Peripheral Neuropathy, Lower Extremity
DC 8520 (analogous) §4.124a Neurological ICD-10: G62.9 DirectSecondary
Sensory/motor nerve dysfunction in legs/feet. Most common secondary to diabetes. Each side rated separately. Bilateral factor applies.
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis |
| 20% | Moderate incomplete paralysis |
| 10% | Mild incomplete paralysis |
Often claimed secondary to
If you're already service-connected for any of these, Peripheral Neuropathy, Lower Extremity is often a viable secondary claim.
Filing this claim
For most veterans this is filed as a secondary claim. You need a nexus letter linking it to a service-connected primary condition. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.124a. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.