YOUR CONDITION, EXPLAINED
Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis VA disability rating & claim guide
The VA rates Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis under diagnostic code 8523, in 38 CFR § 4.124a (neurological conditions), and the schedule provides four evaluation levels for it: 30%, 20%, 10% and 0%.
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A CLEARER PATH FORWARD
Make sense of your next step.
01Understand the rating02Know what to gather03Plan your preparationTHE ESSENTIALS
How the VA rates Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis
The deep peroneal nerve controls the muscles that lift the foot and toes upward (dorsiflexion), and damage to it causes weakness or paralysis distinct from the more commonly discussed external popliteal (common peroneal) nerve. Because these nerve branches are frequently confused in medical records, clearly identifying the deep branch specifically matters for this claim.
The rating depends on whether paralysis is complete (unable to dorsiflex the foot at all) or incomplete, and its severity, confirmed through motor function testing, EMG, and nerve conduction studies specifically identifying the deep peroneal branch.
- Diagnostic code
- 8523
- Rating schedule
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Schedule levels
- 30%, 20%, 10% and 0%
How does the VA choose a rating level?
Which level applies is set by the criteria the evidence meets, not by the diagnosis. Where there is a question as to which of two evaluations applies, 38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher one if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating.
EXPLORE THE PERCENTAGES
Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis VA rating criteria (DC 8523)
Choose a percentage to see what that level means. Open the full comparison to read all the criteria in one place.
These are published rating criteria. Selecting a level does not predict your VA decision.
BUILD YOUR EVIDENCE, ONE PIECE AT A TIME
Evidence for your Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis claim
A long list feels easier when you have a place to start. Use this checklist to see what you have and what still needs gathering.
Check off what you’ve gathered. Progress stays on this page until you leave or refresh.
THE EXAM FORM
Which DBQ is used for Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
- Peripheral Nerves DBQ (PDF, VA.gov)
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy DBQ (PDF, VA.gov), for diabetic sensory-motor peripheral neuropathy, which VA's Peripheral Nerves form excludes
VA's page says: “You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers.”
Source: VA: Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), read September 18, 2026.
SMALL DETAILS. BETTER PREPARATION.
Preparing your Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis claim
Start with the practical tips, then explore the common oversights. You don’t need to work through everything at once.
Practical tips for your claim3 tips
- 01
Use gait evaluation and neurological test data together, since both functional observation and objective nerve testing support this rating.
- 02
Document consistent weakness or any falls caused by the foot dysfunction, since real-world functional evidence strengthens a nerve-paralysis claim.
- 03
Specifically note the inability to dorsiflex (lift) the foot, since this is the defining functional test for this particular nerve.
C&P exam pitfalls to keep in mind2 tips
- 01
Records that don't differentiate between the superficial and deep peroneal nerve branches, which can create confusion about exactly what's being rated.
- 02
Inconsistent strength reports across different exams, which can undermine the credibility of the claimed severity.
Common filing mistakes2 tips
- 01
Not specifying which type of peroneal nerve is affected, since the deep and superficial branches are evaluated differently.
- 02
Relying only on subjective pain reports instead of objective nerve testing.
When symptoms may first appear1 tips
- 01
Deep peroneal nerve paralysis is often caused by knee trauma or a compression injury near the fibula, where the nerve is especially vulnerable.
THE BROADER PICTURE
Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis by the numbers
- Approval outlook
- Moderate – stronger with EMG proof or documented fall risk.
- Veterans service-connected
- ~17,000 veterans
- Typical rating awarded
- ~20%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule, not official VA statistics.
LET’S CLEAR A FEW THINGS UP
Common questions about Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis
Is Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis under VASRD diagnostic code 8523 (Neurological Conditions). The deep peroneal nerve controls the muscles that lift the foot and toes upward (dorsiflexion), and damage to it causes weakness or paralysis distinct from the more commonly discussed external popliteal (common peroneal) nerve. Because these nerve branches are frequently confused in medical records, clearly identifying the deep branch specifically matters for this claim.
What VA disability rating can I get for Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
Possible VA ratings for Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis are 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 30%: Complete; dorsal flexion of foot lost; 20%: Incomplete paralysis: severe; 10%: Incomplete paralysis: moderate.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 17,000 veterans are service-connected for Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – stronger with EMG proof or documented fall risk.
What evidence helps prove Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis claim includes: EMG or nerve conduction study (NCS) testing specifically identifying the deep peroneal branch; Documentation of foot mobility and dorsiflexion strength; A gait analysis showing the functional impact of the nerve damage.
Which DBQ is used for Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
VA's Peripheral Nerves Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is on its public list of DBQs. VA's Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), for diabetic sensory-motor peripheral neuropathy, which VA's Peripheral Nerves form excludes, is on its public list of DBQs. VA's page says: "You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers."
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis: Not specifying which type of peroneal nerve is affected, since the deep and superficial branches are evaluated differently; Relying only on subjective pain reports instead of objective nerve testing.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.124a, Schedule of ratings, neurological conditions (Diagnostic Code 8523)
- 38 CFR § 4.7, higher of two evaluations
Criteria in quotation marks are the regulation’s own words; everything else on this page is Vetrify’s summary of it. The eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.
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