VASRD 8527 · Neurological
Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis VA Disability Rating
The internal popliteal nerve is the traditional anatomical name for the tibial nerve at the level of the knee, before it branches further down the leg, so this code covers nerve damage at that higher, more proximal point, affecting movement and sensation throughout the lower leg and foot. If your rating decision uses this older terminology, the underlying nerve and evidence needed are closely related to the more distally-focused posterior tibial nerve codes.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis
The rating ranges from mild symptoms like tingling or numbness at the lowest tier, through moderate incomplete paralysis with partial movement or sensation loss, up to complete paralysis with total leg nerve failure at the highest tier, confirmed through strength testing, reflex testing, and EMG.
Approval outlook
Moderate (~55%) with nerve studies.
Veterans service-connected
~900 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 velocity (NCV) tests.
- •Neurology reports documenting the level and severity of nerve involvement.
Strategy Tips
- •Submit all neurological testing and VA nerve exams together, since a complete picture of strength, reflexes, and EMG findings is what supports this rating.
- •Clarify whether symptoms are worsening or constant, since this distinction helps establish the condition as a genuine, ongoing nerve impairment.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •No testing performed to confirm the paralysis.
- •A temporary nerve issue being mistaken for a chronic condition.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not including nerve conduction studies.
- •Not distinguishing partial from full paralysis in your evidence.
Onset Patterns
- •This nerve condition can result from an injury, diabetes, or as a complication following surgery near the knee or lower leg.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis
- Is Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis under VASRD diagnostic code 8527 (Neurological). The internal popliteal nerve is the traditional anatomical name for the tibial nerve at the level of the knee, before it branches further down the leg, so this code covers nerve damage at that higher, more proximal p…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis?
- Possible VA ratings for Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis are 40%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 40%: Total leg nerve failure; 20%: Partial movement/sensation loss; 10%: Tingling, numbness.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 900 veterans are service-connected for Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate (~55%) with nerve studies.
- What evidence helps prove Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis claim includes: EMG or nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests.; Neurology reports documenting the level and severity of nerve involvement..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis: Not including nerve conduction studies.; Not distinguishing partial from full paralysis in your evidence..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Internal Popliteal Nerve, Paralysis include: Foot Drop, Knee 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 8527)
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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