VASRD 8523 · Neurological Conditions
Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis VA Disability Rating
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.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis
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.
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.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •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.
Strategy Tips
- •Use gait evaluation and neurological test data together, since both functional observation and objective nerve testing support this rating.
- •Document consistent weakness or any falls caused by the foot dysfunction, since real-world functional evidence strengthens a nerve-paralysis claim.
- •Specifically note the inability to dorsiflex (lift) the foot, since this is the defining functional test for this particular nerve.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Records that don't differentiate between the superficial and deep peroneal nerve branches, which can create confusion about exactly what's being rated.
- •Inconsistent strength reports across different exams, which can undermine the credibility of the claimed severity.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •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.
Onset Patterns
- •Deep peroneal nerve paralysis is often caused by knee trauma or a compression injury near the fibula, where the nerve is especially vulnerable.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
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…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
- Possible VA ratings for Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis are 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 30%: Foot can't be raised; 20%: Weakness and reduced control; 10%: Minor weakness or tingling.
- 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..
- 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..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis include: Foot Drop, Ankle Instability. 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 8523)
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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