Peroneal Nerve Paralysis (Foot Drop)

DC 8521Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8521 — External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve Paralysis

Damage to the peroneal nerve causing weakness or inability to lift the front part of the foot (foot drop), difficulty walking, and numbness on the top of the foot and outer lower leg. The VA rates this based on the severity of nerve paralysis.

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 — External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) 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

You have complete paralysis of the peroneal nerve — your foot drops completely. You cannot lift the foot at all, and the outer lower leg and top of the foot are numb. This is the maximum rating.

What the VA looks for

Complete foot drop — cannot lift foot at all
Cannot extend (dorsiflex) toes
Complete numbness on top of foot
Loss of foot abduction
Requires AFO at all times for walking
EMG/NCS confirming complete peroneal nerve paralysis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting EMG/nerve conduction studies — these are essential for documenting the severity of peroneal nerve damage objectively.
⚠Not filing for bilateral foot drop separately — if both feet are affected, each is rated independently.
⚠Not connecting foot drop to the underlying cause — common service-connected causes include back injuries compressing the L4-L5 nerve root, knee injuries, and TBI.
⚠Not documenting the need for an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) or assistive devices — this supports severity and may also support Special Monthly Compensation.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — foot drop often causes falls, leading to other injuries, and the altered gait can cause hip, knee, or back problems.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Peroneal Nerve Paralysis (Foot Drop) 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…

Peroneal Nerve Paralysis (Foot Drop)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8521

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the peroneal nerve — your foot drops completely. You cannot lift the foot at all, and the outer lower leg and top of the foot are numb. This is the maximum rating.

What the VA looks for

Complete foot drop — cannot lift foot at all
Cannot extend (dorsiflex) toes
Complete numbness on top of foot
Loss of foot abduction
Requires AFO at all times for walking
EMG/NCS confirming complete peroneal nerve paralysis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting EMG/nerve conduction studies — these are essential for documenting the severity of peroneal nerve damage objectively.

⚠Not filing for bilateral foot drop separately — if both feet are affected, each is rated independently.

⚠Not connecting foot drop to the underlying cause — common service-connected causes include back injuries compressing the L4-L5 nerve root, knee injuries, and TBI.

⚠Not documenting the need for an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) or assistive devices — this supports severity and may also support Special Monthly Compensation.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — foot drop often causes falls, leading to other injuries, and the altered gait can cause hip, knee, or back problems.