Paralysis of
Paralysis of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8515, from 10% to 70% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 70% rating requires: Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb, at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances; 60. Most claims establish the 10% or 20% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 8515 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 70%
- Rating tiers
- 7
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 3
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of?
Mild; 10
Note: The median nerve controls forearm pronation, wrist flexion, opposition of the thumb, and sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of ring fingers. Ratings apply to the major (dominant) extremity; minor extremity is rated one level lower.
Moderate; 30
Moderate; 20
Severe; 50
Severe; 40
Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb, at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances; 70
Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb, at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances; 60
Note: Complete median nerve paralysis at 70% (major extremity) represents the maximum rating. The hand is functionally impaired in all grasp, pinch, and fine motor tasks.
“Severe; 50”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Paralysis of?
View 3 secondary conditions linked to Paralysis of
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Paralysis of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of?
The VA rates Paralysis of under Diagnostic Code 8515 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. The maximum 70% rating requires: Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb, at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances; 60.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of?
The VA rates Paralysis of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8515, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 70% rating for Paralysis of?
A 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. A 70% rating requires: Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb, at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances; 60. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Paralysis of qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Paralysis of may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Paralysis of?
Service connection for Paralysis of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Paralysis of?
Paralysis of is associated with 3 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What is the C&P exam like for Paralysis of?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Paralysis of uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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