Diagnostic Code 8521: External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Rating range
- 10% to 40%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Neurological conditions
The VA rates External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve under diagnostic code 8521 in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 8521 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Incomplete paralysis, mild What raters look formild incomplete paralysis |
| 20% | Incomplete paralysis, moderate What raters look formoderate incomplete paralysis |
| 30% | Incomplete paralysis, severe What raters look forsevere incomplete paralysis |
| 40% | Complete paralysis; foot drop and slight droop of first phalanges of all toes, cannot dorsiflex the foot, extension (dorsal flexion) of proximal phalanges of toes lost; abduction of foot lost, adduction weakened; anesthesia covers entire dorsum of foot and toes What raters look forcomplete paralysis; foot drop; cannot dorsiflex the foot |
DC 8521 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 577 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 8521 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 41.4%, denied 48.9% and sent 9.7% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 8521 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Peripheral Neuropathy. The Peripheral Neuropathy condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
Other conditions rated under this code: Radiculopathy.
What happens to Peripheral Neuropathy appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 38,304 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Peripheral Neuropathy, 2021 to 2026. The Peripheral Neuropathy condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Peripheral Neuropathy appeals generally rather than DC 8521 specifically. The DC 8521 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 8521?
Diagnostic code 8521 is the VA rating schedule entry for External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve, found in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 8521?
DC 8521 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 8521 require?
The 40% rating for External Popliteal (Common Peroneal) Nerve requires: Complete paralysis; foot drop and slight droop of first phalanges of all toes, cannot dorsiflex the foot, extension (dorsal flexion) of proximal phalanges of toes lost; abduction of foot lost, adduction weakened; anesthesia covers entire dorsum of foot and toes.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 8521?
In 564 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 8521 from 2021 to 2026, 41.0% were granted, 49.6% denied and 9.4% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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