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 Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion).
Anatomical connection
Primary condition · VASRD 5312
Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion)
Injury to the muscles on the front of the shin that lift the foot and toes — the group whose loss causes foot drop.
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 Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) — severity of Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
10% Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) + 30% Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis = 37%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 10% and 30% combine to 37%, not 40%. 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 Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) — delivered to your inbox.
Primary condition
Full Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) guide
Secondary condition
Full Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis guide
See how Muscle Group XII - Anterior Leg Muscles (Dorsiflexion) and Common Peroneal Nerve Paralysis combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
Open the calculatorVA Calc: Disability Pay
Combine your ratings & see monthly pay on your iPhone · Works offline