---
title: "DC 8521 - Paralysis of:"
diagnostic_code: "8521"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8521-external-popliteal-common-peroneal-nerve-paralysis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:20:52.269005Z"
---

# DC 8521 - Paralysis of:

Rated under § 4.124a. Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 40% | Complete; 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 |
| 30% | Incomplete: Severe |
| 20% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 10% | Incomplete: Mild |

# Paralysis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal Nerve) — VA Diagnostic Code 8521

**Body System:** Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.124a

---

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 8521 addresses paralysis affecting the nerve that controls movement and sensation in parts of the lower leg and foot. Depending on severity, this can impact your ability to lift the front of your foot, move your toes, and feel sensation across the top of the foot.

The VA rates this condition on a sliding scale based on whether the paralysis is **complete** or **incomplete**, and how severe the impairment is.

---

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of the following disability ratings under Diagnostic Code 8521:

### 40% — Complete Paralysis
Assigned when there is complete paralysis, described as:
- Foot drop and slight droop of the first phalanges of all toes
- Inability to dorsiflex (lift) the foot
- Loss of extension (dorsal flexion) of the proximal phalanges of the toes
- Loss of foot abduction, with weakened adduction
- Anesthesia (loss of sensation) covering the entire dorsum (top) of the foot and toes

### 30% — Incomplete Paralysis, Severe

### 20% — Incomplete Paralysis, Moderate

### 10% — Incomplete Paralysis, Mild

---

## What the VA Looks For

When rating this condition, the VA evaluates:

- **Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete.** Complete paralysis (rated at 40%) is defined by the specific set of findings listed above, including foot drop, loss of toe extension, loss of foot abduction, and loss of sensation across the top of the foot.

- **The severity of incomplete paralysis.** For incomplete paralysis, the VA distinguishes between **mild (10%)**, **moderate (20%)**, and **severe (30%)** levels of impairment.

Your rating reflects the degree to which the nerve function is impaired, as documented in your medical evidence.

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a