Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve
The VA rates Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8620 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 8620 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.123
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild Note: Neuritis rated the same as paralysis of the same nerve. DC 8620 uses DC 8520 (sciatic nerve paralysis) rating schedule. |
| 20% | Moderate |
| 40% | Moderately severe |
| 60% | Neuritis of the sciatic nerve: Complete. All muscles of the leg and foot paralyzed; total foot drop; complete sensory loss below knee; absent Achilles reflex; requiring AFO or assistive device for ambulation. |
“Moderately severe”
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 8615Neuritis of the Median NerveRated up to 40%
- 8616Neuritis of the Ulnar NerveRated up to 40%
- 8617Neuritis of the Musculocutaneous NerveRated up to 30%
- 8618Neuritis of the Circumflex NerveRated up to 40%
- 8619Neuritis of the Long Thoracic NerveRated up to 30%
- 8621Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal)Rated up to 40%
- 8622Neuritis of the Musculocutaneous Nerve (Superficial Peroneal)Rated up to 30%
- 8623Neuritis of the Anterior Tibial Nerve (Deep Peroneal)Rated up to 30%
- 8624Neuritis of the Internal Popliteal Nerve (Tibial)Rated up to 40%
- 8625Neuritis of the Posterior Tibial NerveRated up to 30%
Common Questions About Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve?
The VA rates Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8620 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Mild. The maximum 60% rating requires: Neuritis of the sciatic nerve: Complete. All muscles of the leg and foot paralyzed; total foot drop; complete sensory loss below knee; absent Achilles reflex; requiring AFO or assistive device for ambulation..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve?
The VA rates Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8620, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.123. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 60% rating for Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve?
A 10% rating requires: Mild. A 60% rating requires: Neuritis of the sciatic nerve: Complete. All muscles of the leg and foot paralyzed; total foot drop; complete sensory loss below knee; absent Achilles reflex; requiring AFO or assistive device for ambulation.. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve?
The key evidence for Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8620 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.
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