Diagnostic Code 8510: Upper Radicular Group (5th/6th Cervical) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Rating range
- 20% to 70%
- Rating levels
- 6
- Body system
- Neurological conditions
The VA rates Upper Radicular Group (5th/6th Cervical) under diagnostic code 8510 in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 8510 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Incomplete paralysis, mild (major or minor arm) What raters look formild incomplete paralysis |
| 30% | Incomplete paralysis, moderate (minor arm) What raters look formoderate incomplete paralysis, minor arm |
| 40% | Incomplete paralysis, moderate (major arm); incomplete paralysis, severe (minor arm) What raters look formoderate incomplete paralysis, major arm; severe incomplete paralysis, minor arm |
| 50% | Incomplete paralysis, severe (major arm) What raters look forsevere incomplete paralysis, major arm |
| 60% | Complete paralysis; all shoulder and elbow movements lost or severely affected, hand and wrist movements not affected (minor arm) What raters look forcomplete paralysis, minor arm |
| 70% | Complete paralysis; all shoulder and elbow movements lost or severely affected, hand and wrist movements not affected (major arm) What raters look forcomplete paralysis, major arm |
DC 8510 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 856 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 8510 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 33.9%, denied 58.1% and sent 8.1% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
By the rating the Board's order named
Only orders that state a rating percentage with a date are counted. An order denying a rating "in excess of 50 percent" names the existing rating; a grant may name the rating awarded. These are not all ratings veterans requested.
| Rating the order named | Decided rulings | Granted |
|---|---|---|
| 20 percent | 113 | 23.0% |
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 8510 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 8510?
Diagnostic code 8510 is the VA rating schedule entry for Upper Radicular Group (5th/6th Cervical), found in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 8510?
DC 8510 provides ratings of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 8510 require?
The 70% rating for Upper Radicular Group (5th/6th Cervical) requires: Complete paralysis; all shoulder and elbow movements lost or severely affected, hand and wrist movements not affected (major arm).
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 8510?
In 823 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 8510 from 2021 to 2026, 31.5% were granted, 60.1% denied and 8.4% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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