Paralysis of
Paralysis of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8516, from 10% to 60% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 60% rating requires: Complete; the “griffin claw” deformity, due to flexor contraction of ring and little fingers, atrophy very marked in dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences; loss of extension of ring and little fingers cannot spread the fingers (or reverse), cannot adduct the thumb; flexion of wrist weakened; 50. Most claims establish the 10% or 20% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 8516 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 6
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of?
Mild; 10
Note: Ulnar nerve injury causes clawing of ring/little fingers ("ulnar claw").
Moderate; 30
Severe; 40
Severe; 30
Complete; the “griffin claw” deformity, due to flexor contraction of ring and little fingers, atrophy very marked in dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences; loss of extension of ring and little fingers cannot spread the fingers (or reverse), cannot adduct the thumb; flexion of wrist weakened; 60
Complete; the “griffin claw” deformity, due to flexor contraction of ring and little fingers, atrophy very marked in dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences; loss of extension of ring and little fingers cannot spread the fingers (or reverse), cannot adduct the thumb; flexion of wrist weakened; 50
“Severe; 30”
Common Questions About Paralysis of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of?
The VA rates Paralysis of under Diagnostic Code 8516 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. The maximum 60% rating requires: Complete; the “griffin claw” deformity, due to flexor contraction of ring and little fingers, atrophy very marked in dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences; loss of extension of ring and little fingers cannot spread the fingers (or reverse), cannot adduct the thumb; flexion of wrist weakened; 50.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of?
The VA rates Paralysis of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8516, 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 60% rating for Paralysis of?
A 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. A 60% rating requires: Complete; the “griffin claw” deformity, due to flexor contraction of ring and little fingers, atrophy very marked in dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences; loss of extension of ring and little fingers cannot spread the fingers (or reverse), cannot adduct the thumb; flexion of wrist weakened; 50. 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.
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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