VA Diagnostic Code 8510Paralysis of: [Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)]
Rated from 20% to 70% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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- 70%60% non-dominant
Complete; all shoulder and elbow movements lost or severely affected, hand and wrist movements not affected
- 50%40% non-dominant
Incomplete: Severe
- 40%30% non-dominant
Incomplete: Moderate
- 20%20% non-dominant
Incomplete: Mild
Paralysis of the Upper Radicular Group (Fifth and Sixth Cervicals) — VA Diagnostic Code 8510
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders • 38 CFR § 4.124a • Diagnostic Code 8510
Understanding This Condition
The upper radicular group refers to the nerves originating from the fifth and sixth cervical (neck) nerve roots. Paralysis affecting this group primarily impacts movement at the shoulder and elbow. Under VA Diagnostic Code 8510, this condition is evaluated based on whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete, and — when incomplete — how severe the impairment is.
The VA also considers which arm is affected. Ratings differ depending on whether the paralysis affects the dominant (major) extremity or the non-dominant (minor) extremity, with the non-dominant side generally assigned a slightly lower percentage.
Available Rating Levels
Ratings for this condition are assigned across the following levels:
| Rating (Dominant Arm) | Rating (Non-Dominant Arm) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | 60% | Complete: all shoulder and elbow movements lost or severely affected; hand and wrist movements not affected |
| 50% | 40% | Incomplete — Severe |
| 40% | 30% | Incomplete — Moderate |
| 20% | 20% | Incomplete — Mild |
What the VA Looks For
When rating paralysis of the upper radicular group, the VA evaluates:
- Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete. A complete rating reflects that all shoulder and elbow movements are lost or severely affected, while hand and wrist movements remain unaffected.
- The severity of incomplete paralysis, categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.
- Which extremity is affected — the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) arm — as this influences the assigned percentage.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a. It is intended to help you understand how this condition is described and rated. It does not predict any individual outcome or constitute legal advice.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8510. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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