VA Diagnostic Code 8312Neuritis [Twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve]
A single 10% rating under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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Summary
Neuritis of the twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve.
What each rating requires
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- 10%
Incomplete, moderate
General rating formula
Rate as Paralysis of: [Twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve] (DC 8212)
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: [Twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve] (DC 8212). Per § 4.123, neuritis not characterized by organic changes (loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain, at times excruciating) is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis; with such organic changes it may be rated up to severe incomplete paralysis.
Neuritis of the Twelfth (Hypoglossal) Cranial Nerve — VA Diagnostic Code 8312
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders • 38 CFR § 4.124a
What This Condition Is
Diagnostic Code 8312 covers neuritis of the twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve. The hypoglossal nerve is one of the cranial nerves, and "neuritis" refers to inflammation of that nerve. Because neuritis affects nerve function, the VA evaluates it based on how the nerve is impaired.
How the VA Rates It
Under DC 8312, neuritis of the twelfth cranial nerve is rated by analogy to Paralysis of the Twelfth (Hypoglossal) Cranial Nerve (DC 8212). In other words, the VA looks at the degree of impairment and applies the same rating framework used for paralysis of this nerve.
Available Rating Level
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Incomplete, moderate |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating neuritis under this code, the VA considers the guidance in § 4.123, which distinguishes between neuritis with and without certain organic changes:
- Without organic changes — Neuritis that is not characterized by organic changes is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.
- With organic changes — When organic changes are present, the condition may be rated up to severe incomplete paralysis. Organic changes the VA looks for include:
- Loss of reflexes
- Muscle atrophy
- Sensory disturbances
- Constant pain, at times excruciating
The specific level assigned depends on how the individual case aligns with the criteria for the twelfth cranial nerve.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a (Diagnostic Code 8312). Individual evaluations depend on the medical evidence in each case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8312. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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