Femoral Neuropathy

DC 8526Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8526 — Anterior Crural (Femoral) Nerve Paralysis

Damage to the femoral nerve causing weakness in the thigh muscles and numbness in the front of the thigh and inner leg. Can result from combat injuries, surgical complications, or diabetes. Rated based on paralysis severity.

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% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8526 — Anterior Crural (Femoral) Nerve Paralysis. 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

Complete paralysis — you have loss of knee extension, loss of thigh flexion, and loss of sensation in the femoral nerve distribution.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of knee extension
Loss of thigh flexion
Absent patellar reflex (knee jerk)
Complete sensory loss in femoral nerve distribution
EMG/NCS confirming complete femoral nerve paralysis
Severe quadriceps atrophy measurements documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Being confused with lumbar radiculopathy — femoral neuropathy involves the femoral nerve itself, while radiculopathy involves the nerve root. EMG/NCS can distinguish between the two, so make sure testing isolates the femoral nerve.
⚠Not getting EMG/NCS that specifically isolates the femoral nerve — without this objective evidence, the VA may attribute symptoms to a spinal condition rather than a peripheral nerve injury.
⚠Not documenting quadriceps atrophy measurements — measuring the circumference of both thighs provides objective evidence of muscle wasting.
⚠Not connecting the condition to service-connected diabetes or surgical complications — these are common causes that establish a secondary service connection.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Femoral Neuropathy or rated under the same body system.

Migraine Headaches

DC 8100·Neurological

Radiculopathy — Sciatic Nerve

DC 8520·Neurological

Peripheral Neuropathy — Lower Extremities

DC 8520·Neurological

Peripheral Neuropathy — Upper Extremities

DC 8515·Neurological

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

DC 8045·Neurological

Epilepsy — Grand Mal (Generalized Convulsive)

DC 8910·Neurological

Epilepsy — Petit Mal (Absence)

DC 8911·Neurological

Trigeminal Neuralgia

DC 8205·Neurological

Condition Rating Guides

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

Femoral Neuropathy

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8526

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Complete paralysis — you have loss of knee extension, loss of thigh flexion, and loss of sensation in the femoral nerve distribution.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of knee extension
Loss of thigh flexion
Absent patellar reflex (knee jerk)
Complete sensory loss in femoral nerve distribution
EMG/NCS confirming complete femoral nerve paralysis
Severe quadriceps atrophy measurements documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Being confused with lumbar radiculopathy — femoral neuropathy involves the femoral nerve itself, while radiculopathy involves the nerve root. EMG/NCS can distinguish between the two, so make sure testing isolates the femoral nerve.

⚠Not getting EMG/NCS that specifically isolates the femoral nerve — without this objective evidence, the VA may attribute symptoms to a spinal condition rather than a peripheral nerve injury.

⚠Not documenting quadriceps atrophy measurements — measuring the circumference of both thighs provides objective evidence of muscle wasting.

⚠Not connecting the condition to service-connected diabetes or surgical complications — these are common causes that establish a secondary service connection.