The Radiculopathy DBQ rating hinges on one core question: how severe is the nerve involvement? The examiner must assign a severity level — mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe incomplete paralysis — for the specific nerve group (most often sciatic under DC 8520). Sensory loss alone usually lands lower; motor weakness, atrophy, or reflex changes push the rating higher.
What the examiner is filling out
The Peripheral Nerves DBQ (or Spine DBQ radiculopathy section) asks the examiner to record:
- Nerve group and side — sciatic (DC 8520), common peroneal (DC 8521), femoral, etc.
- Severity — mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe incomplete paralysis (or complete).
- Sensory findings — dermatomal numbness, paresthesia, pain radiation.
- Motor findings — weakness, atrophy, reduced reflexes, foot drop.
- EMG/NCS results — if available, whether they confirm radiculopathy.
The rating schedule (DC 8520 sciatic nerve — most common)
The tier percentages and severity descriptors below are taken directly from 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8520. They are the exact language the rater uses.
Service-connected diagnosis exists but no ratable impairment.
Subjective sensory symptoms (pain, numbness) with minimal or no objective findings.
Sensory loss plus some motor weakness or reflex changes that affect function.
Clear motor involvement, atrophy, or significant weakness in the affected distribution.
Marked motor loss, atrophy, foot drop, or near-complete loss of function short of total paralysis.
How to read the criteria
The cited schedule uses severity categories. Review them to understand the form, then describe your actual symptoms and functional effects rather than choosing a category yourself.
Use the criteria to understand the form
The rating schedule describes findings VA may consider. It is not a script. Describe only what is true in your own words, including frequency, duration, treatment, good and bad days, and effects on daily activities or work. Do not select or rehearse a rating tier.
Describe the full picture accurately
Accuracy reminder
Describe what is true in your own words, including frequency, duration, treatment, good and bad days, and effects on daily activities or work. Do not exaggerate, omit improvement, rehearse a rating tier, or guess. If something varies or you do not know, say that clearly.
Bring objective evidence
Relevant records may include examination findings, imaging or electrodiagnostic testing when clinically appropriate, treatment notes, and firsthand lay observations of functional effects.
Use this with the rest of the site
- ▸ Back Conditions condition guide — the full rating schedule, evidence checklist, and tactical plays.
- ▸ C&P Exam Prep generator — builds a personalized checklist for your specific conditions.
- ▸ Coach preview — free five-question preview; the dashboard organizes C&P prep and a VSO packet.
- ▸ Full C&P exam guide — the universal say/don’t-say rules that apply to every exam.
Educational content only. DBQ structures are public knowledge from M21-1 and archived sources; VA discontinued public DBQ distribution in 2020 but the rating criteria these forms map to remain in 38 CFR Part 4. Not legal or medical advice. Always consult a VA-accredited VSO or attorney for claim-specific guidance. CFR citations: 38 CFR § 4.124a Diagnostic Codes 8520, 8521, 8620, 8720 (sciatic and peroneal nerves), § 4.123 (neuritis), § 4.124 (neuralgia), § 4.26 (bilateral factor)..