Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal)
The VA rates Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal) under Diagnostic Code 8621 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 40%. The 40% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 8621 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.123
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | 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) |
| 10% | Mild |
| 20% | Moderate |
| 30% | Severe (Neuritis — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.123) |
| 40% | 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) |
“Moderate”
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal) in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 8616Neuritis of the Ulnar NerveRated up to 40%
- 8617Neuritis of the Musculocutaneous NerveRated up to 30%
- 8618Neuritis of the Circumflex NerveRated up to 40%
- 8619Neuritis of the Long Thoracic NerveRated up to 30%
- 8620Neuritis of the Sciatic NerveRated up to 60%
- 8622Neuritis of the Musculocutaneous Nerve (Superficial Peroneal)Rated up to 30%
- 8623Neuritis of the Anterior Tibial Nerve (Deep Peroneal)Rated up to 30%
- 8624Neuritis of the Internal Popliteal Nerve (Tibial)Rated up to 40%
- 8625Neuritis of the Posterior Tibial NerveRated up to 30%
- 8626Neuritis of the Anterior Crural Nerve (Femoral)Rated up to 40%
Common Questions About Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal)?
The VA rates Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal) 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).
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal)?
The VA rates Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal) 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.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 40% rating for Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal)?
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.
Can Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal) qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal) maxes at 40%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal)?
The key evidence for Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal) 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 Neuritis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal)?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8621 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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