This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Peripheral Neuropathy
- Each affected extremity is rated separately, bilateral neuropathy in feet and hands can yield four individual ratings.
- The bilateral factor applies when matching extremities are affected, adding a small percentage increase.
- Peripheral neuropathy is a presumptive condition for veterans with qualifying herbicide agent (Agent Orange) exposure.
- Most commonly claimed as secondary to diabetes, where chronic hyperglycemia causes progressive nerve damage.
- EMG/nerve conduction studies provide objective evidence of nerve dysfunction and are often the most persuasive evidence for severity.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, causing weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain, typically in the hands and feet. It is rated under Diagnostic Codes 8520 through 8530, depending on which specific nerve is affected. The sciatic nerve (DC 8520) is the most commonly rated for lower extremity neuropathy, while various codes cover upper extremity nerves.
The VA rates peripheral neuropathy based on the degree of nerve impairment, from mild incomplete paralysis (10%) to complete paralysis (up to 80% for the sciatic nerve). Each affected extremity is rated separately, so a veteran with neuropathy in both feet and both hands could receive four separate ratings. The bilateral factor also applies when matching extremities are affected, providing a small additional percentage increase.
Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly claimed as secondary to diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), where chronic elevated blood sugar damages nerve fibers. It is also associated with Agent Orange exposure, making it a presumptive condition for qualifying veterans. Other causes include medications, alcohol use secondary to PTSD, and direct nerve injury during service. The condition tends to be progressive, so initial ratings may warrant future increases as symptoms worsen.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis of the affected nerve. Intermittent numbness and tingling with minimal motor involvement. |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis of the affected nerve. Regular sensory symptoms with some motor weakness affecting function. |
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis (lower extremity sciatic nerve). Frequent symptoms with significant sensory and motor deficits. |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy (lower extremity sciatic nerve). Pronounced motor weakness with substantial functional limitation. |
| 80% | Complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Foot dangles and drops, no active movement below the knee, flexion of the knee weakened or lost. |
- 10%
Mild incomplete paralysis of the affected nerve. Intermittent numbness and tingling with minimal motor involvement.
- 20%
Moderate incomplete paralysis of the affected nerve. Regular sensory symptoms with some motor weakness affecting function.
- 40%
Moderately severe incomplete paralysis (lower extremity sciatic nerve). Frequent symptoms with significant sensory and motor deficits.
- 60%
Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy (lower extremity sciatic nerve). Pronounced motor weakness with substantial functional limitation.
- 80%
Complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Foot dangles and drops, no active movement below the knee, flexion of the knee weakened or lost.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
EMG/nerve conduction study
Electrodiagnostic testing documenting the type, distribution, and severity of peripheral nerve dysfunction in affected extremities.
Neurological examination
Clinical examination documenting sensory deficits, motor weakness, reflex changes, and functional impairment in each affected extremity.
Recommended
Blood work
Laboratory testing including fasting glucose, HbA1c, vitamin B12, and other tests to identify the underlying cause of neuropathy.
Service records or nexus
Documentation of herbicide exposure, diabetes diagnosis, or other service-connected cause of neuropathy. Nexus letter if claimed as secondary.
Helpful
Progression documentation
Records showing the progressive worsening of neuropathic symptoms over time, supporting potential future rating increases.
Functional impact statement
A personal statement describing how numbness, tingling, and weakness affect walking, balance, grip strength, and daily activities.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Peripheral Neuropathy. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Fall-Related Injuries
DC 5284, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Depression
DC 9434, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%
Skin Ulcers / Wounds
DC 7804, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
Related DBQs
Peripheral Nerve Conditions
Form 21-0960C-10
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.