VASRD 8510 · Neurological Conditions

Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) VA Disability Rating

Damage to the upper nerves in the shoulder, affecting arm and neck movement.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
70%No function in shoulder
40%Limited use with pain
20%Some function loss
20%Numbness or tingling

How the VA Evaluates Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)

Neurologic testing, MRI, physical exam.

Approval rate

High (~65%) when nerve conduction confirmed.

Annual service-connected

3,600 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •MRI and nerve conduction studies
  • •Functional mobility tests

Strategy Tips

  • •Document impact on ADLs (activities of daily living)
  • •Track physical therapy progress

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Missing EMG results
  • •Inconsistent motion test reports

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not documenting specific nerve involved
  • •No secondary effects described

Onset Patterns

  • •Often post-trauma or repetitive use injury

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Shoulder Arthritis

    From immobility

  • Muscle Atrophy

    Due to lack of use

Common questions about Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)

Is Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) under VASRD diagnostic code 8510 (Neurological Conditions). Damage to the upper nerves in the shoulder, affecting arm and neck movement.
What VA disability rating can I get for Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
Possible VA ratings for Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) are 70%, 40%, 20%, 20%. Examples: 70% — No function in shoulder; 40% — Limited use with pain; 20% — Some function loss.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
The average awarded rating for Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) is 30%. Roughly 3,600 veterans are service-connected for Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) each year. Typical approval likelihood: High (~65%) when nerve conduction confirmed..
What evidence helps prove Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) claim includes: MRI and nerve conduction studies; Functional mobility tests.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage): Not documenting specific nerve involved; No secondary effects described.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage) include: Shoulder Arthritis, Muscle Atrophy. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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