VA Diagnostic Code 8517Paralysis of:
Rated from 0% to 30% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 30%20% non-dominant
Complete; weakness but not loss of flexion of elbow and supination of forearm
- 20%20% non-dominant
Incomplete: Severe
- 10%10% non-dominant
Incomplete: Moderate
- 0%0% 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.
VA Disability Rating: Paralysis (Diagnostic Code 8517)
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders — 38 CFR § 4.124a
Understanding This Condition
Diagnostic Code 8517 addresses paralysis affecting nerve function in the upper extremity. The VA distinguishes between complete paralysis and incomplete paralysis, with incomplete cases further classified by how severe the impairment is (mild, moderate, or severe).
Because ratings under this code apply to an extremity, the VA also considers whether the affected arm is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) side. In some cases, the rating for the non-dominant extremity differs from the dominant one.
Available Rating Levels
| Rating (Dominant) | Rating (Non-Dominant) | What It Reflects |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | 20% | Complete; weakness but not loss of flexion of elbow and supination of forearm |
| 20% | 20% | Incomplete: Severe |
| 10% | 10% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 0% | 0% | Incomplete: Mild |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating this condition, the VA reviews:
- Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete, which is the primary factor in placement on the rating scale.
- The severity of incomplete paralysis — classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
- Specific functional impacts, such as weakness in flexion of the elbow and supination of the forearm.
- Which extremity is affected — dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) — since the applicable percentage may differ.
Important Note
Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or, if sufficient in extent, consider radicular group ratings.
This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8517. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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