Piriformis Syndrome VA Disability Rating

Piriformis syndrome can cause deep, stubborn pain in the buttocks and legs that can make sleeping difficult and daily tasks harder. It’s a condition that often flies under the radar because its symptoms can look a lot like those of other back or nerve problems. One study found that about 17% of patients being treated for low back pain actually had piriformis syndrome.

Piriformis syndrome does not have its own diagnostic code, but you may still be eligible for a piriformis syndrome VA disability rating. The VA rates piriformis syndrome analogously, or using diagnostic codes for similar muscle or sciatic nerve disabilities. Veterans may qualify for disability benefits if their piriformis syndrome began during service, was worsened by service, or developed later due to another service-connected injury. This article explains.

What is piriformis syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome refers to a problem with a flat, narrow muscle located deep in the buttocks. The piriformis muscle runs from the lower spine to the top of the thigh and helps stabilize the hip during walking, standing, and rotation. Piriformis syndrome develops when this muscle becomes inflamed or injured and irritates the nearby sciatic nerve. Because the sciatic nerve travels from the lower spine through the buttocks and down the back of the legs, irritation from the piriformis muscle can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the legs.

Veterans may develop piriformis syndrome after an injury to the hips or buttocks. It can also appear after repeated physical stress from long marches, ruck carrying, improper lifting, overtraining, or prolonged sitting, among other things. Sometimes, muscle spasms, swelling, or scar tissue of the piriformis can continue to irritate the sciatic nerve even after the original injury has healed.

Piriformis syndrome VA disability rating

There is no diagnostic code for piriformis syndrome. Instead, the VA will assign a VA disability rating for piriformis syndrome analogously, or using a diagnostic code for a similar condition with similar symptoms. This approach is common for conditions not listed in the Schedule of Ratings.

When piriformis syndrome mainly affects muscle strength, coordination, or hip movement, the VA may rate it under diagnostic code 5318 for injuries to the pelvic girdle and thigh. Depending on the severity of your pain and limitation of motion, you may receive a piriformis syndrome VA rating of 0%, 10%, 30%, or 40%. 

If the primary issue is nerve pain or damage, the VA may rate the condition under the criteria for the sciatic nerve. Depending on severity, this may include ratings for neuralgia, neuritis, or paralysis of the sciatic nerve under diagnostic codes 8720, 8620, or 8520 and can range from 10% – 80%.

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TDIU for piriformis syndrome

The pain associated with piriformis syndrome can make it difficult to walk, stand, or even sit for long periods of time, which can affect your ability to work or consistently show up to a job. If this sounds like you, you may qualify for TDIU.

A veteran can be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) benefits if they can’t maintain substantially gainful employment due to a service-connected condition.

TDIU pays at the same level as a 100% disability rating, even when the veteran’s combined rating is below 100%.

Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:

• One service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
• Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more.

How Woods & Woods can help

Woods & Woods has been fighting for people with injuries and disabilities since 1985. Our team of accredited VA disability lawyers, case managers, legal analysts, and intake specialists know the ins and outs of the VA so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.

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