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
How the VA Evaluates Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
The rating ranges from mild numbness or tingling at the lowest tier to complete paralysis with no shoulder function at the highest, confirmed through neurologic testing, EMG, and a physical exam documenting the specific pattern of weakness.
Approval outlook
High (~65%) when nerve conduction confirmed.
Veterans service-connected
~3,600 veterans
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
- •MRI and nerve conduction studies confirming the location and severity of the nerve damage.
- •Functional mobility tests documenting shoulder and arm function.
Strategy Tips
- •Document the impact on activities of daily living (dressing, reaching, lifting), since this functional detail helps translate the nerve testing into a real-world severity picture.
- •Track physical therapy progress over time, since changes in function can support or clarify the severity of the nerve damage.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Missing EMG results, which are typically necessary to confirm and grade this specific nerve injury.
- •Inconsistent motion test reports across different exams.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not documenting which specific nerve group is involved, since the brachial plexus has multiple distinct components rated differently.
- •No description of secondary effects, like muscle atrophy from disuse.
Onset Patterns
- •This condition often follows trauma to the shoulder or neck, or develops from a repetitive-use injury that damaged the brachial plexus over time.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
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%. Examples: 70%: No function in shoulder; 40%: Limited use with pain; 20%: Some function loss; or Numbness or tingling.
- 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 confirming the location and severity of the nerve damage.; Functional mobility tests documenting shoulder and arm function..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage): Not documenting which specific nerve group is involved, since the brachial plexus has multiple distinct components rated differently.; No description of secondary effects, like muscle atrophy from disuse..
- 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.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.124a — Schedule of ratings — neurological conditions (Diagnostic Code 8510)
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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