---
title: "DC 8510 - Paralysis of: [Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)]"
diagnostic_code: "8510"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8510-upper-radicular-group-paralysis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:29:26.266198Z"
---

# DC 8510 - Paralysis of: [Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)]

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |

# 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.

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