YOUR CONDITION, EXPLAINED
Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis VA disability rating & claim guide
The VA rates Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis under diagnostic code 8522, 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 Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis
Paralysis or weakness of the musculocutaneous (superficial peroneal) nerve in the lower leg, which supplies the muscles that turn the foot outward and sensation to the top of the foot.
The rating runs from mild incomplete paralysis at 0%, through moderate (10%) and severe (20%) incomplete paralysis, to complete paralysis, with eversion of the foot weakened, at 30%. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the schedule rates it mild or, at most, moderate. Nerve conduction studies, EMG and a strength exam document the grade.
- Diagnostic code
- 8522
- 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
Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis VA rating criteria (DC 8522)
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 Musculocutaneous 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 Musculocutaneous 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 Musculocutaneous 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 claim2 tips
- 01
Get nerve testing documentation specifically for this nerve, since EMG confirmation helps distinguish it from an ankle or foot condition that can cause similar symptoms.
- 02
Describe daily limitations clearly, particularly weakness turning the foot outward and any instability on uneven ground.
C&P exam pitfalls to keep in mind2 tips
- 01
The condition being mistaken for an ankle or foot problem rather than a specific nerve injury.
- 02
Lack of functional detail describing how the weakness affects daily tasks.
Common filing mistakes2 tips
- 01
Not specifying which nerve is involved.
- 02
Weak exam evidence that doesn't clearly document the nerve-specific findings.
When symptoms may first appear1 tips
- 01
This nerve condition can result from trauma to the lower leg or ankle, entrapment of the nerve in the lower leg, or a complication of lower-leg or ankle surgery.
THE BROADER PICTURE
Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis by the numbers
- Approval outlook
- Moderate with EMG results.
- Veterans service-connected
- ~300 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 Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis
Is Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis under VASRD diagnostic code 8522 (Neurological Conditions). Paralysis or weakness of the musculocutaneous (superficial peroneal) nerve in the lower leg, which supplies the muscles that turn the foot outward and sensation to the top of the foot.
What VA disability rating can I get for Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis?
Possible VA ratings for Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis are 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 30%: Complete paralysis of the musculocutaneous (superficial peroneal) nerve; eversion of foot weakened; 20%: Incomplete paralysis: severe; 10%: Incomplete paralysis: moderate.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 300 veterans are service-connected for Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate with EMG results.
What evidence helps prove Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis claim includes: A neurologist's evaluation; Nerve conduction studies confirming the specific nerve involved.
Which DBQ is used for Musculocutaneous 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 Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Musculocutaneous Nerve, Paralysis: Not specifying which nerve is involved; Weak exam evidence that doesn't clearly document the nerve-specific findings.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.124a, Schedule of ratings, neurological conditions (Diagnostic Code 8522)
- 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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