Anterior Crural (Femoral) Nerve

DC 8526Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8526

Damage to the femoral nerve (also called the anterior crural nerve), which controls the quadriceps muscles for knee extension and provides sensation to the front of the thigh and inner leg. Injury causes difficulty straightening the knee, climbing stairs, and standing from a seated position, with a risk of knee buckling and falls. This is a lower extremity nerve with no major/minor distinction.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 8526

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8526. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the femoral nerve in your non-dominant leg. If it is your dominant leg, the rating is 40%. You cannot extend the knee at all.

What the VA looks for

Complete inability to extend the knee
Marked quadriceps atrophy with measurements
Absent knee jerk reflex
Complete sensory loss on anterior thigh and medial leg
EMG confirming complete femoral nerve denervation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the safety risk of knee buckling — femoral nerve paralysis causes the knee to give way unexpectedly, creating a serious fall risk. Document falls and near-falls to support the claim.
⚠Not measuring quadriceps circumference — comparing thigh measurements between the affected and unaffected legs provides objective evidence of muscle wasting from nerve damage.
⚠Not connecting the nerve injury to service — femoral nerve damage can result from pelvic fractures, hip surgery, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, or combat wounds during service.
⚠Not filing for assistive devices — if you need a knee brace, cane, or walker because of femoral nerve paralysis, the need for these devices supports the severity and may warrant additional benefits.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Anterior Crural (Femoral) Nerve

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8526

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the femoral nerve in your non-dominant leg. If it is your dominant leg, the rating is 40%. You cannot extend the knee at all.

What the VA looks for

Complete inability to extend the knee
Marked quadriceps atrophy with measurements
Absent knee jerk reflex
Complete sensory loss on anterior thigh and medial leg
EMG confirming complete femoral nerve denervation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the safety risk of knee buckling — femoral nerve paralysis causes the knee to give way unexpectedly, creating a serious fall risk. Document falls and near-falls to support the claim.

⚠Not measuring quadriceps circumference — comparing thigh measurements between the affected and unaffected legs provides objective evidence of muscle wasting from nerve damage.

⚠Not connecting the nerve injury to service — femoral nerve damage can result from pelvic fractures, hip surgery, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, or combat wounds during service.

⚠Not filing for assistive devices — if you need a knee brace, cane, or walker because of femoral nerve paralysis, the need for these devices supports the severity and may warrant additional benefits.