Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124aDBQ: DBQ NEURO Peripheral Nerves
DC 8522 covers paralysis of the musculocutaneous (superficial peroneal) nerve of the leg, which turns the foot outward (eversion). The VA rates complete paralysis, with eversion of the foot weakened, at 30%, and incomplete paralysis at 20% severe, 10% moderate and 0% mild (38 CFR 4.124a). Foot drop (weak dorsiflexion) belongs to the deep peroneal nerve, DC 8523.
Rating levels
- 30% — Complete paralysis of the superficial peroneal nerve causes weakness when you try to turn your foot outward (eversion means rotating your foot so the sole faces away from your other foot). You would have significant difficulty or inability to lift the outer edge of your foot up and turn it outward, which affects walking and balance.
- 20% — Severe incomplete paralysis of the superficial peroneal nerve: the nerve still works in part, but turning the foot outward (eversion) is markedly weak and feeling over the outer leg and top of the foot is clearly reduced. Lifting the foot at the ankle (dorsiflexion) is the deep peroneal nerve, DC 8523, not this code.
- 10% — Moderate incomplete paralysis of the superficial peroneal nerve: a clear but partial weakness in turning the foot outward (eversion), with some numbness or tingling over the outer leg and the top of the foot. You can still make the movement, but walking on uneven ground is harder.
- 0% — Mild incomplete paralysis of the superficial peroneal nerve: slight numbness or tingling over the outer leg or the top of the foot, with little or no weakness in turning the foot outward (eversion), and no real effect on walking.