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

RatingCriteria
70%No use of parts of arm
40%Major weakness
20%Tingling, some weakness
20%Occasional numbness

How the VA Evaluates Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)

EMG tests, neurologic exams, pain maps.

Approval rate

Moderate (~55%) if tied to neck/spine injury.

Annual service-connected

2,200 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • EMG/NCS test results
  • Neurology consults

Strategy Tips

  • Show timeline of worsening symptoms
  • Provide C&P exam prep sheet

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Claiming without diagnostic imaging or nerve study
  • Underselling symptoms

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Using general term like 'arm pain' instead of radiculopathy
  • No EMG support

Onset Patterns

  • After trauma or disc issues in cervical spine

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Shoulder Instability

    Nerve misfiring

  • Hand Weakness

    Nerve signal issues

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%, 20%. Examples: 70% — No use of parts of arm; 40% — Major weakness; 20% — Tingling, some weakness.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
The average awarded rating for Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) is 20%. Roughly 2,200 veterans are service-connected for Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) each year. Typical approval likelihood: 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 test results; Neurology consults.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage): Using general term like 'arm pain' instead of radiculopathy; No EMG support.
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.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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