What are the VA rating percentages for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy (DC 8520) is rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% under 38 CFR § 4.124a. Mild incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal (common peroneal) nerve.

What rates 10% for Peripheral Neuropathy under 38 CFR § 4.124a?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a (DC 8520), a 10% rating for Peripheral Neuropathy requires: Mild incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal (common peroneal) nerve.

What rates 20% for Peripheral Neuropathy under 38 CFR § 4.124a?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a (DC 8520), a 20% rating for Peripheral Neuropathy requires: Moderate incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve.

What rates 30% for Peripheral Neuropathy under 38 CFR § 4.124a?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a (DC 8520), a 30% rating for Peripheral Neuropathy requires: Severe incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve.

What happens during a C&P exam for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Peripheral Neuropathy

Q: What rates 40% for Peripheral Neuropathy under 38 CFR § 4.124a?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a (DC 8520), a 40% rating for Peripheral Neuropathy requires: Complete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve: foot drop and slight droop of first phalanges of all toes, cannot dorsiflex the foot, extension (dorsal flexion) of proximal phalanges of toes lost; abduction of foot lost, adduction weakened; anesthesia covers entire dorsum of foot and toes.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Peripheral Neuropathy VA claim?

Key evidence for a Peripheral Neuropathy claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 852038 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Diagnostic Code

DC 8520

38 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Rating Range

10–40%

4 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Peripheral Neuropathy is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 8520 of 38 CFR § 4.124a across 4 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 30% / 40%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Damage to peripheral nerves causing numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain, typically in the hands and feet.

Rating Criteria

10%

Mild incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal (common peroneal) nerve.

20%

Moderate incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve.

30%

Severe incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve.

40%

Complete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve: foot drop and slight droop of first phalanges of all toes, cannot dorsiflex the foot, extension (dorsal flexion) of proximal phalanges of toes lost; abduction of foot lost, adduction weakened; anesthesia covers entire dorsum of foot and toes.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a (Neurological conditions and convulsive disorders). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.124a on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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