What rates 60% for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520 (DC 8520), a 60% rating for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy requires: Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy — intrinsic-foot wasting, partial foot drop, frequent falls, ulceration risk.

What happens during a C&P exam for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

← All Condition Guides

CLAIM RECON INTEL

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DC 8520) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520. Mild incomplete paralysis — intermittent stocking-distribution paresthesia / dysesthesia, monofilament intact, ankle reflex preserved or mildly reduced. Wholly sensory findings cap at this or moderate per § 4.124a preamble.

Q: What rates 10% for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520 (DC 8520), a 10% rating for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy requires: Mild incomplete paralysis — intermittent stocking-distribution paresthesia / dysesthesia, monofilament intact, ankle reflex preserved or mildly reduced. Wholly sensory findings cap at this or moderate per § 4.124a preamble.

Q: What rates 20% for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520 (DC 8520), a 20% rating for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy requires: Moderate incomplete paralysis — daily symptoms, reduced monofilament/vibration sensation, absent ankle reflex, no objective motor weakness.

Q: What rates 40% for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520 (DC 8520), a 40% rating for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy requires: Moderately severe incomplete paralysis — constant symptoms including neuropathic pain requiring continuous medication (gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, tricyclic), mild objective motor weakness, balance impairment.

Q: What rates 80% for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520 (DC 8520), a 80% rating for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy requires: Complete paralysis — total loss of sciatic-distribution function (rare in diabetic neuropathy outside Charcot foot / amputation residuals).

Q: What evidence do I need for a Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy VA claim?

Key evidence for a Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 852038 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Diagnostic Code

DC 8520

38 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Rating Range

10–80%

5 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 8520 of 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8520 across 5 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 60% / 80%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Peripheral nerve damage caused by chronic diabetes mellitus, typically affecting feet and hands in a stocking-glove pattern.

Rating Criteria

10%

Mild incomplete paralysis — intermittent stocking-distribution paresthesia / dysesthesia, monofilament intact, ankle reflex preserved or mildly reduced. Wholly sensory findings cap at this or moderate per § 4.124a preamble.

20%

Moderate incomplete paralysis — daily symptoms, reduced monofilament/vibration sensation, absent ankle reflex, no objective motor weakness.

40%

Moderately severe incomplete paralysis — constant symptoms including neuropathic pain requiring continuous medication (gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, tricyclic), mild objective motor weakness, balance impairment.

60%

Severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscular atrophy — intrinsic-foot wasting, partial foot drop, frequent falls, ulceration risk.

80%

Complete paralysis — total loss of sciatic-distribution function (rare in diabetic neuropathy outside Charcot foot / amputation residuals).

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

More in Neurological

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Epilepsy / Seizure Disorder Trigeminal Neuralgia Bell's Palsy Multiple Sclerosis Parkinson's Disease Sciatic Nerve Damage All conditions →

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a (Neurological conditions and convulsive disorders). Source verified 2026-05-15 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.124a on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

LOADING