Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Diagnostic Code 8212 covers paralysis of the median nerve, which controls movement and sensation in your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of your ring finger. The VA rates this condition from 10% to 50% based on how complete the paralysis is. A 50% rating means complete paralysis with total loss of function, while 10-30% ratings are for partial paralysis where you still have some movement or sensation but it's significantly impaired.
Rating levels
- 50% — Complete paralysis means you have total loss of movement and feeling in the affected body part. You cannot move the paralyzed area at all, and you have no sensation (cannot feel touch, pain, or temperature) in that region. This represents the most severe form of paralysis where both motor function (ability to move) and sensory function (ability to feel) are entirely absent.
- 30% — Incomplete, severe paralysis means you have significant loss of muscle function and movement, but not complete paralysis. You still have some feeling or very limited movement in the affected area, but the paralysis seriously impacts your ability to use that part of your body for daily activities. This level represents major functional impairment that falls between moderate incomplete paralysis and complete paralysis.
- 10% — You have partial paralysis that causes moderate problems with movement and function in the affected area. The paralysis is "incomplete" meaning you still have some movement or feeling, but it's significantly reduced - you might have weakness, reduced coordination, or difficulty controlling that part of your body during daily activities.