Upper Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy (All Radicular Groups) — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 8513)
Diagnostic Code 8513 · 38 CFR §4.124a
What Is It?
Peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities means the nerves in your arms and hands are damaged, causing numbness, tingling, burning pain, weakness, or loss of coordination. This is common in veterans with diabetes, toxic exposure history (Agent Orange, burn pits), or repetitive strain injuries from military duties. The VA rates upper extremity nerve damage based on which specific nerve is affected and how severe the impairment is. DC 8513 is the code for paralysis of all radicular groups, the whole set of nerve roots that serve the arm; when only one nerve or one group is involved, the VA rates under that nerve's own code instead (for example DC 8510 to 8512 for a single radicular group, or DC 8515 for the median nerve). Under DC 8513 the figures for the major (dominant) arm are higher at every level except mild, which is 20 percent for either arm.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 90% | Complete paralysis of all radicular groups in the major (dominant) arm. |
| 80% | Complete paralysis of all radicular groups in the minor (non-dominant) arm. |
| 70% | Severe incomplete paralysis in the major (dominant) arm. |
| 60% | Severe incomplete paralysis in the minor (non-dominant) arm. |
| 40% | Moderate incomplete paralysis in the major (dominant) arm. |
| 30% | Moderate incomplete paralysis in the minor (non-dominant) arm. |
| 20% | Mild incomplete paralysis. Same rating for the major and the minor arm. |
Evidence Needed
Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) are the gold standard for documenting peripheral neuropathy. These tests objectively measure nerve damage severity. Medical records showing the underlying cause (diabetes, toxic exposure) and treatment history are also important. Document how the condition affects your daily life — inability to grip, dropping objects, difficulty with fine motor tasks.
C&P Exam Tips
Make sure you have recent EMG/NCS results in your file before the exam. Describe your worst symptoms honestly — the exam may catch you on a good day. Demonstrate grip weakness if present. Tell the examiner which hand is dominant and how the condition specifically limits that hand. Mention if you have had to modify how you do tasks or if you have dropped things that caused injuries.
How to File
File under the specific nerve code identified in your EMG/NCS results, or under DC 8513 when all radicular groups of the arm are involved. If the neuropathy is secondary to diabetes (DC 7913) or toxic exposure, file as a secondary condition. Include EMG/NCS results, treatment records, and a nexus letter if filing as secondary.
Common Mistakes
Not getting EMG/NCS testing is the most common mistake. Without objective nerve testing, the VA relies solely on the examiner's clinical impression, which can underrate your condition. Another mistake is not specifying which hand is dominant — above the mild level, the schedule prints higher figures for the dominant arm. Also, many veterans file for neuropathy of both upper extremities but only claim one side. If both hands are affected, claim bilateral neuropathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the VA rate each arm separately?
Yes. If you have peripheral neuropathy in both arms, each arm is rated separately under its own diagnostic code. These ratings then combine using VA math, and the bilateral factor adds a small additional benefit.
What if my neuropathy is from Agent Orange exposure?
The presumption covers early-onset peripheral neuropathy. 38 CFR 3.309(e) lists early-onset peripheral neuropathy among the diseases presumed service-connected for veterans exposed to an herbicide agent such as Agent Orange, and 38 CFR 3.307(a)(6)(ii) requires it to have become manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within a year after the last date of exposure during service.
Can I get rated for both carpal tunnel and peripheral neuropathy in the same arm?
Generally no — the VA avoids pyramiding (rating the same symptoms twice). However, if different nerves are affected (median nerve for carpal tunnel, other nerves for generalized neuropathy), separate ratings may be possible. This depends on the specific nerves involved.