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.

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 →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Peroneal Nerve Paralysis (Foot Drop)

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.