VASRD 8526 · Neurological Conditions
Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis VA Disability Rating
The anterior crural nerve is the traditional anatomical name for the femoral nerve, so this code covers the same nerve as femoral nerve paralysis - damage affecting the ability to extend the knee and the strength of the thigh muscles. If your rating decision uses this older terminology, the underlying condition and evidence needed are the same as for femoral nerve paralysis.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis
The rating depends on whether paralysis is complete or incomplete and its severity, based on a neurological exam, EMG testing, and strength testing of the thigh and knee extension.
Approval outlook
Moderate (~45%) with diagnostics.
Veterans service-connected
474,276 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~20%
Veterans service-connected count from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •EMG results confirming and grading the nerve damage.
- •A physician's neurological assessment documenting reflex and strength findings.
- •Leg strength testing comparing the affected side to the unaffected side.
Strategy Tips
- •Include EMG/NCV studies as core evidence, since objective nerve testing is what confirms and grades the severity of this nerve damage.
- •Explain how the condition affects walking, using stairs, or lifting, since these are the functional tasks most affected by femoral (anterior crural) nerve weakness.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not clearly distinguishing the severity level in the exam findings.
- •Missing documentation of which leg (dominant or not) is affected.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Confusing this condition with sciatic or tibial nerve issues in your records, since each nerve has distinct testing and functional implications.
- •Not including strength testing, which is central to establishing the severity tier.
Onset Patterns
- •This condition often results from pelvic trauma, a hip or thigh injury, or spinal issues affecting the nerve root before it reaches the leg.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis
- Is Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis under VASRD diagnostic code 8526 (Neurological Conditions). The anterior crural nerve is the traditional anatomical name for the femoral nerve, so this code covers the same nerve as femoral nerve paralysis - damage affecting the ability to extend the knee and the stren…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis?
- Possible VA ratings for Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis are 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 40%: Leg unable to extend; 30%: Major weakness in thigh; 20%: Some difficulty lifting leg.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), 474,276 veterans were receiving VA compensation for Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis as of September 30, 2025. Estimated approval…
- What evidence helps prove Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis claim includes: EMG results confirming and grading the nerve damage.; A physician's neurological assessment documenting reflex and strength findings.; Leg strength testing comparing the affected side to the unaffected side..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis: Confusing this condition with sciatic or tibial nerve issues in your records, since each nerve has distinct testing and functional implications.; Not including strength testing, which is central to establishing the severity tier..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Anterior Crural Nerve Paralysis include: Knee Instability, Falls. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.124a — Schedule of ratings — neurological conditions (Diagnostic Code 8526)
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025) — veterans service-connected count, as of September 30, 2025
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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