Paralysis of the circumflex nerve
The VA rates Paralysis of the circumflex nerve under Diagnostic Code 8518 across 6 severity levels, from 0% to 50%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 8518 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- 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%
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of the circumflex nerve?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Mild; 0 |
| 10% | Moderate; 10 |
| 20% | Severe; 30 |
| 30% | Severe; 20 |
| 40% | Complete; abduction of arm is impossible, outward rotation is weakened; muscles supplied are deltoid and teres minor; 50 |
| 50% | Complete; abduction of arm is impossible, outward rotation is weakened; muscles supplied are deltoid and teres minor; 40 |
“Severe; 20”
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Paralysis of the circumflex nerve in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 8513Paralysis of all radicular groupsRated up to 80%
- 8514Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)Rated up to 70%
- 8515Paralysis of the median nerveRated up to 70%
- 8516Paralysis of the ulnar nerveRated up to 60%
- 8517Paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerveRated up to 30%
- 8519Paralysis of the long thoracic nerveRated up to 30%
- 8520Paralysis of the sciatic nerveRated up to 80%
- 8521Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)Rated up to 40%
- 8522Paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve (superficial peroneal)Rated up to 30%
- 8523Paralysis of the anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal)Rated up to 30%
Common Questions About Paralysis of the circumflex nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of the circumflex nerve?
The VA rates Paralysis of the circumflex nerve under Diagnostic Code 8518 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Mild; 0. The maximum 50% rating requires: Complete; abduction of arm is impossible, outward rotation is weakened; muscles supplied are deltoid and teres minor; 40.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of the circumflex nerve?
The VA rates Paralysis of the circumflex nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8518, 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 0% and a 50% rating for Paralysis of the circumflex nerve?
A 0% rating requires: Mild; 0. A 50% rating requires: Complete; abduction of arm is impossible, outward rotation is weakened; muscles supplied are deltoid and teres minor; 40. 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 the circumflex nerve qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Paralysis of the circumflex nerve maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Paralysis of the circumflex nerve?
The key evidence for Paralysis of the circumflex nerve 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 circumflex nerve?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8518 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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