 40% |
| Severe incomplete paralysis, with marked muscular atrophy | 60% |
| Complete paralysis (the foot dangles and drops) | 80% |
Sensory-only involvement is rated mild, or at most moderate. When both legs are affected, the bilateral factor applies.
A secondary claim only works if the primary condition (sciatica) is already service-connected, and you have a nexus — a doctor's opinion that it is "at least as likely as not" the cause. Nexus letter sample and template →
Severe sciatic nerve involvement can cause foot drop and marked leg weakness, raising the severity and rating.
What you'd need: Documented motor loss or foot drop on exam attributed to the service-connected sciatica.
Sciatic pain and weakness change how you walk, overloading other joints over time.
What you'd need: Imaging/exam of the affected joint and a nexus opinion linking it to the gait changes from sciatica.