Diagnostic Code 8514 · 38 CFR §4.124a
The radial nerve is one of the major nerves in your arm, running from your neck down the back of your arm to your hand. It controls your ability to extend your wrist, straighten your fingers, and turn your forearm so your palm faces upward. The most recognizable sign of radial nerve damage is wrist drop, where your hand hangs limply because you cannot lift it at the wrist. Veterans commonly develop radial nerve injuries from fractures of the upper arm bone, compression injuries from sleeping in awkward positions during field conditions, blast injuries, or direct trauma to the arm.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 70% | |
| 60% | |
| 50% | |
| 40% | |
| 30% | |
| 20% |
Medical records linking the radial nerve injury to military service, Electromyography and nerve conduction studies showing radial nerve involvement, Documentation of wrist drop or finger extension weakness, Grip strength testing results, Records indicating which arm is dominant