Paralysis of the lower radicular group
The VA rates Paralysis of the lower radicular group under Diagnostic Code 8512 across 6 severity levels, from 20% to 70%. 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 8512 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 70%
- 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%
20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of the lower radicular group?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Mild; 20 |
| 30% | Moderate; 40 |
| 40% | Severe; 50 |
| 50% | Severe; 40 |
| 60% | Complete; all intrinsic muscles of hand, and some or all of flexors of wrist and fingers, paralyzed (substantial loss of use of hand); 70 |
| 70% | Complete; all intrinsic muscles of hand, and some or all of flexors of wrist and fingers, paralyzed (substantial loss of use of hand); 60 |
“Severe; 40”
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Paralysis of the lower radicular group 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.
- 8410Neuralgia of the tenth (pneumogastric, vagus) cranial nerveRated up to 10%
- 8411Neuralgia of the eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerveRated up to 10%
- 8412Neuralgia of the twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerveRated up to 10%
- 8510Paralysis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)Rated up to 70%
- 8511Paralysis of the middle radicular groupRated up to 70%
- 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%
Common Questions About Paralysis of the lower radicular group VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of the lower radicular group?
The VA rates Paralysis of the lower radicular group under Diagnostic Code 8512 at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Mild; 20. The maximum 70% rating requires: Complete; all intrinsic muscles of hand, and some or all of flexors of wrist and fingers, paralyzed (substantial loss of use of hand); 60.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of the lower radicular group?
The VA rates Paralysis of the lower radicular group under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8512, 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 20% and a 70% rating for Paralysis of the lower radicular group?
A 20% rating requires: Mild; 20. A 70% rating requires: Complete; all intrinsic muscles of hand, and some or all of flexors of wrist and fingers, paralyzed (substantial loss of use of hand); 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 the lower radicular group qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 70% rating for Paralysis of the lower radicular group 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 lower radicular group?
The key evidence for Paralysis of the lower radicular group 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 lower radicular group?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8512 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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