Diagnostic Code 8511: Middle Radicular Group (7th Cervical) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Rating range
- 20% to 70%
- Rating levels
- 6
- Body system
- Neurological conditions
The VA rates Middle Radicular Group (7th Cervical) under diagnostic code 8511 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 8511 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; adduction, abduction and rotation of arm, flexion of elbow, and extension of wrist lost or severely affected (minor arm) What raters look forcomplete paralysis, minor arm |
| 70% | Complete paralysis; adduction, abduction and rotation of arm, flexion of elbow, and extension of wrist lost or severely affected (major arm) What raters look forcomplete paralysis, major arm |
DC 8511 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 245 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 8511 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 40.4%, denied 47.8% and sent 11.8% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
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 8511 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 Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out.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 8511?
Diagnostic code 8511 is the VA rating schedule entry for Middle Radicular Group (7th 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 8511?
DC 8511 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 8511 require?
The 70% rating for Middle Radicular Group (7th Cervical) requires: Complete paralysis; adduction, abduction and rotation of arm, flexion of elbow, and extension of wrist lost or severely affected (major arm).
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 8511?
In 238 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 8511 from 2021 to 2026, 39.1% were granted, 48.7% denied and 12.2% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
Free help filing a claim
An accredited veterans service officer (VSO) can file your claim and represent you at no cost. Find a VSO office near you, with phone numbers and addresses in all 50 states and DC.