Traumatic paralysis, complete (DC 5244)

Body system: Musculoskeletal SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code 5244 covers complete traumatic paralysis (when an injury has caused total loss of movement). DC 5244 itself has no rating percentage; the VA rates the condition under other codes instead. Paraplegia (loss of use of both legs) is rated under DC 5110. Quadriplegia (loss of use of all four limbs) is rated separately under DC 5109 and DC 5110, with the two evaluations combined under 38 CFR § 4.25. If the paralysis does NOT cause loss of use of both hands or both feet, it counts as incomplete paralysis, and the residuals are rated under the matching peripheral nerve diagnostic code in 38 CFR § 4.124a.

Rating levels

  • -1% — Complete traumatic paralysis is not rated with its own percentage. The VA rates it under the limb-loss codes: paraplegia under DC 5110, and quadriplegia under both DC 5109 and DC 5110 combined. If the paralysis does not cause loss of use of both hands or both feet, it counts as incomplete, and the residual effects are rated under the matching nerve code instead.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.