VASRD 8511 · Neurological System
Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) VA Disability Rating
Nerve damage in the neck causing arm weakness, tingling, or loss of function.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
The rating ranges from occasional numbness at the lowest tier to complete paralysis with no use of parts of the arm at the highest tier, confirmed through EMG testing, a neurologic exam, and documentation of the specific pain and weakness pattern.
Approval outlook
Moderate (~55%) if tied to neck/spine injury.
Veterans service-connected
~2,200 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~20%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •EMG/NCS (nerve conduction study) test results confirming the specific nerve group involved.
- •Neurology consult notes documenting the pattern of weakness and sensory loss.
Strategy Tips
- •Show a timeline of worsening symptoms, since documenting progression helps establish this as a genuine, ongoing nerve condition rather than an isolated incident.
- •Provide a C&P exam prep sheet that specifically addresses which nerve group is involved, since the brachial plexus has multiple distinct groups that are rated differently.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Claiming the condition without diagnostic imaging or a nerve study to confirm it.
- •Underselling symptoms during the exam, which can result in a lower rating than the condition's actual impact.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Using a general term like 'arm pain' instead of specifically documenting radiculopathy affecting this nerve group.
- •No EMG support to confirm the diagnosis.
Onset Patterns
- •Middle radicular group involvement typically follows trauma or disc issues in the cervical spine that affect this specific nerve pathway.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
- Is Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) under VASRD diagnostic code 8511 (Neurological System). Nerve damage in the neck causing arm weakness, tingling, or loss of function.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
- Possible VA ratings for Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) are 70%, 40%, 20%. Examples: 70%: No use of parts of arm; 40%: Major weakness; 20%: Tingling, some weakness; or Occasional numbness.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 2,200 veterans are service-connected for Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage). Estimated approval outlook: Moderate (~55%) if tied to neck/spine injury.
- What evidence helps prove Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) claim includes: EMG/NCS (nerve conduction study) test results confirming the specific nerve group involved.; Neurology consult notes documenting the pattern of weakness and sensory loss..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage): Using a general term like 'arm pain' instead of specifically documenting radiculopathy affecting this nerve group.; No EMG support to confirm the diagnosis..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) include: Shoulder Instability, Hand Weakness. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.124a — Schedule of ratings — neurological conditions (Diagnostic Code 8511)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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