---
title: "DC 8523 - Paralysis of:"
diagnostic_code: "8523"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8523-anterior-tibial-deep-peroneal-nerve-paralysis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:21:25.640569Z"
---

# DC 8523 - Paralysis of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | Complete; dorsal flexion of foot lost |
| 20% | Incomplete: Severe |
| 10% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 0% | Incomplete: Mild |

# Anterior Tibial Nerve Paralysis (Deep Peroneal Nerve) — VA Diagnostic Code 8523

**Body System:** Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.124a — Diagnostic Code 8523

---

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 8523 addresses paralysis of the anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal nerve). One of the key functions associated with this nerve is **dorsal flexion of the foot** — the ability to lift the foot upward at the ankle. When this nerve is affected, that function can be reduced or lost.

The VA recognizes that nerve conditions can range from mild interference to complete loss of function. To reflect this, the rating schedule provides different levels depending on the severity of the paralysis and whether it is **complete** or **incomplete**.

---

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on how the condition presents. Under Diagnostic Code 8523, the recognized levels are:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **30%** | **Complete** paralysis; dorsal flexion of the foot is lost |
| **20%** | **Incomplete** paralysis that is **severe** |
| **10%** | **Incomplete** paralysis that is **moderate** |
| **0%** | **Incomplete** paralysis that is **mild** |

---

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a claim under this diagnostic code, the VA considers:

- **Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete.** Complete paralysis with loss of dorsal flexion of the foot corresponds to the 30% level.
- **The severity of incomplete paralysis.** For incomplete cases, the rating is based on whether the impairment is described as **mild** (0%), **moderate** (10%), or **severe** (20%).
- **The function of the affected foot**, particularly the ability to perform dorsal flexion (lifting the foot upward at the ankle).

Because the rating depends on the degree and completeness of the paralysis, documentation describing how the condition affects nerve function is central to how the VA applies this schedule.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8523. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

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