Common Peroneal Nerve (Foot Drop)
The common peroneal nerve branches from the sciatic nerve just above the knee and moves around the kneecap to the front of the shin, controlling movement of the foot. Damage to this nerve is rated under Diagnostic Code 8521 and is a common cause of foot drop. Complete paralysis results in foot drop and slight droop of the first phalanges of all toes, inability to dorsiflex the foot, loss of toe extension, loss of foot abduction, weakened adduction, and numbness covering the entire top of the foot and toes. Since this nerve is in Group 1 of the lower extremity nerve groupings, it cannot be rated separately from the sciatic or tibial nerves, but it can be rated separately from Group 2 (femoral) and Group 3 nerves. Each leg is rated independently with bilateral factor eligibility.
VA Rating Levels
Incomplete paralysis, mild: tingling or mild pain with minor functional impact.
Incomplete paralysis, moderate: symptoms that meaningfully interfere with function.
Incomplete paralysis, severe: significantly limited function with possible muscle atrophy or poor circulation.
Complete paralysis: foot drop with slight droop of first phalanges of all toes, inability to dorsiflex the foot, lost toe extension, lost foot abduction, weakened adduction, and numbness of the entire top of foot and toes.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Foot drop is a very recognizable symptom of peroneal nerve damage and typically supports at least a moderate rating.
- →This nerve is in Group 1, so if you also have sciatic or tibial nerve damage in the same leg, only the highest single rating from that group applies.
- →Each leg is rated separately, and the bilateral factor applies when both legs are affected.
- →Peroneal nerve damage is commonly secondary to knee injuries, lower back conditions, or surgical complications.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR $ 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8521