Paralysis of
The VA rates Paralysis of under Diagnostic Code 8516 across 6 severity levels, from 10% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 8516 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 6
- CFR section
- § 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?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild; 10 Note: Ulnar nerve injury causes clawing of ring/little fingers ("ulnar claw"). |
| 20% | Moderate; 30 |
| 30% | Severe; 40 |
| 40% | Severe; 30 |
| 50% | 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 |
| 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?
Yes — a 60% rating for Paralysis of alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Paralysis of?
The key evidence for Paralysis of is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Paralysis of?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8516 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.
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