Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve
The VA rates Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve under Diagnostic Code 8519, with separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm: 0% to 30% for the dominant arm and 0% to 20% for the non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition.
Rating schedule · DC 8519 at a glance
- Dominant arm
- 0% to 30%
- Non-dominant arm
- 0% to 20%
- CFR section
- § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Major column of the published table
Minor column of the published table
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve?
DC 8519 is rated separately for your dominant arm and your non-dominant arm. 38 CFR § 4.69 decides which arm is dominant.
Source: 38 CFR § 4.124a, eCFR as of .
Notes for DC 8519
- The term “incomplete paralysis,” with this and other peripheral nerve injuries, indicates a degree of lost or impaired function substantially less than the type picture for complete paralysis given with each nerve, whether due to varied level of the nerve lesion or to partial regeneration. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateral involvement; when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor.
Other notes printed in this table
These notes appear in the same table in 38 CFR, and their text does not name DC 8519.
- Note: Not to be combined with lost motion above shoulder level.
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Paralysis of the long thoracic 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.
- 8514Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)
- 8515Paralysis of the median nerve
- 8516Paralysis of the ulnar nerve
- 8517Paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve
- 8518Paralysis of the circumflex nerve
- 8520Paralysis of the sciatic nerve
- 8521Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)
- 8522Paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerve (superficial peroneal)
- 8523Paralysis of the anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal)
- 8524Paralysis of the internal popliteal nerve (tibial)
What to do with a Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
Common Questions About Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve?
Dominant arm: 0% to 30%; non-dominant arm: 0% to 20%, under DC 8519, 38 CFR § 4.124a. The applicable column depends on which arm is dominant under 38 CFR § 4.69.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve?
The VA rates Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8519, published in 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 30% dominant-arm rating for Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve?
These figures are the dominant-arm column of DC 8519. A 0% dominant-arm rating is published for: Incomplete: Mild. A 30% dominant-arm rating is published for: Complete; inability to raise arm above shoulder level, winged scapula deformity. The non-dominant arm is rated on its own column, 0% to 20%.
Can Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve qualify for TDIU?
Using the dominant-arm maximum: DC 8519 publishes up to 30% for the dominant arm and up to 20% for the non-dominant arm. That is below the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. Combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve?
The key evidence for Paralysis of the long thoracic 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 long thoracic nerve?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8519 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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