Neuralgia refers to a sharp pain occurring along the course of a nerve. This nerve is a division of the sciatic nerve and a branch of the common peroneal nerve. The deep peroneal descends the leg in the anterior compartment and innervates the muscles of the lower leg. The sensory innervation is to the web space between the first and second toes.

Neuralgia may be caused by pressure on nerve trunks, faulty nerve nutrition, toxins, or inflammation. Possible causes of deep peroneal nerve damage are: squatting, or improperly fitted leg casts. Bony tumors may compress the nerve and the nerve may also be entrapped beneath the thick superficial fascia over the dorsum of the foot (anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome).

Injury to peroneal innervated muscles results in weakness of ankle dorsiflexors. Pain is present in the ankle and sole of the foot with walking. There may be paralysis of the intrinsic foot muscles. Deep peroneal lesions result in sensory loss to the web space between the first and second toes.

Peripheral nerve examination may include: nerve conduction tests; needle electromyography (EMG); computed tomography (CT) scan; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); muscle-strength testing; deep tendon reflexes (DTR); sensory testing; and gait examination.

Generally, the nerve in mild stretch or compression injuries recovers spontaneously. The usual treatment consists of a splint that supports the ankle and the foot, and range of motion (ROM) exercises. If the nerve does not show signs of regeneration, it may have to be explored and freed from adhesions.

Splinting, should be used as long as voluntary activity is impaired.

• If the Veteran is a former prisoner of war and was interned or detained for not less than 30 days, this disease shall be service connected if manifest to a degree of disability of 10% or more at any time after discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service even though there is no record of such disease during service, provided the rebuttable presumption provisions of 38 CFR 3.307 are also satisfied [38 CFR 3.309(c) Disease subject to presumptive service connection].

• If the Veteran was exposed to an herbicide agent during active military, naval, or air service, this disease shall be service-connected if the requirements of 38 CFR 3.307(a)(6) are met even though there is no record of such disease during service, provided further that the rebuttable presumption provisions of 38 CFR 3.309(e). Disease subject to presumptive service connection.

• This disability shall be granted service connection although not otherwise established as incurred in or aggravated by service if manifested to a compensable degree within the applicable time limits under 38 CFR 3.307 following service in a period of war or following peacetime service on or after January 1, 1947, provided the rebuttable presumption provisions of 38 CFR 3.307 are also satisfied.  38 CFR 3.309(a)