Diagnostic code
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% | Mild incomplete paralysis What raters look formild |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis What raters look formoderate |
| 30% | Severe incomplete paralysis What raters look forsevere |
| 40% | Complete paralysis, foot drop, no dorsiflexion, loss of abduction/adduction What raters look forcomplete; foot drop |
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 459 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Peripheral Neuropathy as the primary issue. The Peripheral Neuropathy condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Peripheral Neuropathy appeals generally rather than DC 8521 specifically. 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, no dorsiflexion, loss of abduction/adduction.