Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve
The VA rates Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8721 across 3 severity levels, from 0% to 20%. With a cap of 20%, most veterans pursue secondary conditions to increase their combined rating.
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 8721
Rating schedule — DC 8721 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 20%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.124
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Neuritis or neuralgia of the external popliteal nerve without objective findings; mild, intermittent symptoms not affecting function. (Neuralgia — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.124) |
| 10% | Mild |
| 20% | Moderate |
“Mild”
Common Questions About Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve?
The VA rates Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8721 at 0%, 10%, 20%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Neuritis or neuralgia of the external popliteal nerve without objective findings; mild, intermittent symptoms not affecting function. (Neuralgia — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.124). The maximum 20% rating requires: Moderate.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve?
The VA rates Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8721, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 20% rating for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve?
A 0% rating requires: Neuritis or neuralgia of the external popliteal nerve without objective findings; mild, intermittent symptoms not affecting function. (Neuralgia — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.124). A 20% rating requires: Moderate. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve qualify for TDIU?
Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve maxes at 20%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve?
The key evidence for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8721 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.
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