Posterior Tibial Nerve

DC 8525Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8525

Damage to the posterior tibial nerve, which provides sensation to the sole of the foot and controls the intrinsic muscles of the foot. Injury commonly occurs at the tarsal tunnel behind the ankle (tarsal tunnel syndrome) and causes burning, numbness, or pain in the sole 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 8525

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8525. 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 posterior tibial nerve — total loss of sensation on the sole and complete loss of intrinsic foot muscle function.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of sensation on the sole of the foot
Inability to flex the toes
Paralysis of intrinsic foot muscles
Causalgic (burning) pain documented
EMG confirming complete posterior tibial nerve denervation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting nerve conduction studies specifically testing the posterior tibial nerve at the tarsal tunnel — this differentiates tarsal tunnel syndrome from more proximal tibial nerve injuries and provides objective severity documentation.
⚠Not documenting the burning pain (causalgia) in detail — posterior tibial nerve injuries often produce severe burning pain that is a key factor in the rating and may also support a separate CRPS claim.
⚠Not connecting the nerve injury to service — prolonged marching, combat boot compression, ankle fractures, and blast injuries can all cause posterior tibial nerve damage during military service.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Posterior Tibial Nerve

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8525

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the posterior tibial nerve — total loss of sensation on the sole and complete loss of intrinsic foot muscle function.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of sensation on the sole of the foot
Inability to flex the toes
Paralysis of intrinsic foot muscles
Causalgic (burning) pain documented
EMG confirming complete posterior tibial nerve denervation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting nerve conduction studies specifically testing the posterior tibial nerve at the tarsal tunnel — this differentiates tarsal tunnel syndrome from more proximal tibial nerve injuries and provides objective severity documentation.

⚠Not documenting the burning pain (causalgia) in detail — posterior tibial nerve injuries often produce severe burning pain that is a key factor in the rating and may also support a separate CRPS claim.

⚠Not connecting the nerve injury to service — prolonged marching, combat boot compression, ankle fractures, and blast injuries can all cause posterior tibial nerve damage during military service.