TurboVets is fully live. For support, please submit tickets in app.
Sign In to TurboVets
Your Data is Protected. Never Sold. Never Used for Profit.
Read our FAQ
8513
§ 4.124a Schedule of ratings—neurological conditions and convulsive disorders.

All arm nerve groups paralysis

Paralysis affecting all three arm nerve groups, causing widespread loss of arm and hand function.

What the rating means

VA rates paralysis of all arm nerve groups under diagnostic code 8513. The ratings depend on whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete and which arm is affected. Your dominant arm is called the major extremity, and your nondominant arm is called the minor extremity.

Complete paralysis of all arm nerve groups is rated at 90% for the major arm and 80% for the minor arm. Incomplete paralysis is divided into three levels. Severe incomplete paralysis is rated at 70% for the major arm and 60% for the minor arm. Moderate incomplete paralysis is rated at 40% for the major arm and 30% for the minor arm. Mild incomplete paralysis is rated at 20% for either arm.

Incomplete paralysis means the loss or impairment of function is substantially less than what is described for complete paralysis. When the condition affects sensation only, VA rates it no higher than mild or, at most, moderate. These ratings cover one arm; if both arms are affected, VA combines the ratings and applies the bilateral factor.

Evidence that helps

Medical records and examination findings that document the degree of lost or impaired function in the affected arm are central to this rating. For complete paralysis, records showing total loss of motor and sensory function across all nerve groups of the arm would reflect that level. For severe incomplete paralysis, findings might include marked weakness, significantly reduced grip and arm movement, and measurable sensory loss on nerve conduction or electromyography studies. Moderate incomplete paralysis might be shown by objective findings of reduced but not near-total loss of strength or sensation, along with functional limitations in daily tasks. Mild incomplete paralysis is typically shown by modest deficits on clinical exam or testing, with limited impact on function.

Statements from you or people who know you describing how the condition affects your ability to use your arm at work and in daily life can help show functional impact at each level. If the condition is purely sensory, the evidence would reflect that, and VA would limit the rating to mild or moderate. Records noting which arm is your dominant arm are also relevant, since the rating differs between the major and minor extremity.

Secondary conditions

Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.