Paralysis of the circumflex nerve DC 8518
VA rates it under diagnostic code 8518 in 38 CFR 4.124a. Body system: Head & nerves.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 6 rating levels for this code: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
It affects one arm, so each side is rated on its own. When both sides are rated, VA adds the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26).
Source: 38 CFR 4.124a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 50%40% minor | Complete; abduction of arm is impossible, outward rotation is weakened; muscles supplied are deltoid and teres minor |
| 30%20% minor | Incomplete:Severe |
| 10% | Incomplete:Moderate |
| 0% | Incomplete:Mild |
Where two ratings are shown, the first is for your major (dominant) arm and the second for the minor arm (38 CFR 4.69).
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.124a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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