VA Disability Rating for Peripheral Neuropathy
Rated by nerve + severity (mild/moderate/severe/complete paralysis). Agent Orange early-onset presumptive.
Peripheral neuropathy is rated by which nerve is affected and the severity of impairment. Common in veterans as a secondary to service-connected diabetes, diabetes medication side-effects, or direct toxin exposure. Early-onset peripheral neuropathy is on the Agent Orange presumptive list.
Presumptive framework applies
Early-Onset Peripheral Neuropathy is Agent Orange presumptive (38 CFR § 3.309(e)) when manifested to a compensable degree within one year of the last date of in-service herbicide exposure.
Check my presumptive eligibility →Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Mild incomplete paralysis. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Moderate incomplete paralysis. |
| 40% | $795.84 | Moderately severe incomplete paralysis (lower extremity). |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Severe incomplete paralysis (lower extremity). |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
How to get rated for peripheral neuropathy
- EMG / nerve conduction study is the objective anchor.
- Document numbness, tingling, pain, muscle wasting, gait issues.
- Bilateral? File as such — bilateral factor applies.
- Vietnam-era vets with early-onset (within 1 year of exposure): presumptive under Agent Orange.
Common secondary conditions
- +Depression from chronic pain
- +Fall injuries (knee, hip, spine)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Most-common secondary: to service-connected diabetes — well-accepted medical pathway.
- Lower-extremity neuropathy in diabetic vets: file BOTH DC 8520 (sciatic) and the diabetes rating — they are separate.
Frequently asked
Can I claim peripheral neuropathy secondary to tinnitus?
No — tinnitus is auditory only. Neuropathy secondary to diabetes, chemotherapy for a service-connected cancer, or direct toxin exposure is the typical pathway.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.