Internal Saphenous Nerve

DC 8527Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8527

Damage to the saphenous nerve, a purely sensory branch of the femoral nerve that provides sensation to the inner knee and inner leg down to the ankle. Injury causes numbness, tingling, or pain along the inside of the leg. Because it is a sensory-only nerve, ratings are limited. 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 8527

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8527. 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 severe incomplete paralysis or complete paralysis of the saphenous nerve — significant or total numbness along the inner knee and leg, potentially with neuropathic pain.

What the VA looks for

Significant or complete sensory loss along inner leg
Neuropathic pain in saphenous nerve distribution
EMG/NCS confirming saphenous nerve involvement
Documented impact on ambulation or daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding that the saphenous nerve is sensory-only — it cannot cause muscle weakness. If you have inner leg numbness with quadriceps weakness, the femoral nerve (DC 8526) may be the correct code with higher ratings available.
⚠Not documenting neuropathic pain — while the maximum rating is 10%, documenting chronic pain may support a secondary claim for a mental health condition.
⚠Not connecting the nerve injury to service — knee surgery, varicose vein stripping, or direct trauma to the inner knee during service can damage the saphenous nerve.

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…

Internal Saphenous Nerve

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8527

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe incomplete paralysis or complete paralysis of the saphenous nerve — significant or total numbness along the inner knee and leg, potentially with neuropathic pain.

What the VA looks for

Significant or complete sensory loss along inner leg
Neuropathic pain in saphenous nerve distribution
EMG/NCS confirming saphenous nerve involvement
Documented impact on ambulation or daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding that the saphenous nerve is sensory-only — it cannot cause muscle weakness. If you have inner leg numbness with quadriceps weakness, the femoral nerve (DC 8526) may be the correct code with higher ratings available.

⚠Not documenting neuropathic pain — while the maximum rating is 10%, documenting chronic pain may support a secondary claim for a mental health condition.

⚠Not connecting the nerve injury to service — knee surgery, varicose vein stripping, or direct trauma to the inner knee during service can damage the saphenous nerve.