Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
This diagnostic code covers paralysis of various muscles or body parts caused by nerve damage or neurological conditions. The VA rates paralysis based on how complete the paralysis is - meaning whether you've lost all movement (complete) or still have some function remaining (incomplete). Complete paralysis gets 30%, severe incomplete paralysis gets 20%, and moderate incomplete paralysis gets 10%.
Rating levels
- 30% — Complete paralysis means you have total loss of movement and function in the affected body part or area. You cannot move the paralyzed muscles at all, and there is no voluntary control over that part of your body. This is different from partial paralysis where you might still have some limited movement or muscle function.
- 20% — The paralysis significantly affects your ability to move or control the affected body part, but you still have some limited movement or sensation remaining. "Incomplete" means the paralysis isn't total - you haven't completely lost all function in that area. "Severe" indicates the paralysis substantially interferes with your daily activities and the use of that body part, even though it's not a complete loss of function.
- 10% — You have some paralysis that affects your movement and function moderately, but it's not complete paralysis. Your muscles still have some strength and you retain some ability to move the affected area, though it's noticeably limited compared to normal function.