Brachial Plexus Injury

DC 8510Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8510

Damage to the network of nerves (brachial plexus) that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. This can result from trauma, traction injuries, or compression during military service. The VA rates brachial plexus injuries based on which part of the plexus is damaged and how much function is lost.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 8510

Rating range

20% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8510. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the entire brachial plexus (upper and lower) on your dominant arm. You have no functional use of the shoulder, arm, or hand.

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis of entire brachial plexus
No functional use of the affected arm
Complete sensory loss in the entire arm
Severe muscle atrophy throughout the limb
Flail arm documented on examination

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an EMG and nerve conduction study — these tests are essential to confirm which nerves are damaged and how severely, and the VA relies heavily on these results for rating.
⚠Not specifying upper vs. lower vs. complete plexus involvement — the location of the injury determines which diagnostic code applies and the maximum rating available.
⚠Not documenting dominant vs. non-dominant hand — ratings for the major (dominant) extremity are higher than for the minor (non-dominant) extremity.
⚠Failing to claim the traumatic injury as the cause — clearly document the in-service event (fall, vehicle accident, heavy lifting injury, parachute landing) that damaged the brachial plexus.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Brachial Plexus Injury

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8510

Rating range

20% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the entire brachial plexus (upper and lower) on your dominant arm. You have no functional use of the shoulder, arm, or hand.

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis of entire brachial plexus
No functional use of the affected arm
Complete sensory loss in the entire arm
Severe muscle atrophy throughout the limb
Flail arm documented on examination

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an EMG and nerve conduction study — these tests are essential to confirm which nerves are damaged and how severely, and the VA relies heavily on these results for rating.

⚠Not specifying upper vs. lower vs. complete plexus involvement — the location of the injury determines which diagnostic code applies and the maximum rating available.

⚠Not documenting dominant vs. non-dominant hand — ratings for the major (dominant) extremity are higher than for the minor (non-dominant) extremity.

⚠Failing to claim the traumatic injury as the cause — clearly document the in-service event (fall, vehicle accident, heavy lifting injury, parachute landing) that damaged the brachial plexus.