Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Diagnostic Code 8517 covers paralysis of muscles, which means partial or complete loss of muscle function due to nerve damage. The VA rates this condition based on severity: 0% for mild paralysis (slight weakness but still functional), 10% for moderate paralysis (noticeable weakness affecting daily activities), and 20% for severe paralysis (significant loss of function requiring assistance or adaptation). The rating depends on how much the paralysis impacts your ability to work and perform daily tasks.
Rating levels
30% — Complete damage to this nerve causes weakness in your ability to bend your elbow and turn your palm upward (supination), but you haven't completely lost these movements. You can still bend your elbow and rotate your forearm to some degree, just not with normal strength.
20% — The musculocutaneous nerve is completely damaged, but you still have some ability to bend your elbow and rotate your forearm palm-up (supination), though these movements are noticeably weaker than normal. You haven't completely lost the ability to do these arm movements, but they require more effort and feel weak compared to your uninjured arm.
20% — You have severe damage to the musculocutaneous nerve (the nerve that controls your bicep muscle and provides feeling to part of your forearm), but the nerve still has some function remaining. This means you have significant weakness when bending your elbow and may have numbness or tingling on the outer side of your forearm, but you haven't completely lost all movement or sensation.
20% — You have severe damage to the musculocutaneous nerve (the nerve that controls your bicep muscle and provides feeling to part of your forearm), but the nerve still has some function remaining. This means you have significant weakness when bending your elbow and may have numbness or tingling on the outer side of your forearm, but you haven't completely lost all movement or sensation.
10% — The musculocutaneous nerve (a nerve that controls your bicep muscle and provides feeling to part of your forearm) has moderate damage but still works partially. You would have noticeable weakness when bending your elbow and some numbness or tingling along the outer edge of your forearm, but you can still use the arm for most daily activities.
10% — The musculocutaneous nerve (a nerve that controls your bicep muscle and provides feeling to part of your forearm) has moderate damage but still works partially. You would have noticeable weakness when bending your elbow and some numbness or tingling along the outer edge of your forearm, but you can still use the arm for most daily activities.
0% — You have some mild damage to the musculocutaneous nerve (the nerve that controls your bicep muscle and gives feeling to part of your forearm), but the nerve still works partially. Your bicep muscle may feel slightly weak when bending your elbow or you might have some minor numbness along the outer edge of your forearm, but these symptoms don't significantly interfere with your daily activities.
0% — You have some mild damage to the musculocutaneous nerve (the nerve that controls your bicep muscle and gives feeling to part of your forearm), but the nerve still works partially. Your bicep muscle may feel slightly weak when bending your elbow or you might have some minor numbness along the outer edge of your forearm, but these symptoms don't significantly interfere with your daily activities.
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.