How the VA Rates Peripheral Neuropathy
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8520 (Sciatic) / 8710 (Median) and related codes criteria a VA rater evaluates Peripheral Neuropathy against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
Diagnostic codes 8520, 8521, 8530, 8710, 8720
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8520 (Sciatic) / 8710 (Median) and related codes for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
10%
$180.42/month
Mild — minor loss of sensation, paresthesias (tingling, burning, numbness) with no significant motor loss. Minor reflex changes. No atrophy.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Occasional burning sensations
- Mild loss of vibration sense
- No weakness or atrophy
20%
$356.66/month
Moderate — significant sensory loss, moderate weakness, mild motor loss. Some reflex loss. Minor atrophy possible.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Consistent numbness affecting balance or grip
- Moderate weakness in affected limb
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks (buttoning, gripping)
- Frequent dropping objects
- Gait unsteadiness due to sensory loss in feet
40%
$795.84/month
Moderately severe — significant motor loss in addition to sensory loss. Muscle atrophy present. Significant weakness limiting function.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Significant muscle atrophy
- Moderate-to-severe weakness limiting daily activities
- Unable to use hands for detailed work
- Foot drop or significant gait impairment
- Falls due to sensory and motor loss
60%
$1,435.02/month
Severe — complete or near-complete motor loss with marked muscle atrophy, significant sensory loss, and major functional limitation.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Severe muscle atrophy
- Near-complete motor weakness in affected distribution
- Cannot use affected limb for functional activities
- Neuropathic pain severe and constant
80%
$2,102.15/month
Complete paralysis — loss of use of the limb or complete paralysis of the affected nerve distribution.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- No useful motor function in affected limb
- Complete sensory loss
- Requires assistive device or prosthesis
- No voluntary movement in affected distribution
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
The evidence that matters most
EMG/nerve conduction study documenting the degree of nerve damage
C&P exam tips for Peripheral Neuropathy
- Neuropathy is rated by specific nerve (sciatic, median, ulnar, peroneal, etc.) and by laterality — claim each affected nerve separately.
- Request EMG/nerve conduction study results — these objectively document severity.
- Describe functional loss in daily life: cannot feel hot/cold (burning risks), dropping objects, tripping due to foot drop.
- If diabetic neuropathy, ensure the primary condition (diabetes, DC 7913) is also claimed.
- Bilateral neuropathy (both feet, both hands) should be claimed bilaterally with separate ratings.
Common mistakes on Peripheral Neuropathy claims
- Claiming neuropathy as a single rating when multiple nerves are affected — each nerve is a separate diagnostic code.
- Not getting an EMG/NCS, which is the objective test VA uses to confirm severity.
- Not documenting how neuropathy affects balance, grip, and daily safety.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8520 (Sciatic) / 8710 (Median) and related codes — diagnostic codes 8520, 8521, 8530, 8710, 8720.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Peripheral Neuropathy?
80% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Peripheral Neuropathy. The criteria at that level describe: Complete paralysis — loss of use of the limb or complete paralysis of the affected nerve distribution.
How much does a 80% VA rating for Peripheral Neuropathy pay in 2026?
$2,102.15 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Related tools & guides
- Free toolCheck your symptoms against the Peripheral Neuropathy criteria
- Free tool2026 pay rates & combined-rating calculator
- GuideBalance Disorder / Increased Fall Risk secondary to Peripheral Neuropathy
- GuideMajor Depressive Disorder (Secondary to Peripheral Neuropathy) secondary to Peripheral Neuropathy
- GuideMuscle Atrophy (Secondary to Peripheral Neuropathy) secondary to Peripheral Neuropathy
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Start your claim — freeEducational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.