VA Diagnostic Code 8511Paralysis of:
Rated from 20% to 70% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 70%60% non-dominant
Complete; adduction, abduction and rotation of arm, flexion of elbow, and extension of wrist lost or severely affected
- 50%40% non-dominant
Incomplete: Severe
- 40%30% non-dominant
Incomplete: Moderate
- 20%20% non-dominant
Incomplete: Mild
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or if sufficient in extent, consider radicular group ratings.
Paralysis of the Upper Middle Radicular Group (Diagnostic Code 8511)
VA Rating Schedule · § 4.124a · Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders
Understanding This Condition
Diagnostic Code 8511 addresses paralysis affecting the nerves that control key movements of the arm — including adduction, abduction, and rotation of the arm, flexion of the elbow, and extension of the wrist. When these nerves are damaged, everyday tasks that rely on arm and wrist movement can become difficult.
The VA recognizes that this type of nerve involvement can range from complete paralysis to varying degrees of incomplete paralysis. It also recognizes that the effect on your daily life may differ depending on whether the condition affects your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) arm — which is why the rating levels below list separate percentages for each.
Available Rating Levels
Ratings are assigned based on the severity of the paralysis and whether the affected arm is your dominant or non-dominant side.
| Criteria | Dominant (Major) Arm | Non-Dominant (Minor) Arm |
|---|---|---|
| Complete — adduction, abduction, and rotation of arm, flexion of elbow, and extension of wrist lost or severely affected | 70% | 60% |
| Incomplete: Severe | 50% | 40% |
| Incomplete: Moderate | 40% | 30% |
| Incomplete: Mild | 20% | 20% |
What the VA Looks For
When rating under Diagnostic Code 8511, the VA considers:
- Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete. Complete paralysis is recognized when the arm movements listed above — adduction, abduction, and rotation of the arm, flexion of the elbow, and extension of the wrist — are lost or severely affected.
- The degree of incomplete paralysis, categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.
- Which arm is affected — dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) — since this influences the assigned percentage.
Important Note
- Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or, if sufficient in extent, the VA may consider radicular group ratings.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under § 4.124a. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of each claim as evaluated by the VA.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8511. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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