Pro-Tip: Rate each nerve affected individually by trees of nerves based on what nerves are impinged.
<aside> 📚 Resources
| Nerves Affected | Resource |
|---|---|
| Upper Extremities | http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/uppernerves.html |
| Lower Extremities | http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/lowernerves.html |
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Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, increased sensitivity to touch, decreased sensitivity to touch, loss of sensation, pain, unusual/unpleasant sensation, muscle weakness) - if this disability is wholly sensory, the veteran may be rated at the mild or moderate degree. VA has provided general guidelines for rating the level of incomplete paralysis of the peripheral nerves under 38 C.F.R. 4.124a.
Mild impairment - subjective symptoms or decreased sensation Moderate impairment - absence of sensation confirmed by objective findings Severe impairment - more than sensory findings (including atrophy, weakness, diminished reflexes)
| Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy | Description |
|---|---|
| paresthesias | â—¦ numbness, and |
| â—¦ tingling | |
| hyperesthesias | increased sensitivity to touch |
| hypesthesia (or hypoesthesia) | decreased sensitivity to touch |
| loss of sensation | lack of feeling |
| pain | â—¦ burning |
| â—¦ lancinating, or | |
| â—¦ lightning sensations | |
| dysesthesia | unusual and unpleasant sensation after normal stimulation |
| muscle weakness | lack of strength |
<aside> 📚 Assigning the Degree of Paralysis
M21-1MR, Ill.iV.4.G.4.b - Always consider the specific criteria in 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a DC at issue as well as the general guidance on neuritis and neuralgia under 38 C.F.R. 4.123 and 38 C.F.R. 4.124. This guidance also applies to radiculopathy, which is evaluated under a peripheral nerve code. Separate evaluations may not be assigned when evaluating an upper extremity peripheral nerve disability. See note under 38 C.F.R. 4.124a, DC 8719.
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| Degree of Paralysis | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Paralysis | 80% | Complete paralysis is defined a little differently for each nerve, but basically, it means that the nerve is completely paralyzed, and that the body part cannot function AT ALL. |
| Severe | ||
| Incomplete Paralysis | 60% | More than sensory findings are demonstrated, such as atrophy (or loss of muscle strength), weakness, and diminished reflexes |
There is evidence of all three of the main symptoms (muscle atrophy, loss of sensation, loss of reflexes), and they seriously limit the body part’s ability to function. This condition is VERY severe. | | Moderately Severe Incomplete Paralysis | 40% | Two of the three main symptoms (muscle atrophy, loss of sensation, loss of reflexes) that seriously limit the body part’s ability to function. | | Moderate Incomplete Paralysis | 20% | Objective symptoms of absence of sensation  The nerve is not completely paralyzed, and there is tingling, numbness, moderate pain, or other symptoms that definitely and significantly interfere with the ability of the body part to fully function.  One or more of the three main symptoms (muscle atrophy, loss of sensation, loss of reflexes) that definitely and significantly interfere with the ability of the body part to fully function.  When rating peripheral nerves, if the claimant exhibits both sensory and non-sensory manifestations of incomplete paralysis, he is not automatically entitled to rating in excess of twenty percent (20%) pursuant to § 4.124a. See Miller v. Shulkin, __ Vet. App. __ (#15-2904, decided March 6, 2017). | | Mild Incomplete Paralysis | 10% | Subjective symptoms of decreased sensation or wholly sensory findings (generally)  The nerve is not completely paralyzed, and there is only tingling or mild pain in the affected body part. There could also be slight limited motion, but it wouldn’t really affect the overall functioning of the body part.  There are one or more of the main symptoms (muscle atrophy, loss of sensation, loss of reflexes), but they are mild and do not interfere significantly with overall functioning. |