Paralysis of — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 8516)

The VA rates Paralysis of under Diagnostic Code 8516 at the following tiers: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Mild; 10. The maximum 60% rating requires: Complete; the “griffin claw” deformity, due to flexor contraction of ring and little fingers, atrophy very marked in dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences; loss of extension of ring and little fingers cannot spread the fingers (or reverse), cannot adduct the thumb; flexion of wrist weakened; 50.

Diagnostic Code 8516 is the VA rating identifier for Paralysis of within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Paralysis of under DC 8516 is 60%. This tier requires: Complete; the “griffin claw” deformity, due to flexor contraction of ring and little fingers, atrophy very marked in dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences; loss of extension of ring and little fingers cannot spread the fingers (or reverse), cannot adduct the thumb; flexion of wrist weakened; 50. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Paralysis of alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Paralysis of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8516. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Paralysis of may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Paralysis of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.