Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when peripheral nerves are damaged, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, burning, stabbing sensations, and muscle weakness. While it most commonly affects the hands and feet, it can manifest in various ways depending on the severity and specific nerves involved.
As someone who experiences this condition in my right hand, I know firsthand how challenging it can be—not just in daily life, but also in navigating the VA disability rating process.
Does the VA Have a Rating Code for Peripheral Neuropathy?
One of the more confusing aspects of filing a claim for peripheral neuropathy is that the VA doesn’t have a specific diagnostic code for this condition. But don’t let that discourage you. The VA often rates conditions analogously—meaning, they assign a rating based on a similar condition that is listed in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).
How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Rated?
For most veterans, lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is rated analogous to paralysis of the sciatic nerve, which falls under Diagnostic Code 8520. Here’s a breakdown of the ratings under this code:
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80% – Complete paralysis: The foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of the knee is weakened or lost.
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60% – Incomplete paralysis (severe) with marked muscular atrophy.
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40% – Incomplete paralysis (moderately severe).
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20% – Incomplete paralysis (moderate).
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10% – Incomplete paralysis (mild).
These levels are based on the severity of symptoms. It’s important to understand that VA ratings typically follow this pattern: severe, moderately severe, moderate, and mild. Where your symptoms fall on this spectrum will significantly impact your final disability rating.
For instance, if your symptoms are classified as moderate or moderately severe, you could receive a 20%–40% rating, rather than just 10%. That difference can have a major impact on your monthly compensation.
The Role of the C&P Exam and DBQ
Most VA disability ratings are based on the findings from a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. This is a critical step in the process. Before your exam, it’s highly recommended that you download and review the appropriate Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for peripheral nerve conditions.
Knowing what the examiner will be looking for helps you prepare your case more effectively. In a sense, it’s like knowing the answers to a test—you’re not trying to cheat the system, but you are ensuring that you can clearly and accurately present your symptoms.
Even if your specific symptoms don’t line up with a neatly defined VA code, like in the case of chronic fatigue syndrome or peripheral neuropathy, the VA can and does rate them based on comparable conditions. That’s why it’s so important to understand how analogous ratings work and what evidence you need to support your claim.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Veterans are encouraged to consult with a VA-accredited representative, attorney, or medical professional when pursuing disability claims. Each case is unique, and ratings may vary based on individual circumstances and the VA’s evaluation.
