---
title: "DC 8512 - Paralysis of:"
diagnostic_code: "8512"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8512-lower-radicular-group-paralysis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:30:06.830394Z"
---

# DC 8512 - Paralysis of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 70% | 60% | Complete; all intrinsic muscles of hand, and some or all of flexors of wrist and fingers, paralyzed (substantial loss of use of hand) |
| 50% | 40% | Incomplete: Severe |
| 40% | 30% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 20% | 20% | Incomplete: Mild |

## Notes

- 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 Lower Radicular Group (VA Diagnostic Code 8512)

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

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 8512 addresses paralysis affecting the lower radicular group of nerves in the arm and hand. When these nerves are affected, it can impact the intrinsic muscles of the hand as well as the flexors of the wrist and fingers, which may lead to loss of use of the hand.

The VA rates this condition based on whether the paralysis is **complete** or **incomplete**, and on the severity of any incomplete paralysis. Ratings also depend on whether the condition affects your **dominant (major)** or **non-dominant (minor)** extremity.

## Available Rating Levels

The rating levels below reflect increasing severity. The first percentage applies to the dominant (major) extremity; the percentage in parentheses applies to the non-dominant (minor) extremity.

| Rating (Major) | Rating (Minor) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| **70%** | 60% | **Complete:** all intrinsic muscles of the hand, and some or all of the flexors of the wrist and fingers, paralyzed (substantial loss of use of the hand) |
| **50%** | 40% | **Incomplete — Severe** |
| **40%** | 30% | **Incomplete — Moderate** |
| **20%** | 20% | **Incomplete — Mild** |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating paralysis under Diagnostic Code 8512, the VA considers:

- **Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete.** Complete paralysis involving all intrinsic muscles of the hand, along with some or all of the flexors of the wrist and fingers, may reflect substantial loss of use of the hand.
- **The severity of incomplete paralysis**, classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
- **Which extremity is affected**, since ratings differ for the dominant (major) versus non-dominant (minor) side.

### Important Note on Combined Nerve Injuries

Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement. If the injury is sufficient in extent, the VA may consider radicular group ratings.

---

*This information is drawn directly 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