Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)
The VA rates Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) under Diagnostic Code 8521 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 40%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule · DC 8521 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis 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. Note: Common peroneal nerve injury causes foot drop and sensory loss on dorsum of foot. |
| 10% | Mild |
| 20% | Moderate |
| 30% | Severe |
| 40% | Complete; foot drop and slight droop of first phalanges of all toes, cannot dorsiflex the foot, extension (dorsal flexion) of proximal phalanges of toes lost; abduction of foot lost, adduction weakened; anesthesia covers entire dorsum of foot and toes |
“Moderate”
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Paralysis 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.
- 8516Paralysis of the ulnar nerve
- 8517Paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve
- 8518Paralysis of the circumflex nerve
- 8519Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve
- 8520Paralysis of the sciatic nerveRated up to 80%
- 8522Paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve (superficial peroneal)Rated up to 30%
- 8523Paralysis of the anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal)Rated up to 30%
- 8524Paralysis of the internal popliteal nerve (tibial)Rated up to 40%
- 8525Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerveRated up to 30%
- 8526Paralysis of the anterior crural nerve (femoral)Rated up to 40%
What to do with a Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
Common Questions About Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)?
The VA rates Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) under Diagnostic Code 8521 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.. The maximum 40% rating requires: Complete; foot drop and slight droop of first phalanges of all toes, cannot dorsiflex the foot, extension (dorsal flexion) of proximal phalanges of toes lost; abduction of foot lost, adduction weakened; anesthesia covers entire dorsum of foot and toes.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)?
The VA rates Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8521, published in 38 CFR § 4.124a. 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 Paralysis 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.. A 40% rating requires: Complete; foot drop and slight droop of first phalanges of all toes, cannot dorsiflex the foot, extension (dorsal flexion) of proximal phalanges of toes lost; abduction of foot lost, adduction weakened; anesthesia covers entire dorsum of foot and toes. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Paralysis 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 Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)?
The key evidence for Paralysis 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 Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8521 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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