The degree of physical disability is an indicator that can determine the presence of late diagnosis and ineffective control actions. The objective of this review was to analyse the articles that presented scientific evidence on the evaluation of the degree of physical disability as a predictor of late diagnosis in leprosy. The methodology used followed the search strategy recommended by The Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual, as well as the PRESS protocol (Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies), the search was carried out in 3 stages, using the keywords and performed by two authors independently, in databases: Scopus, National Library of Medicines (NLM)-MEDLINE via Pubmed, Web Of Science, Cochrane Library e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Of the 510 articles initially selected, an election of seven analyzed articles resulted. In the results it was observed an expressive frequency of new cases with a record of the degree of physical disability and with the multibacillary operational classification, indicators that corroborate the delay in diagnosis. The conclusion of this study shows that the degree of physical disability is relevant in the diagnosis of leprosy as an indicator and predictor of late diagnosis and possibly of hidden endemicity.