Hereditary Sensorimotor Neuropathy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth)

DC 8521Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8521

An inherited nerve condition (also called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) that causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of sensation, primarily in the feet, legs, hands, and arms. Military service can aggravate pre-existing CMT beyond its natural progression.

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 8521

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8521. 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 of the common peroneal nerve — your foot dangles, you cannot dorsiflex (lift your foot), and you have lost extension of toes and ability to turn the foot outward.

What the VA looks for

Complete foot drop bilaterally
Cannot dorsiflex foot or extend toes
Complete sensory loss over dorsum of foot
Marked muscle atrophy in all extremities
Wheelchair or significant assistive device use

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing aggravation — since CMT is hereditary, the key is proving military service aggravated the condition beyond its natural progression. Get an independent medical opinion documenting how physical demands of service worsened your CMT.
⚠Not filing separately for each affected extremity — CMT affects all four limbs, and each extremity should be rated under its respective nerve code (upper extremities under DC 8515, lower under DC 8521).
⚠Failing to document the progressive worsening — serial EMG/nerve conduction studies showing declining nerve function over time, especially during military service, support the aggravation argument.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — CMT commonly causes foot deformities (pes cavus, hammer toes), chronic pain, falls with resulting injuries, and depression that each may warrant separate ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions (not including Diabetic Sensory-Motor Peripheral Neuropathy)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Hereditary Sensorimotor Neuropathy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8521

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Complete paralysis of the common peroneal nerve — your foot dangles, you cannot dorsiflex (lift your foot), and you have lost extension of toes and ability to turn the foot outward.

What the VA looks for

Complete foot drop bilaterally
Cannot dorsiflex foot or extend toes
Complete sensory loss over dorsum of foot
Marked muscle atrophy in all extremities
Wheelchair or significant assistive device use

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing aggravation — since CMT is hereditary, the key is proving military service aggravated the condition beyond its natural progression. Get an independent medical opinion documenting how physical demands of service worsened your CMT.

⚠Not filing separately for each affected extremity — CMT affects all four limbs, and each extremity should be rated under its respective nerve code (upper extremities under DC 8515, lower under DC 8521).

⚠Failing to document the progressive worsening — serial EMG/nerve conduction studies showing declining nerve function over time, especially during military service, support the aggravation argument.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — CMT commonly causes foot deformities (pes cavus, hammer toes), chronic pain, falls with resulting injuries, and depression that each may warrant separate ratings.