Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (Posterior Tibial Nerve Entrapment)

DC 8525Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8525 — Posterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis

Compression of the posterior tibial nerve at the ankle causing burning pain, tingling, and numbness in the sole of the foot. Common from prolonged standing and marching. Rated based on nerve paralysis severity.

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 — Posterior Tibial 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

Severe incomplete paralysis — you have significant sensory loss in the foot, weakness of toe flexion, and difficulty walking.

What the VA looks for

Significant sensory loss in the sole of the foot
Weakness of toe flexion on examination
Difficulty walking documented by provider
Severe nerve conduction study abnormalities of the posterior tibial nerve
Gait abnormality documented on examination

Common Pitfalls

⚠Being misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis — tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve entrapment, not a soft tissue condition. Make sure your provider distinguishes between the two.
⚠Not getting EMG/NCS of the posterior tibial nerve — this is the key objective test to confirm the diagnosis and its severity.
⚠Not connecting the condition to military marching, running, or prolonged standing duties — these are common causes in service.
⚠Not documenting night-time burning pain — this is a hallmark symptom that distinguishes tarsal tunnel from other foot conditions.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (Posterior Tibial Nerve Entrapment) 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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8525

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Severe incomplete paralysis — you have significant sensory loss in the foot, weakness of toe flexion, and difficulty walking.

What the VA looks for

Significant sensory loss in the sole of the foot
Weakness of toe flexion on examination
Difficulty walking documented by provider
Severe nerve conduction study abnormalities of the posterior tibial nerve
Gait abnormality documented on examination

Common Pitfalls

⚠Being misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis — tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve entrapment, not a soft tissue condition. Make sure your provider distinguishes between the two.

⚠Not getting EMG/NCS of the posterior tibial nerve — this is the key objective test to confirm the diagnosis and its severity.

⚠Not connecting the condition to military marching, running, or prolonged standing duties — these are common causes in service.

⚠Not documenting night-time burning pain — this is a hallmark symptom that distinguishes tarsal tunnel from other foot conditions.