VASRD 8524 · Neurological Conditions
Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis VA Disability Rating
The posterior tibial nerve runs down the back of the calf and controls movement and sensation in the foot and toes. Damage to this nerve can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or in severe cases the foot becoming fixed in a downward (plantar flexed) position, and it's most often linked to a specific leg injury or surgery.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis
The rating depends on whether the nerve damage is complete or incomplete, and if incomplete, how severe the sensory and motor loss is - confirmed through a neurological exam and, ideally, electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCV) that objectively measures how well the nerve is conducting signals.
Approval outlook
Moderate – needs nerve testing (EMG/NCV).
Veterans service-connected
~65,000 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.
Email me this Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis guide
Get the Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis rating criteria, evidence checklist, and strategy tips delivered to your inbox so you can review them anytime.
Best Evidence to Gather
- •EMG or NCV (nerve conduction velocity) test results, which are the objective measurement this rating schedule relies on.
- •Neurologist documentation specifically describing the sensory and motor findings in the foot and lower leg.
Strategy Tips
- •Get nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCV) done, since this objective test is what distinguishes mild, moderate, and severe incomplete paralysis under the rating criteria.
- •Describe specifically how foot dysfunction affects daily life - walking, balance, standing for periods of time - rather than just reporting numbness.
- •Connect the nerve damage to a specific surgery or injury when possible, since this code is rarely presumptive and usually depends on a documented causal event.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Relying only on your own report of numbness or weakness without electrodiagnostic testing to confirm and grade the nerve damage.
- •Missing physical exam findings (like specific muscle strength testing) that would otherwise support the incomplete-paralysis severity tiers.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Describing general foot pain without an actual nerve diagnosis, since this code specifically rates nerve dysfunction, not musculoskeletal pain.
- •Not submitting EMG/NCV testing, which is often the deciding evidence between the different severity tiers.
Onset Patterns
- •Posterior tibial nerve paralysis most often follows a leg injury, fracture, or surgery where the nerve was stretched, compressed, or directly damaged.
- •Without treatment or nerve recovery, symptoms can worsen gradually over time as the affected muscles and skin lose more function.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis
- Is Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis under VASRD diagnostic code 8524 (Neurological Conditions). The posterior tibial nerve runs down the back of the calf and controls movement and sensation in the foot and toes. Damage to this nerve can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or in severe cases the foot bec…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis?
- Possible VA ratings for Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis are 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 40%: Foot fixed in plantar flexion, severe dysfunction; 30%: Severe weakness or sensory loss; 20%: Moderate loss of movement or feeling.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 65,000 veterans are service-connected for Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – needs nerve testing (EMG/NCV).
- What evidence helps prove Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis claim includes: EMG or NCV (nerve conduction velocity) test results, which are the objective measurement this rating schedule relies on.; Neurologist documentation specifically describing the sensory and motor findings in the foot and lower leg..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis: Describing general foot pain without an actual nerve diagnosis, since this code specifically rates nerve dysfunction, not musculoskeletal pain.; Not submitting EMG/NCV testing, which is often the deciding evidence between the different severity tiers..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis include: Foot Drop, Balance Issues. 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 8524)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
Estimate your combined rating
See how Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
Open the calculator
VA Calc: Disability Pay
Combine your ratings & see monthly pay on your iPhone · Works offline