VA Diagnostic Code 8526Paralysis of:
Rated from 10% to 40% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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- 40%
Complete; paralysis of quadriceps extensor muscles
- 30%
Incomplete: Severe
- 20%
Incomplete: Moderate
- 10%
Incomplete: Mild
Paralysis (Diagnostic Code 8526)
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders — 38 CFR § 4.124a
Understanding This Condition
Diagnostic Code 8526 addresses paralysis affecting the quadriceps extensor muscles. The VA evaluates this condition on a scale, recognizing that nerve-related impairments can range from mild to complete. Ratings are assigned based on whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete, and for incomplete cases, on the severity of the impairment.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns one of the following disability ratings under Diagnostic Code 8526:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Complete; paralysis of quadriceps extensor muscles |
| 30% | Incomplete: Severe |
| 20% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 10% | Incomplete: Mild |
What the VA Looks For
When rating under Diagnostic Code 8526, the VA distinguishes between:
- Complete paralysis of the quadriceps extensor muscles, which corresponds to the 40% level.
- Incomplete paralysis, which is evaluated by degree of severity — severe (30%), moderate (20%), or mild (10%).
The specific rating assigned depends on how the paralysis is classified during evaluation. Each individual case is assessed according to the criteria set out in 38 CFR § 4.124a.
This overview is based on the rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8526 and is provided for general informational purposes. Individual evaluations are determined by the VA based on the specifics of each claim.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8526. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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