VA Disability Rating for Superficial Peroneal Nerve Paralysis
Diagnostic Code 8522 · 38 CFR §4.124a
What Is It?
The superficial peroneal nerve runs down the outer side of your lower leg and controls the muscles that turn your foot outward, known as eversion. It also provides sensation to the top of your foot and the lower part of your outer leg. When this nerve is damaged, you have difficulty turning your foot outward and may experience numbness or pain on the top of your foot. Veterans commonly develop this condition from ankle injuries, lower leg fractures, tight-fitting boots during service, knee injuries, or compartment syndrome from prolonged physical activity.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Complete paralysis with total loss of foot eversion and significant sensory loss on the top of the foot |
| 20% | Severe incomplete paralysis with marked eversion weakness and sensory changes |
| 10% | Moderate incomplete paralysis with some eversion weakness or significant numbness on the dorsum of the foot |
| 0% | Mild symptoms with documented nerve involvement but minimal functional impact |
Evidence Needed
- Medical records showing superficial peroneal nerve damage related to service
- Nerve conduction study results isolating the superficial peroneal nerve
- Documentation of foot eversion strength testing
- Records describing sensory changes on the top of the foot
- Evidence of how the condition affects walking and footwear tolerance
C&P Exam Tips
- Demonstrate difficulty turning your foot outward against resistance
- Point out areas of numbness on the top of your foot and outer lower leg
- Describe how the condition affects walking on uneven ground
- Mention any ankle sprains or instability caused by the eversion weakness
- Explain if certain shoes or boots worsen your symptoms
How to File
File under DC 8522 for superficial peroneal nerve paralysis. Include nerve conduction studies that specifically test the superficial branch of the peroneal nerve. Explain the in-service event that caused the nerve damage, such as a leg injury, ankle trauma, or prolonged compression from military boots.
Common Mistakes
Confusing superficial peroneal nerve damage with the deep peroneal nerve or common peroneal nerve Not getting specific nerve testing that distinguishes between the superficial and deep branches Failing to report repeated ankle sprains that result from the eversion weakness Not documenting the sensory loss on the dorsum of the foot
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between superficial and deep peroneal nerve damage?
The superficial peroneal nerve controls foot eversion (turning outward) and provides sensation to the top of your foot. The deep peroneal nerve controls foot dorsiflexion (lifting the foot up) and toe extension. They are rated under different diagnostic codes because they affect different functions.
Can tight military boots cause peroneal nerve damage?
Yes, prolonged compression from tight boots, especially at the outer knee or upper leg area where the nerve is close to the surface, can damage the peroneal nerve. If you can document that your boots caused nerve compression during service, this supports a service connection claim.