How Does VA Rate Lower-Extremity Radiculopathy?

How does VA rate lower-extremity radiculopathy?

38 CFR 4.124a rates sciatic and femoral nerve problems by degree of paralysis, such as mild, moderate, severe or complete. The levels vary by nerve. Each side is evaluated separately. 38 CFR 4.26 addresses the bilateral factor for compensable disabilities affecting both legs or other paired extremities.

Sciatic nerve Diagnostic Code 8520 lists five levels: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. Femoral nerve Diagnostic Code 8526 lists four levels: 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%.

What about arm radiculopathy?

For upper-extremity peripheral nerves, 38 CFR 4.124a lists separate evaluations for the major and minor extremities. 38 CFR 4.69 explains how the dominant hand is determined for rating purposes. This guide covers the legs only.

What does the spine formula say?

Note (1) to the spine formula says associated objective neurologic abnormalities are evaluated separately under an appropriate diagnostic code.