Radiculopathy — Cervical (Upper)

DC 8510Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8510 — Upper Radicular Group Paralysis

Pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the neck down the arm, caused by compression or irritation of a nerve root in the cervical spine. The VA rates this under the upper radicular group nerve code, with higher ratings for the dominant arm.

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% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8510 — Upper Radicular Group Paralysis. 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 radicular group (non-dominant arm). The dominant arm is rated at 70%. All shoulder and elbow movements are lost or severely impaired.

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis of upper radicular group
Loss of shoulder and elbow movements
Severe muscle atrophy in upper arm
EMG/NCS confirming complete nerve paralysis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing cervical radiculopathy as a separate rating from the neck condition — it uses a different diagnostic code and is rated independently.
⚠Not filing for both arms if symptoms are bilateral — each arm is rated separately.
⚠Not specifying which arm is dominant — the dominant arm receives a higher rating at moderate and above levels.
⚠Not getting EMG/nerve conduction studies — these objectively document the nerve involvement and its severity.
⚠Missing the connection to a cervical spine condition — make sure your neck condition is service-connected first, then file radiculopathy as secondary.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions
DBQ Neck (Cervical Spine) Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Radiculopathy — Cervical (Upper) or rated under the same body system.

Migraine Headaches

DC 8100·Neurological

Radiculopathy — Sciatic Nerve

DC 8520·Neurological

Peripheral Neuropathy — Lower Extremities

DC 8520·Neurological

Peripheral Neuropathy — Upper Extremities

DC 8515·Neurological

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

DC 8045·Neurological

Epilepsy — Grand Mal (Generalized Convulsive)

DC 8910·Neurological

Epilepsy — Petit Mal (Absence)

DC 8911·Neurological

Trigeminal Neuralgia

DC 8205·Neurological

Condition Rating Guides

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

Radiculopathy — Cervical (Upper)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8510

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the upper radicular group (non-dominant arm). The dominant arm is rated at 70%. All shoulder and elbow movements are lost or severely impaired.

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis of upper radicular group
Loss of shoulder and elbow movements
Severe muscle atrophy in upper arm
EMG/NCS confirming complete nerve paralysis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing cervical radiculopathy as a separate rating from the neck condition — it uses a different diagnostic code and is rated independently.

⚠Not filing for both arms if symptoms are bilateral — each arm is rated separately.

⚠Not specifying which arm is dominant — the dominant arm receives a higher rating at moderate and above levels.

⚠Not getting EMG/nerve conduction studies — these objectively document the nerve involvement and its severity.

⚠Missing the connection to a cervical spine condition — make sure your neck condition is service-connected first, then file radiculopathy as secondary.