VASRD 8521 · Neurological Conditions

External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis VA Disability Rating

Foot drop or weakness caused by nerve damage behind the knee.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
40%Total foot paralysis
30%Very weak foot, can't lift toes well
20%Some toe/foot control loss
10%Tingling or minor weakness

How the VA Evaluates External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis

EMG or neuro exam showing nerve disruption and mobility impairment.

Approval rate

Moderate – well-documented cases approved often.

Annual service-connected

60,000 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Neurologist exam and EMG test results
  • •Physical therapy notes on gait and mobility
  • •Service record of leg trauma or repetitive injury

Strategy Tips

  • •Submit all neuro test results
  • •Describe how it affects walking or driving
  • •Document history of leg/knee injury in service

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No EMG testing
  • •Underreporting foot drop issues

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No neuro exam submitted
  • •Not describing gait changes or instability

Onset Patterns

  • •Can result suddenly after trauma
  • •Also develops over time with spinal compression

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Knee Injuries

    Often caused by knee trauma

  • Back Strain

    Nerve damage may originate from spinal compression

Common questions about External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis

Is External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis under VASRD diagnostic code 8521 (Neurological Conditions). Foot drop or weakness caused by nerve damage behind the knee.
What VA disability rating can I get for External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis?
Possible VA ratings for External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis are 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 40% — Total foot paralysis; 30% — Very weak foot, can't lift toes well; 20% — Some toe/foot control loss.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis?
The average awarded rating for External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis is 20%. Roughly 60,000 veterans are service-connected for External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – well-documented cases approved often..
What evidence helps prove External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis claim includes: Neurologist exam and EMG test results; Physical therapy notes on gait and mobility; Service record of leg trauma or repetitive injury.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis?
Common pitfalls when filing for External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis: No neuro exam submitted; Not describing gait changes or instability.
What conditions are commonly secondary to External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis include: Knee Injuries, Back Strain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how External Popliteal Nerve Paralysis combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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