DC 8525Neurological Conditions38 CFR § 4.124a

Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve

The VA rates Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve under Diagnostic Code 8525 across 3 severity levels, from 10% to 30%. 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 8525 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
30%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
3

10%, 20%, 30%

CFR section
§ 4.124a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Neurological Conditions
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve?

RatingCriteria
10%

Moderate

20%

Severe

30%

Complete; paralysis of all muscles of sole of foot, frequently with painful paralysis of a causalgic nature; toes cannot be flexed; adduction is weakened; plantar flexion is impaired

Severe

These diagnostic codes sit next to Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve 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.

  1. 8520Paralysis of the sciatic nerveRated up to 80%
  2. 8521Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)Rated up to 40%
  3. 8522Paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve (superficial peroneal)Rated up to 30%
  4. 8523Paralysis of the anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal)Rated up to 30%
  5. 8524Paralysis of the internal popliteal nerve (tibial)Rated up to 40%
  6. 8526Paralysis of the anterior crural nerve (femoral)Rated up to 40%
  7. 8527Paralysis of the internal saphenous nerveRated up to 10%
  8. 8528Paralysis of the obturator nerveRated up to 10%
  9. 8529Paralysis of the external cutaneous nerve of thighRated up to 10%
  10. 8530Paralysis of the ilio-inguinal nerveRated up to 10%
All 113 neurological conditions

Common Questions About Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve?

The VA rates Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve under Diagnostic Code 8525 at 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Moderate. The maximum 30% rating requires: Complete; paralysis of all muscles of sole of foot, frequently with painful paralysis of a causalgic nature; toes cannot be flexed; adduction is weakened; plantar flexion is impaired.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve?

The VA rates Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8525, governed by 38 CFR 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 10% and a 30% rating for Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve?

A 10% rating requires: Moderate. A 30% rating requires: Complete; paralysis of all muscles of sole of foot, frequently with painful paralysis of a causalgic nature; toes cannot be flexed; adduction is weakened; plantar flexion is impaired. 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 posterior tibial nerve qualify for TDIU?

Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve maxes at 30%, 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 Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve?

The key evidence for Paralysis of the posterior tibial 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 Paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve?

The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8525 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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