Neuritis of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve

The VA rates Neuritis of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8621 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Neuritis or neuralgia of the external popliteal nerve without objective findings; mild, intermittent symptoms not affecting function. (Neuritis — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.123). The maximum 40% rating requires: Complete paralysis of external popliteal nerve: Complete foot drop (inability to dorsiflex or evert foot); steppage gait; complete sensory loss over dorsum of foot and anterolateral lower leg; requires rigid AFO to ambulate safely. (Neuritis — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.123).

The VA rates Neuritis of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8621, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.123. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

A 0% rating requires: Neuritis or neuralgia of the external popliteal nerve without objective findings; mild, intermittent symptoms not affecting function. (Neuritis — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.123). A 40% rating requires: Complete paralysis of external popliteal nerve: Complete foot drop (inability to dorsiflex or evert foot); steppage gait; complete sensory loss over dorsum of foot and anterolateral lower leg; requires rigid AFO to ambulate safely. (Neuritis — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.123). The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Veterans rated for Neuritis of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Service connection for Neuritis of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Neuritis of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.