Peripheral neuropathy

Overview

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that often causes numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands or feet. VA rates it under the code for the nerve involved, such as the sciatic nerve for the legs.

How VA rates it

Diagnostic Code 8520 and others · 38 CFR 4.124a

Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.

Each nerve and each limb has its own code and levels. Arm nerves list different percentages for the dominant and non dominant side.

Common secondary connections

These are conditions often discussed in connection with Peripheral neuropathy. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.

• Often claimed as secondary to diabetes

Presumptive notes

VA lists early onset peripheral neuropathy as an Agent Orange presumptive condition, with a rule that it must be at least 10 percent disabling within 1 year of exposure. Read the full eligibility rules on VA.gov.

Evidence veterans generally gather

VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:

• Nerve conduction studies or EMG results, if done
• Treatment notes describing numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain
• A lay statement about how symptoms affect walking, gripping, or daily tasks
• A current diagnosis from a medical provider
• Service treatment records and personnel records
• VA and private treatment records
• Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
• A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available

Official source

Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.124a on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.

Back to the conditions library