Traumatic paralysis, complete
The VA rates Traumatic paralysis, complete under Diagnostic Code 5244 across 4 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 5244 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Traumatic paralysis, complete?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least one week but less than 2 weeks during the past 12 months |
| 20% | With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months |
| 40% | With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months |
| 60% | With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months |
“With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months”
Common Questions About Traumatic paralysis, complete VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Traumatic paralysis, complete?
The VA rates Traumatic paralysis, complete under Diagnostic Code 5244 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The minimum 10% rating requires: With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least one week but less than 2 weeks during the past 12 months. The maximum 60% rating requires: With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Traumatic paralysis, complete?
The VA rates Traumatic paralysis, complete under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5244, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. 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 Traumatic paralysis, complete?
A 10% rating requires: With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least one week but less than 2 weeks during the past 12 months. A 60% rating requires: With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Traumatic paralysis, complete qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Traumatic paralysis, complete 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 Traumatic paralysis, complete?
The key evidence for Traumatic paralysis, complete is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. 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 Traumatic paralysis, complete?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5244 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits