Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Diagnostic Code 8519 covers paralysis of unspecified nerves or muscle groups that don't fall under other specific paralysis codes in the VA rating system. The VA rates this condition from 0% to 20% based on how severe the paralysis is and how much it affects your daily function. A 20% rating means severe paralysis with significant functional loss, 10% means moderate paralysis with some functional impact, and 0% means mild paralysis with minimal functional limitations.
Rating levels
30% — Complete paralysis of the long thoracic nerve means you cannot lift your affected arm above shoulder height due to total nerve damage. You will also have a "winged scapula" (shoulder blade that sticks out from your back like a wing) because the nerve that controls the muscle holding your shoulder blade flat against your ribcage is completely damaged.
20% — Complete paralysis of the long thoracic nerve means you cannot lift your arm above your shoulder height at all. You will also have a "winged scapula" (your shoulder blade sticks out from your back in an abnormal way, making it look like a wing) because the nerve that controls the muscle holding your shoulder blade flat against your back is completely damaged.
20% — You have severe damage to the long thoracic nerve (the nerve that controls your serratus anterior muscle, which helps stabilize your shoulder blade), but the nerve function isn't completely lost. This causes significant winging of your shoulder blade (where it sticks out from your back) and major difficulty lifting your arm above shoulder height, but you still have some remaining nerve function and muscle movement.
20% — You have severe damage to the long thoracic nerve (the nerve that controls your serratus anterior muscle, which helps stabilize your shoulder blade), but the nerve function isn't completely lost. This causes significant winging of your shoulder blade (where it sticks out from your back) and major difficulty lifting your arm above shoulder height, but you still have some remaining nerve function and muscle movement.
10% — The long thoracic nerve controls the serratus anterior muscle (a muscle that helps stabilize your shoulder blade against your ribcage). Incomplete, moderate paralysis means this nerve is partially damaged, causing noticeable weakness in your shoulder blade stability and some difficulty lifting your arm overhead or pushing motions, but you still retain some muscle function and movement.
10% — The long thoracic nerve controls the serratus anterior muscle (a muscle that helps stabilize your shoulder blade against your ribcage). Incomplete, moderate paralysis means this nerve is partially damaged, causing noticeable weakness in your shoulder blade stability and some difficulty lifting your arm overhead or pushing motions, but you still retain some muscle function and movement.
0% — You have some damage to the long thoracic nerve (the nerve that controls your serratus anterior muscle along your ribcage), but it's not complete damage. The symptoms are mild, meaning you might notice some weakness when pushing or reaching forward with your arm, or slight "winging" of your shoulder blade (where it sticks out from your back), but these problems don't significantly interfere with your daily activities.
0% — You have some damage to the long thoracic nerve (the nerve that controls your serratus anterior muscle along your ribcage), but it's not complete damage. The symptoms are mild, meaning you might notice some weakness when pushing or reaching forward with your arm, or slight "winging" of your shoulder blade (where it sticks out from your back), but these problems 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.