What happens during a C&P exam for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (DC 8525) is rated at 10%, 20%, 30% under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8525. Mild OR Moderate incomplete paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve at the tarsal tunnel. Note DC 8525 schedule maps Mild=Moderate=10% — burning paresthesia of the sole, often worse at night or after standing, positive Tinel's behind the medial malleolus.

Q: What rates 10% for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8525?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8525 (DC 8525), a 10% rating for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome requires: Mild OR Moderate incomplete paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve at the tarsal tunnel. Note DC 8525 schedule maps Mild=Moderate=10% — burning paresthesia of the sole, often worse at night or after standing, positive Tinel's behind the medial malleolus.

Q: What rates 20% for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8525?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8525 (DC 8525), a 20% rating for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome requires: Severe incomplete paralysis — persistent painful symptoms, intrinsic-foot weakness, atrophy of plantar muscles, EMG-confirmed entrapment.

Q: What rates 30% for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8525?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8525 (DC 8525), a 30% rating for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome requires: Complete paralysis. Verbatim § 4.124a (DC 8525): "paralysis of all muscles of sole of foot, frequently with painful paralysis of a causalgic nature; toes cannot be flexed; adduction is weakened; plantar flexion is impaired."

Q: What evidence do I need for a Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome VA claim?

Key evidence for a Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 8525 | 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8525 | 

✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.124a (Neurological conditions and convulsive disorders) · reviewed 2026-05-15 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 8525 of 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8525 across 3 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 30%). 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.

OVERVIEW

Compression of the posterior tibial nerve at the ankle causing burning, tingling, and numbness in the sole of the foot.

RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)

10%

Mild OR Moderate incomplete paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve at the tarsal tunnel. Note DC 8525 schedule maps Mild=Moderate=10% — burning paresthesia of the sole, often worse at night or after standing, positive Tinel's behind the medial malleolus.

20%

Severe incomplete paralysis — persistent painful symptoms, intrinsic-foot weakness, atrophy of plantar muscles, EMG-confirmed entrapment.

30%

Complete paralysis. Verbatim § 4.124a (DC 8525): "paralysis of all muscles of sole of foot, frequently with painful paralysis of a causalgic nature; toes cannot be flexed; adduction is weakened; plantar flexion is impaired."

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

-Range of motion measurements

-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

-Buddy statements describing limitations

-Prescription history

-Physical therapy records

-Employment impact documentation

C&P EXAM TIPS (6)

1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

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SOURCES & EDITORIAL

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a (Neurological conditions and convulsive disorders). Source verified 2026-05-15 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison 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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