Internal Popliteal (Tibial) Nerve

DC 8524Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8524

Damage to the internal popliteal nerve (also called the tibial nerve), which controls the calf muscles for pushing off the foot and the muscles that curl the toes. It also provides sensation to the sole of the foot. Injury causes difficulty walking on tiptoe and numbness on the bottom of the foot. 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 8524

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8524. 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 tibial nerve — you cannot push off with your foot, curl your toes, or turn your foot inward, and you have lost all sensation on the sole.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of plantar flexion
Inability to flex or separate the toes
Complete sensory loss on the sole of the foot
Marked calf muscle atrophy with measurements
EMG confirming complete tibial nerve denervation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not differentiating tibial nerve injury from sciatic nerve injury — the tibial nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve. Damage higher up at the sciatic level affects both the tibial and peroneal distributions and would be rated under DC 8520 with potentially higher ratings.
⚠Not documenting loss of sensation on the sole of the foot — sole numbness is a safety concern (stepping on sharp objects without feeling them) that supports the functional impact of the injury.
⚠Not connecting the injury to service — tibial nerve damage can result from knee injuries, popliteal fossa trauma, blast injuries, or prolonged compression from military equipment.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Internal Popliteal (Tibial) Nerve

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8524

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the tibial nerve — you cannot push off with your foot, curl your toes, or turn your foot inward, and you have lost all sensation on the sole.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of plantar flexion
Inability to flex or separate the toes
Complete sensory loss on the sole of the foot
Marked calf muscle atrophy with measurements
EMG confirming complete tibial nerve denervation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not differentiating tibial nerve injury from sciatic nerve injury — the tibial nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve. Damage higher up at the sciatic level affects both the tibial and peroneal distributions and would be rated under DC 8520 with potentially higher ratings.

⚠Not documenting loss of sensation on the sole of the foot — sole numbness is a safety concern (stepping on sharp objects without feeling them) that supports the functional impact of the injury.

⚠Not connecting the injury to service — tibial nerve damage can result from knee injuries, popliteal fossa trauma, blast injuries, or prolonged compression from military equipment.