VASRD 8528 · Neurological
Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis VA Disability Rating
The common peroneal nerve is the modern anatomical name for what's also historically called the external popliteal nerve, so this code covers the same nerve responsible for lifting the foot (dorsiflexion) and is closely related to codes using that older terminology. Damage here is a common cause of foot drop.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis
The rating ranges from mild incomplete paralysis with minor weakness or numbness at the lowest tier, through moderate and severe incomplete paralysis, up to complete paralysis causing foot drop at the highest tier, confirmed through nerve conduction studies, a physical exam, and ankle dorsiflexion testing.
Approval outlook
High (~75%) with clear mobility loss.
Veterans service-connected
~900 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~30%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •An EMG report confirming the nerve damage.
- •A neurology or orthopedic consultation assessing the injury.
Strategy Tips
- •Include walking impact notes specifically, since foot drop changes gait in ways that are important to document beyond the nerve testing alone.
- •Get a referral to neurology if you haven't already, since a specialist's evaluation carries more weight for confirming this specific nerve involvement.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •The condition being overlooked during a general leg exam rather than specifically tested.
- •No gait analysis performed to document the functional impact of foot drop.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •No nerve testing included in the evidence.
- •Symptom reporting that's too vague to establish the specific nerve involvement.
Onset Patterns
- •This condition commonly results from knee trauma or complications following knee surgery, where the nerve runs close to the surface and is vulnerable to injury.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis
- Is Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis under VASRD diagnostic code 8528 (Neurological). The common peroneal nerve is the modern anatomical name for what's also historically called the external popliteal nerve, so this code covers the same nerve responsible for lifting the foot (dorsiflexion) and is closely…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
- Possible VA ratings for Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis are 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 40%: Foot drop, cannot lift foot; 30%: Weak lift, major mobility issues; 20%: Some weakness, altered gait.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 900 veterans are service-connected for Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis. Estimated approval outlook: High (~75%) with clear mobility loss.
- What evidence helps prove Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis claim includes: An EMG report confirming the nerve damage.; A neurology or orthopedic consultation assessing the injury..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis: No nerve testing included in the evidence.; Symptom reporting that's too vague to establish the specific nerve involvement..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis include: Ankle Instability, Knee Pain. 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 8528)
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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