---
title: "DC 8524 - Paralysis of:"
diagnostic_code: "8524"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8524-internal-popliteal-tibial-nerve-paralysis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:21:49.844420Z"
---

# DC 8524 - Paralysis of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 40% | Complete; plantar flexion lost, frank adduction of foot impossible, flexion and separation of toes abolished; no muscle in sole can move; in lesions of the nerve high in popliteal fossa, plantar flexion of foot is lost |
| 30% | Incomplete: Severe |
| 20% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 10% | Incomplete: Mild |

# Paralysis of the Internal Popliteal Nerve (Tibial Nerve) — VA Diagnostic Code 8524

*Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders • 38 CFR § 4.124a*

## Understanding This Condition

The VA rates paralysis affecting the internal popliteal (tibial) nerve under **Diagnostic Code 8524**. This nerve controls key movements of the foot and toes, including plantar flexion (pointing the foot downward), inward movement (adduction) of the foot, and the ability to flex and separate the toes.

When this nerve is affected, the impact can range from mild interference with foot and toe function to complete loss of movement. The VA recognizes both **complete** paralysis and varying degrees of **incomplete** paralysis when assigning a rating.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of the nerve impairment:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **40%** | **Complete paralysis** — plantar flexion is lost, frank adduction of the foot is impossible, and flexion and separation of the toes are abolished. No muscle in the sole can move. In lesions of the nerve high in the popliteal fossa, plantar flexion of the foot is lost. |
| **30%** | **Incomplete paralysis — Severe** |
| **20%** | **Incomplete paralysis — Moderate** |
| **10%** | **Incomplete paralysis — Mild** |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating this condition, the VA focuses on the **degree of impairment** to the internal popliteal (tibial) nerve. Key considerations include:

- **Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete.** Complete paralysis (rated at 40%) involves the loss of plantar flexion, the inability to perform frank adduction of the foot, and the loss of the ability to flex and separate the toes — with no muscle in the sole able to move.
- **The severity of incomplete paralysis.** For incomplete cases, the VA evaluates whether the impairment is **mild (10%)**, **moderate (20%)**, or **severe (30%)**.
- **The location of the nerve lesion.** In lesions high in the popliteal fossa, plantar flexion of the foot is lost.

Ratings are assigned according to the criteria set out in 38 CFR § 4.124a for Diagnostic Code 8524, based on the specific functional losses documented for the affected nerve.

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