What are the VA rating percentages for Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease)?

Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) (DC 8103) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60% under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103. Mild incomplete paralysis (neuritis) of the sciatic nerve. Mild sensory disturbance with uncomfortable leg sensations.

What rates 10% for Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103 (DC 8103), a 10% rating for Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) requires: Mild incomplete paralysis (neuritis) of the sciatic nerve. Mild sensory disturbance with uncomfortable leg sensations.

What rates 20% for Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103 (DC 8103), a 20% rating for Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) requires: Moderate incomplete paralysis (neuritis) of the sciatic nerve. Moderate symptoms disrupting sleep regularly.

What rates 40% for Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103 (DC 8103), a 40% rating for Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) requires: Moderately severe incomplete paralysis (neuritis). Frequent symptoms significantly disrupting sleep and daily function.

What rates 60% for Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103 (DC 8103), a 60% rating for Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) requires: Severe incomplete paralysis (neuritis) with marked impact on sleep and daily activities.

What happens during a C&P exam for Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease)?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease)

Q: What evidence do I need for a Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 8103 | 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103 | 

Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 8103 of 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 60%). 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.

OVERVIEW

Uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, worse at rest and in the evening.

RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)

10%

Mild incomplete paralysis (neuritis) of the sciatic nerve. Mild sensory disturbance with uncomfortable leg sensations.

20%

Moderate incomplete paralysis (neuritis) of the sciatic nerve. Moderate symptoms disrupting sleep regularly.

40%

Moderately severe incomplete paralysis (neuritis). Frequent symptoms significantly disrupting sleep and daily function.

60%

Severe incomplete paralysis (neuritis) with marked impact on sleep and daily activities.

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

-Range of motion measurements

-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

-Buddy statements describing limitations

-Prescription history

-Physical therapy records

-Employment impact documentation

C&P EXAM TIPS (6)

1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

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SOURCES & EDITORIAL

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.

→ View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR → Editorial Standards → Suggest a correction

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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