neurologicalDC 8524/8525

Tibial Nerve Conditions

The tibial nerve branches off from the sciatic nerve just above the knee, then travels down the back of the leg toward the ankle and foot. It controls movement of the foot and toes. The VA distinguishes between the tibial nerve (DC 8524) damaged above the ankle and the posterior tibial nerve (DC 8525) damaged at or below the ankle (after passing through the tarsal tunnel). If the damage occurs before the nerve curves around the ankle, it is rated under DC 8524. If damaged after, it is rated under the posterior tibial nerve schedule (DC 8525). The tibial nerve is in Group 1 with the sciatic and peroneal nerves, meaning it cannot be rated separately from those nerves within the same group.

VA Rating Levels

10%

Tibial nerve (DC 8524) - Incomplete paralysis, mild. Posterior tibial nerve (DC 8525) also starts at 10% for mild or moderate.

20%

Tibial nerve - Incomplete paralysis, moderate. Posterior tibial nerve - Incomplete paralysis, severe.

30%

Tibial nerve - Incomplete paralysis, severe. Posterior tibial nerve - Complete paralysis (paralysis of all muscles of sole of foot, toes cannot be flexed, adduction weakened, plantar flexion impaired).

40%

Tibial nerve - Complete paralysis. Plantar flexion lost, frank adduction of foot impossible, flexion and separation of toes abolished, no muscle in sole can move.

Exam Tips & Key Evidence

→The tibial nerve and posterior tibial nerve are rated under different diagnostic codes depending on WHERE the nerve is damaged - above the ankle (DC 8524) or at/below the ankle (DC 8525).
→The tibial nerve is in Group 1 along with the sciatic and peroneal nerves. Nerves within Group 1 CANNOT be rated separately from each other. If multiple Group 1 nerves are impaired, the veteran receives a single evaluation - whichever gives the highest rating.
→However, tibial/sciatic nerve conditions CAN be rated separately from Group 2 (femoral nerve) and Group 3 nerves.
→Each leg can receive its own rating, and the bilateral factor applies.
→Tarsal tunnel syndrome is commonly rated under the posterior tibial nerve (DC 8525) since it involves compression at the tarsal tunnel near the ankle.
→This is a presumptive condition if diagnosed within one year of separation and the severity warranted at least 10% within that time.

Commonly Related Conditions

Sciatica (Sciatic Nerve)Common Peroneal Nerve (Foot Drop)Radiculopathy - Lower Extremities (Lumbar)Ankle Conditions Plantar Fasciitis

38 CFR Reference

38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8524/8525