Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Diagnostic code 8513 covers paralysis (complete loss of muscle function and movement) in specific body parts, though the VA Schedule doesn't specify which body part this code addresses - it appears to be incomplete or may reference other codes. The VA rates paralysis from 20% to 80% based on severity: complete paralysis gets 80%, severe gets 60%, moderate gets 30%, and mild gets 20%. These ratings reflect how much the paralysis affects your daily functioning and ability to work.
Rating levels
90% — You have complete paralysis of all radicular nerve groups (the bundles of nerves that branch out from your spinal cord to control movement and sensation in your arms, legs, and other body parts). This means you have total loss of muscle function and feeling in all the areas controlled by these nerve groups, resulting in inability to move or feel sensation in multiple limbs or body regions.
80% — Complete paralysis of all radicular groups means you have total loss of movement and function in all the nerve root groups that branch out from your spinal cord. This includes having no ability to move or control the muscles that are supplied by these nerve roots (radicular groups are bundles of nerves that exit the spine at different levels). You would have complete paralysis in multiple areas of your body controlled by these nerve pathways.
70% — You have severe but not complete paralysis affecting all the nerve root groups (radicular groups) that branch out from your spinal cord. This means you have significant weakness, numbness, or loss of function in multiple areas of your body served by these nerve roots, but you still retain some movement or sensation rather than being completely paralyzed.
60% — You have severe but not complete loss of function in multiple nerve root groups that control muscle movement and sensation. This means most of your affected muscles are significantly weakened or paralyzed, and you likely have major problems with sensation, but you still retain some limited function rather than total paralysis.
40% — Incomplete, moderate paralysis means you have significant weakness and loss of function in the nerve roots that branch out from your spinal cord, but you haven't lost all movement or sensation. You can still move the affected areas somewhat, but your strength and control are substantially reduced compared to normal. This level indicates the paralysis affects multiple nerve root groups (radicular groups) but isn't complete or severe enough to cause total loss of function.
30% — You have moderate but not complete paralysis affecting all nerve root groups (the bundles of nerves that branch out from your spinal cord). This means you have significant weakness and limited movement in multiple areas of your body, but you still retain some muscle function and aren't completely paralyzed.
20% — You have mild nerve damage affecting the nerve roots that branch out from your spinal cord (radicular groups), but the paralysis is not complete. This means you experience some weakness, numbness, or loss of function in the areas controlled by these nerves, but you still retain some movement and sensation rather than being completely paralyzed.
20% — You have mild nerve damage affecting the nerve roots that branch out from your spinal cord (radicular groups), but the paralysis is not complete. This means you experience some weakness, numbness, or loss of function in the areas controlled by these nerves, but you still retain some movement and sensation rather than being completely paralyzed.
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.