Paralysis of the anterior crural nerve (femoral) DC 8526
VA rates it under diagnostic code 8526 in 38 CFR 4.124a. Body system: Head & nerves.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 4 rating levels for this code: 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
It affects one leg, so each side is rated on its own. When both sides are rated, VA adds the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26).
Source: 38 CFR 4.124a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 40% | Complete; paralysis of quadriceps extensor muscles |
| 30% | Incomplete:Severe |
| 20% | Incomplete:Moderate |
| 10% | Incomplete:Mild |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.124a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Intervertebral disc syndrome DC 5243 Established link Rated separately
If a nerve higher in your spine is pinched, pain or numbness in the front of the thigh is rated separately under the femoral nerve code.
What to gather: Rated as part of your spine claim. Ask the examiner to test nerve function in your arms or legs and to name the nerve involved.
Sources: 38 CFR 4.71a, spine formula Note (1): rate nerve, bowel and bladder problems separately; 38 CFR 4.124a (nerve and neurological ratings)
Lower back (lumbosacral strain / DDD) DC 5237, 5242 Established link Rated separately
If a nerve higher in your low back is pinched, pain or numbness in the front of the thigh is rated separately under the femoral nerve code.
What to gather: Rated as part of your spine claim. Ask the examiner to test nerve function in your arms or legs and to name the nerve involved.
Sources: 38 CFR 4.71a, spine formula Note (1): rate nerve, bowel and bladder problems separately; 38 CFR 4.124a (nerve and neurological ratings)
Spinal stenosis DC 5238 Established link Rated separately
If a nerve higher in your spine is pinched, pain or numbness in the front of the thigh is rated separately under the femoral nerve code.
What to gather: Rated as part of your spine claim. Ask the examiner to test nerve function in your arms or legs and to name the nerve involved.
Sources: 38 CFR 4.71a, spine formula Note (1): rate nerve, bowel and bladder problems separately; 38 CFR 4.124a (nerve and neurological ratings)
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
Not affiliated with the VA. VA decides ratings. Free help from an accredited VSO is available at no cost.