---
title: "DC 8513 - Paralysis of:"
diagnostic_code: "8513"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8513-all-radicular-groups-paralysis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:30:25.187155Z"
---

# DC 8513 - Paralysis of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 90% | 80% | Complete |
| 70% | 60% | 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 All Radicular Groups (VA Diagnostic Code 8513)

**Understanding how the VA rates paralysis affecting all radicular groups of the arm and hand.**

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## About This Condition

Diagnostic Code **8513** falls under **Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders** and is evaluated under **§ 4.124a** of the VA rating schedule. This code addresses **paralysis of all radicular groups** — the nerve groups that supply the upper extremity.

Because function of the arm and hand differs depending on which arm is affected, the VA rates this condition differently for a **dominant (major)** extremity versus a **non-dominant (minor)** extremity.

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## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a rating based on whether the paralysis is **complete** or **incomplete**, and — for incomplete paralysis — how severe the impairment is. Ratings differ for the dominant and non-dominant extremity.

| Severity | Dominant Extremity | Non-Dominant Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| **Complete** | 90% | 80% |
| **Incomplete: Severe** | 70% | 60% |
| **Incomplete: Moderate** | 40% | 30% |
| **Incomplete: Mild** | 20% | 20% |

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## What the VA Looks For

When rating under Diagnostic Code 8513, the VA considers:

- **Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete.** Complete paralysis receives the highest rating levels.
- **The severity of incomplete paralysis** — categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.
- **Which extremity is affected** — the dominant (major) side or the non-dominant (minor) side, since the rating levels differ.

### Important Note on Combined Nerve Injuries

Per the rating schedule: *Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or if sufficient in extent, consider radicular group ratings.*

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*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under § 4.124a. Individual ratings depend on how the VA evaluates your specific medical evidence.*

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