Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 8528
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis when it develops after Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis.
Direct result of nerve impairment
Primary condition · VASRD 8523
Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis
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.
Secondary condition · VASRD 8528
Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis
The common peroneal nerve is the modern anatomical name for what's also historically called the external popliteal nerve, so this code covers the same nerve responsible for lifting the foot (dorsiflexion) and is closely related to codes using that older terminology. Damage here is a common cause of foot drop.
The VA rates Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis — severity of Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
20% Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis + 30% Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis = 44%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 30% combine to 44%, not 50%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Get the rating criteria for Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis, the evidence a secondary claim needs, and why it is linked to Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis — delivered to your inbox.
Primary condition
Full Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis guide
Secondary condition
Full Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis guide
See how Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis and Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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