Circumflex (Axillary) Nerve Injury

DC 8518Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8518

Damage to the axillary (circumflex) nerve, which controls the deltoid muscle and provides sensation to the outer shoulder. Injury results in inability to raise the arm away from the body (abduction) and a patch of numbness over the deltoid. Common after shoulder dislocations and fractures during service. The dominant (major) arm receives higher ratings at severe and complete paralysis levels.

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 8518

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8518. 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 circumflex nerve in your non-dominant (minor) arm. If it is your dominant arm, the rating is 50%. You cannot raise your arm away from your body.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of deltoid function — unable to abduct arm
Marked deltoid atrophy with measurements
Complete sensory loss over lateral shoulder
Weakened outward rotation of the arm
EMG confirming complete axillary nerve denervation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not specifying which arm is dominant — the dominant (major) arm receives 50% for complete paralysis vs. 40% for the non-dominant arm.
⚠Not distinguishing axillary nerve injury from rotator cuff tear — both cause shoulder weakness, but the nerve injury affects the deltoid (arm abduction) while rotator cuff primarily affects rotation. EMG is critical for the distinction.
⚠Not connecting the injury to a shoulder dislocation or fracture in service — the axillary nerve is commonly damaged during anterior shoulder dislocations, which are frequent in military activities.
⚠Not documenting deltoid atrophy with arm circumference measurements — comparison with the uninjured arm provides objective evidence of nerve damage and muscle wasting.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions
DBQ Shoulder and Arm Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Circumflex (Axillary) Nerve Injury

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8518

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the circumflex nerve in your non-dominant (minor) arm. If it is your dominant arm, the rating is 50%. You cannot raise your arm away from your body.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of deltoid function — unable to abduct arm
Marked deltoid atrophy with measurements
Complete sensory loss over lateral shoulder
Weakened outward rotation of the arm
EMG confirming complete axillary nerve denervation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not specifying which arm is dominant — the dominant (major) arm receives 50% for complete paralysis vs. 40% for the non-dominant arm.

⚠Not distinguishing axillary nerve injury from rotator cuff tear — both cause shoulder weakness, but the nerve injury affects the deltoid (arm abduction) while rotator cuff primarily affects rotation. EMG is critical for the distinction.

⚠Not connecting the injury to a shoulder dislocation or fracture in service — the axillary nerve is commonly damaged during anterior shoulder dislocations, which are frequent in military activities.

⚠Not documenting deltoid atrophy with arm circumference measurements — comparison with the uninjured arm provides objective evidence of nerve damage and muscle wasting.