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Radiculopathy (Lower Extremity) VA Disability Rating is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 8520 of 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a across 3 severity tiers (40%+ -- Severe limitation or ankylosis / 20% -- Moderate limitation / 10% -- Mild limitation or painful motion). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
Lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve, DC 8520) rates from 10-80% per extremity. 10% mild, 20% moderate, 40% moderately severe, 60% severe with marked muscular atrophy. EMG/NCS testing and straight leg raise on C&P exam are key evidence.
Radiculopathy (Lower Extremity) (DC 8520) is evaluated under 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a using the neurological rating framework. Because it is rated by analogy to the general schedule, the 3 levels below describe the body-system criteria the VA applies — the percentage assigned to Radiculopathy (Lower Extremity) depends on the specific findings (range of motion, frequency, severity, or functional loss) documented at the C&P exam and in the medical record.
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.