VA BENEFITS REFERENCE
DC 8520: Sciatic Nerve, Paralysis
Read VA diagnostic code 8520 for Sciatic nerve, paralysis: published criteria, regulatory notes, related codes and official sources checked October 25, 2026.
Published criteria from 38 CFR 4.124a, current through 2026-10-22. Historical decisions may require a different version. This reference does not diagnose a condition or determine an evaluation.
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders · All Diagnostic Codes
DC 8520: Sciatic Nerve, Paralysis
Diagnostic code 8520 addresses Sciatic nerve, paralysis. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 8520 Paralysis of: | |
| Complete; the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost | 80 |
| Incomplete: | |
| Severe, with marked muscular atrophy | 60 |
| Moderately severe | 40 |
| Moderate | 20 |
| Mild | 10 |
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 8520, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Do the examination findings record the relevant movement measurements and explain functional limitations, flare-ups and repeated use where applicable?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
Shared Rules And Regulatory Context
Context provisions do not create an additional evaluation automatically assigned to every condition.
Related Guides
Official Sources
Last verified 2026-10-25. Source publication or legal effective dates are shown separately where available.
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Use this resource to understand published information. VA and the official decision control individual benefits.