Anterior Tibial (Deep Peroneal) Nerve

DC 8523Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8523

Damage to the anterior tibial nerve (also called the deep peroneal nerve), which controls the muscles that lift the foot and extend the toes, and provides sensation between the first and second toes. Injury can cause difficulty lifting the foot during walking. This is a lower extremity nerve, so there is no major/minor (dominant/non-dominant) 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 8523

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8523. 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 anterior tibial nerve — you cannot dorsiflex your foot or extend your toes at all.

What the VA looks for

Complete inability to dorsiflex the foot
Complete inability to extend the toes
Marked anterior compartment muscle atrophy
EMG confirming complete deep peroneal nerve denervation
Requires AFO or foot brace for ambulation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not differentiating deep peroneal (anterior tibial) nerve injury from common peroneal nerve injury — the deep peroneal nerve is a branch of the common peroneal, and damage to the common peroneal affects a broader area. The distinction matters for rating.
⚠Not documenting the need for a brace or ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) — if you need a brace to walk because you cannot lift your foot, this supports the severity of your nerve damage.
⚠Not connecting the nerve injury to a service-connected event — leg fractures, prolonged kneeling or squatting, tight boots, and combat injuries can all damage the deep peroneal nerve.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Anterior Tibial (Deep Peroneal) Nerve

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8523

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the anterior tibial nerve — you cannot dorsiflex your foot or extend your toes at all.

What the VA looks for

Complete inability to dorsiflex the foot
Complete inability to extend the toes
Marked anterior compartment muscle atrophy
EMG confirming complete deep peroneal nerve denervation
Requires AFO or foot brace for ambulation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not differentiating deep peroneal (anterior tibial) nerve injury from common peroneal nerve injury — the deep peroneal nerve is a branch of the common peroneal, and damage to the common peroneal affects a broader area. The distinction matters for rating.

⚠Not documenting the need for a brace or ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) — if you need a brace to walk because you cannot lift your foot, this supports the severity of your nerve damage.

⚠Not connecting the nerve injury to a service-connected event — leg fractures, prolonged kneeling or squatting, tight boots, and combat injuries can all damage the deep peroneal nerve.