---
title: "DC 8518 - Paralysis of:"
diagnostic_code: "8518"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8518-circumflex-nerve-paralysis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:31:53.851184Z"
---

# DC 8518 - Paralysis of:

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50% | 40% | Complete; abduction of arm is impossible, outward rotation is weakened; muscles supplied are deltoid and teres minor |
| 30% | 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.

# Paralysis of the Circumflex Nerve (Diagnostic Code 8518)

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

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 8518 addresses paralysis affecting the circumflex nerve, which supplies the **deltoid** and **teres minor** muscles. In its complete form, this nerve involvement makes abduction of the arm (raising the arm out to the side) impossible and weakens outward rotation of the arm.

The VA recognizes that this condition can range from mild to complete, and it also distinguishes between the **dominant (major)** extremity and the **non-dominant (minor)** extremity. Because most people rely more heavily on their dominant arm, the rating levels for the non-dominant extremity are assigned differently.

## Available Rating Levels

The rating you may receive depends on the severity of the paralysis and whether it affects your dominant or non-dominant arm.

| Severity | Dominant (Major) Extremity | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| **Complete** — abduction of the arm is impossible, outward rotation is weakened (muscles supplied are deltoid and teres minor) | 50% | 40% |
| **Incomplete: Severe** | 30% | 20% |
| **Incomplete: Moderate** | 10% | 10% |
| **Incomplete: Mild** | 0% | 0% |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating paralysis under this code, the VA considers:

- **Whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete.** Complete paralysis is defined by the inability to abduct the arm along with weakened outward rotation, involving the deltoid and teres minor muscles.
- **The degree of incomplete paralysis** — categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.
- **Which arm is affected** — the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity, since this changes the assigned percentage at the higher severity levels.

## Important Note on Combined Nerve Injuries

Per the rating guidance: *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 38 CFR § 4.124a and is provided for general educational purposes. Every claim is evaluated on its individual facts, and this page does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

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