Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)
The VA rates Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve) under Diagnostic Code 8514 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 8514 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 musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Moderate; 30 |
| 30% | Moderate; 20 |
| 40% | Severe; 50 |
| 50% | Severe; 40 |
| 60% | Complete; drop of hand and fingers, wrist and fingers perpetually flexed, the thumb adducted falling within the line of the outer border of the index finger; can not extend hand at wrist, extend proximal phalanges of fingers, extend thumb, or make lateral movement of wrist; supination of hand, extension and flexion of elbow weakened, the loss of synergic motion of extensors impairs the hand grip seriously; total paralysis of the triceps occurs only as the greatest rarity; 70 |
| 70% | Complete; drop of hand and fingers, wrist and fingers perpetually flexed, the thumb adducted falling within the line of the outer border of the index finger; can not extend hand at wrist, extend proximal phalanges of fingers, extend thumb, or make lateral movement of wrist; supination of hand, extension and flexion of elbow weakened, the loss of synergic motion of extensors impairs the hand grip seriously; total paralysis of the triceps occurs only as the greatest rarity; 60 |
“Severe; 40”
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial 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.
- 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%
- 8512Paralysis of the lower radicular groupRated up to 70%
- 8513Paralysis of all radicular groupsRated up to 80%
- 8515Paralysis of the median nerveRated up to 70%
- 8516Paralysis of the ulnar nerveRated up to 60%
- 8517Paralysis of the musculocutaneous nerveRated up to 30%
- 8518Paralysis of the circumflex nerveRated up to 50%
- 8519Paralysis of the long thoracic nerveRated up to 30%
Common Questions About Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)?
The VA rates Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve) under Diagnostic Code 8514 at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Moderate; 30. The maximum 70% rating requires: Complete; drop of hand and fingers, wrist and fingers perpetually flexed, the thumb adducted falling within the line of the outer border of the index finger; can not extend hand at wrist, extend proximal phalanges of fingers, extend thumb, or make lateral movement of wrist; supination of hand, extension and flexion of elbow weakened, the loss of synergic motion of extensors impairs the hand grip seriously; total paralysis of the triceps occurs only as the greatest rarity; 60.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)?
The VA rates Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8514, 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 musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)?
A 20% rating requires: Moderate; 30. A 70% rating requires: Complete; drop of hand and fingers, wrist and fingers perpetually flexed, the thumb adducted falling within the line of the outer border of the index finger; can not extend hand at wrist, extend proximal phalanges of fingers, extend thumb, or make lateral movement of wrist; supination of hand, extension and flexion of elbow weakened, the loss of synergic motion of extensors impairs the hand grip seriously; total paralysis of the triceps occurs only as the greatest rarity; 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 musculospiral nerve (radial nerve) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 70% rating for Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve) 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 musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)?
The key evidence for Paralysis of the musculospiral nerve (radial 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 musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8514 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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