Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124aDBQ: DBQ NEURO Peripheral Nerves
DC 8524 covers paralysis of the internal popliteal (tibial) nerve, which runs behind the knee and works the calf muscles that point the foot down, flex the toes and stabilize the arch. The VA rates complete paralysis at 40% (plantar flexion lost, the foot cannot be adducted, toe flexion and ankle movement impaired, no muscle in the sole can move) and incomplete paralysis at 30% severe, 20% moderate and 10% mild (38 CFR 4.124a).
Rating levels
- 40% — Complete paralysis of the tibial nerve means you've lost the ability to point your foot downward (plantar flexion) and cannot pull your foot inward toward your other foot. You also cannot bend or spread your toes apart, and none of the muscles in the bottom of your foot work. If the nerve damage is high up near the knee area, you'll also lose the ability to push your foot down against resistance.
- 30% — Incomplete, severe damage to the internal popliteal nerve (also called the tibial nerve, which controls muscles in your calf and foot) means you have significant but not total loss of function. You would experience major weakness or partial paralysis in your ability to point your foot downward, push off when walking, or control some toe movements, along with possible numbness or tingling in the bottom of your foot and toes.
- 20% — The internal popliteal nerve (also called the tibial nerve, which controls muscles in your calf and foot) has moderate damage but still works partially. You would have noticeable weakness in pointing your foot downward, pushing off when walking, or controlling some toe movements, but you haven't lost all function in these areas. The nerve damage causes clear problems with movement and possibly some numbness, but you can still use the affected muscles to some degree.
- 10% — You have mild, partial damage to the tibial nerve (a major nerve that runs down the back of your leg and controls muscles in your calf and foot). This causes some weakness in pointing your foot downward or controlling your toes, but the nerve damage is not severe and you still have most of your normal function.