Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the feet, legs, or hands causing burning pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness - most often from diabetes. There is no single diagnostic code: VA rates each affected nerve in each extremity separately.
Presumptive condition — Agent Orange - early-onset peripheral neuropathy
Early-onset peripheral neuropathy is presumptive for veterans exposed to herbicides (Vietnam, Korean DMZ, Thailand, and other qualifying locations) if it appeared to a degree of at least 10 percent within one year after the last exposure. Chronic neuropathy appearing later is not presumptive on its own but is commonly service-connected secondary to presumptive diabetes.
How the VA rates it
VA identifies which specific nerve is impaired in each extremity and rates each one under that nerve's paralysis code as mild, moderate, or severe incomplete paralysis, or complete paralysis. Lower extremity neuropathy is usually rated under the sciatic nerve (8520: 10/20/40/60/80 percent) or common peroneal nerve (8521: 10/20/30/40 percent); upper extremity involvement uses codes like the median (8515) or ulnar (8516) nerve. Each affected extremity gets its own rating, and bilateral involvement (very common in diabetic neuropathy) combines with the bilateral factor. Wholly sensory symptoms are rated mild or at most moderate.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 80%Complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve (8520): foot dangles and drops, no active movement of muscles below the knee. Under the common peroneal nerve (8521), complete paralysis - foot drop, cannot dorsiflex the foot - is 40 percent.
Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy under 8520. (Severe under 8521 is 30 percent.)
Moderately severe incomplete paralysis under 8520. (Moderate under 8521 is 20 percent.)
Moderate incomplete paralysis under 8520.
Mild incomplete paralysis under either 8520 or 8521 - the typical starting rating for sensory-only diabetic neuropathy in each extremity.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Depression is commonly claimed secondary to chronic neuropathic pain and sleep disruption.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 — Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common pathway - usually claimed in all four extremities secondary to service-connected diabetes.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- An EMG/nerve conduction study or documented monofilament/sensory exam identifying which nerves are affected is key - the rating depends on naming the specific nerve.
- Claim each affected extremity separately: bilateral lower (and often upper) extremity ratings combine with the bilateral factor and add up quickly.
- Document motor involvement - weakness, foot drop, balance problems, atrophy - to get above the mild sensory-only level.
- If you have service-connected diabetes, make sure the neuropathy is claimed as secondary and that your diabetes exam notes it as a complication.
Rating rules to know
Each nerve in each extremity is rated once - the same symptoms cannot be rated under two nerve codes for the same limb (e.g., 8520 and 8521 for one leg). Ratings for different extremities combine, with the bilateral factor for paired limbs.
Related diagnostic codes
More neurological conditions
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are recurring severe headaches, often with nausea and light sensitivity. VA rates them entirely on how often you have 'prostrating' attacks - attacks so severe you must stop what you are doing and lie down.
Rated up to 50%
Sciatic Radiculopathy (Lower Extremity)
Sciatic radiculopathy is nerve pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the low back down the leg, usually caused by a spine condition pressing on the sciatic nerve root. VA rates it per leg based on how severe the nerve impairment is.
Rated up to 80%
Upper Extremity Radiculopathy (Cervical Radiculopathy)
Cervical radiculopathy is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand from a compressed nerve root. VA rates it per arm, with higher percentages for your dominant (major) arm.
Rated up to 70%
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. VA rates it per wrist under the median nerve code, with higher percentages for your dominant hand.
Rated up to 70%
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residuals
TBI residuals are the lasting effects of a head injury - problems with memory, concentration, mood, headaches, dizziness, and more. VA rates TBI with a unique facet-based system where your single worst area of impairment sets the rating.
Rated up to 100%
Seizure Disorder (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy and other seizure disorders are rated on how often you have seizures. Major (grand mal / tonic-clonic) seizures with loss of consciousness count for more than minor seizures, and a confirmed diagnosis guarantees at least 10 percent.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.