Erb's Palsy / Upper Brachial Plexus

DC 8510Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8510

Injury to the upper brachial plexus (C5-C6 nerve roots) that causes weakness or paralysis in the shoulder and upper arm. This can result from falls, vehicle accidents, blast injuries, or heavy load carrying during military service. The arm may hang limply, and you may lose the ability to raise your arm or bend your elbow.

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% – 70%

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 upper brachial plexus — total loss of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. All shoulder and upper arm muscles are non-functional. Rated 70% for minor arm, 80% for major arm.

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis of deltoid, biceps, and brachioradialis
Total loss of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion
Severe atrophy of upper arm and shoulder muscles
EMG/NCS confirming complete upper trunk lesion
No active movement of shoulder or elbow

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting whether the affected arm is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) hand — the VA assigns higher ratings for the dominant arm, so this distinction is critical.
⚠Not getting EMG and nerve conduction studies — these tests objectively locate the brachial plexus injury to the upper trunk (C5-C6) and distinguish it from rotator cuff or cervical spine problems.
⚠Failing to document the in-service injury mechanism — falls with heavy packs, vehicle rollovers, blast injuries, or parachute landing falls should be documented in service records or buddy statements.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — upper brachial plexus injuries often cause compensatory problems in the opposite shoulder, neck pain, and depression that each warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not documenting muscle atrophy with measurements — comparing the circumference of the affected arm to the unaffected arm provides objective evidence of severity.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves
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…

Erb's Palsy / Upper Brachial Plexus

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8510

Rating range

20% – 70%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis of deltoid, biceps, and brachioradialis
Total loss of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion
Severe atrophy of upper arm and shoulder muscles
EMG/NCS confirming complete upper trunk lesion
No active movement of shoulder or elbow

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting whether the affected arm is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) hand — the VA assigns higher ratings for the dominant arm, so this distinction is critical.

⚠Not getting EMG and nerve conduction studies — these tests objectively locate the brachial plexus injury to the upper trunk (C5-C6) and distinguish it from rotator cuff or cervical spine problems.

⚠Failing to document the in-service injury mechanism — falls with heavy packs, vehicle rollovers, blast injuries, or parachute landing falls should be documented in service records or buddy statements.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — upper brachial plexus injuries often cause compensatory problems in the opposite shoulder, neck pain, and depression that each warrant separate ratings.

⚠Not documenting muscle atrophy with measurements — comparing the circumference of the affected arm to the unaffected arm provides objective evidence of severity.