Spinal Cord Injury Residuals

DC 8520Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8520

Damage to the spinal cord that results in loss of motor function, sensation, or autonomic function below the level of injury. Residuals are rated based on the degree of paralysis in the affected nerve groups.

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 8520

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8520. 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

Complete paralysis — you have total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury, with complete bladder and bowel dysfunction.

What the VA looks for

Total loss of motor function below the level of injury
Total loss of sensation below the level of injury
Complete bladder and bowel incontinence
Wheelchair-dependent or bedridden
Requires full-time attendant care
MRI or CT myelogram confirming complete spinal cord lesion

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing separate claims for each affected nerve group — spinal cord injuries can affect multiple nerve distributions (sciatic, femoral, pudendal), and each may warrant its own rating.
⚠Failing to document bladder and bowel dysfunction as separate secondary conditions — these are extremely common after spinal cord injury and each can receive independent ratings under the genitourinary and digestive systems.
⚠Not requesting ratings for autonomic dysfunction — spinal cord injuries can cause blood pressure instability, temperature regulation problems, and sexual dysfunction that are separately ratable.
⚠Not documenting the need for assistive devices, home modifications, and attendant care — these support higher ratings and may qualify you for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Peripheral Nerves Conditions
DBQ Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8520

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Complete paralysis — you have total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury, with complete bladder and bowel dysfunction.

What the VA looks for

Total loss of motor function below the level of injury
Total loss of sensation below the level of injury
Complete bladder and bowel incontinence
Wheelchair-dependent or bedridden
Requires full-time attendant care
MRI or CT myelogram confirming complete spinal cord lesion

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing separate claims for each affected nerve group — spinal cord injuries can affect multiple nerve distributions (sciatic, femoral, pudendal), and each may warrant its own rating.

⚠Failing to document bladder and bowel dysfunction as separate secondary conditions — these are extremely common after spinal cord injury and each can receive independent ratings under the genitourinary and digestive systems.

⚠Not requesting ratings for autonomic dysfunction — spinal cord injuries can cause blood pressure instability, temperature regulation problems, and sexual dysfunction that are separately ratable.

⚠Not documenting the need for assistive devices, home modifications, and attendant care — these support higher ratings and may qualify you for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).