---
title: "DC 8211 - Paralysis of: [Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve]"
diagnostic_code: "8211"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8211-paralysis-of-eleventh-spinal-accessory-external-branch"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:13:43.136025Z"
---

# DC 8211 - Paralysis of: [Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve]

Rated under § 4.124a. Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | Complete |
| 20% | Incomplete, severe |
| 10% | Incomplete, moderate |

## Notes

- Note: Dependent upon loss of motor function of sternomastoid and trapezius muscles.

# Eleventh (Spinal Accessory) Cranial Nerve Paralysis — VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 8211)

*Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders · 38 CFR § 4.124a*

## What This Condition Is

Diagnostic Code 8211 covers **paralysis of the eleventh (spinal accessory) cranial nerve — external branch**. This nerve helps control two important muscles: the **sternomastoid** (in the side of the neck) and the **trapezius** (across the shoulders and upper back). When this nerve is affected, the VA looks specifically at the **loss of motor function** in these muscles.

Per the rating schedule note: this rating is **dependent upon loss of motor function of the sternomastoid and trapezius muscles.**

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete, and how severe an incomplete case is:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **30%** | Complete |
| **20%** | Incomplete, severe |
| **10%** | Incomplete, moderate |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating this condition under Diagnostic Code 8211, the VA focuses on:

- **Loss of motor function** in the **sternomastoid** and **trapezius** muscles, which is the basis for the rating.
- Whether the paralysis is **complete** or **incomplete**.
- For incomplete paralysis, **how severe** the loss of function is — distinguishing between **moderate** and **severe** levels.

These distinctions determine which rating level (10%, 20%, or 30%) applies to your evaluation.

---

*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 or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a