Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Diagnostic Code 8205 covers paralysis of the radial nerve, which controls movement and sensation in your hand, wrist, and fingers. The radial nerve runs down your arm and helps you extend your wrist and fingers - when it's damaged, you might have trouble lifting your hand up or straightening your fingers. The VA rates this condition from 10% to 50% depending on whether the paralysis is complete (you can't move the affected muscles at all) or incomplete (you have some movement but it's limited).
Rating levels
- 50% — Complete paralysis means you have total loss of movement and function in the affected body part. You cannot move the paralyzed area at all, and you have no muscle control or voluntary movement in that region of your body.
- 30% — You have significant paralysis that severely limits your ability to move or control the affected body part, but you still retain some muscle function or sensation. The paralysis substantially interferes with your daily activities and ability to work, but isn't a complete loss of all movement and feeling in that area.
- 10% — You have partial paralysis that causes moderate limitations in your ability to move or control the affected body part. The paralysis isn't complete (you still have some movement and function), but it significantly interferes with normal use of that area. You may experience weakness, reduced coordination, or difficulty performing tasks that require full control of the paralyzed area.