---
title: "DC 8517 - Paralysis of:"
diagnostic_code: "8517"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8517-musculocutaneous-nerve-paralysis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:31:34.575187Z"
---

# DC 8517 - Paralysis of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 30% | 20% | Complete; weakness but not loss of flexion of elbow and supination of forearm |
| 20% | 20% | Incomplete: Severe |
| 10% | 10% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 0% | 0% | 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.

# VA Disability Rating: Paralysis (Diagnostic Code 8517)

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

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 8517 addresses paralysis affecting nerve function in the upper extremity. The VA distinguishes between **complete** paralysis and **incomplete** paralysis, with incomplete cases further classified by how severe the impairment is (mild, moderate, or severe).

Because ratings under this code apply to an extremity, the VA also considers whether the affected arm is your **dominant (major)** or **non-dominant (minor)** side. In some cases, the rating for the non-dominant extremity differs from the dominant one.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating (Dominant) | Rating (Non-Dominant) | What It Reflects |
|---|---|---|
| **30%** | **20%** | Complete; weakness but not loss of flexion of elbow and supination of forearm |
| **20%** | **20%** | Incomplete: Severe |
| **10%** | **10%** | Incomplete: Moderate |
| **0%** | **0%** | Incomplete: Mild |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating this condition, the VA reviews:

- **Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete**, which is the primary factor in placement on the rating scale.
- **The severity of incomplete paralysis** — classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
- **Specific functional impacts**, such as weakness in flexion of the elbow and supination of the forearm.
- **Which extremity is affected** — dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) — since the applicable percentage may differ.

## Important Note

> Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or, if sufficient in extent, consider radicular group ratings.

---

*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 outcome.*

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