Diagnostic Code 8526 · 38 CFR §4.124a
The femoral nerve is one of the largest nerves in your leg. It controls the quadriceps muscles on the front of your thigh, which straighten your knee and are essential for standing up, walking, climbing stairs, and maintaining balance. The nerve also provides sensation to the front of your thigh and the inner side of your lower leg. When the femoral nerve is damaged, your knee may buckle unexpectedly and you may have significant difficulty with stairs, getting up from chairs, and walking on uneven terrain. Veterans may develop this from pelvic fractures, hip injuries, abdominal or groin surgeries, gunshot or shrapnel wounds to the hip or thigh area, or compression from prolonged positioning during service.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | |
| 30% | |
| 20% | |
| 10% |
Medical records documenting femoral nerve damage connected to military service, Electromyography and nerve conduction studies testing the femoral nerve, Quadriceps strength measurements and thigh circumference comparison between legs, Documentation of falls or knee buckling episodes, Physical therapy records showing rehabilitation efforts and functional limitations