Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 8721)
The VA rates Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve under 38 CFR § 4.124, Diagnostic Code 8721, from 0% to 20% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 20% rating requires Moderate. Related conditions in the Neurological body system share this rating framework.
Also available: View full condition details for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve
Rating schedule — DC 8721 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 20%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.124
- Body system
- Neurological
- 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?
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)
Mild
Moderate
“Mild”
How does the VA rate Neurological conditions?
Common Questions About Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve?
The VA rates Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8721 at the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 8721?
Diagnostic Code 8721 is the VA rating identifier for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve?
The highest schedular rating for Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve under DC 8721 is 20%. This tier requires: Moderate. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve ratings?
Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124, Diagnostic Code 8721. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Neuralgia of External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
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 depends on the body system. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and clinical documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis are critical for distinguishing between rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.
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