Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders§ 4.124aUpdated
Rating criteria

VA Diagnostic Code 8410Neuralgia [Tenth (pneumogastric, vagus) cranial nerve]

A single 10% rating under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires for it.

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In short

Summary

Neuralgia of the tenth (pneumogastric, vagus) cranial nerve.

The ladder

What each rating requires

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  1. 10%

    Incomplete, moderate

How it is applied

General rating formula

Rate as Paralysis of: [Tenth (pneumogastric, vagus) cranial nerve] (DC 8210)

From the schedule

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: [Tenth (pneumogastric, vagus) cranial nerve] (DC 8210). Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.

Neuralgia of the Tenth (Vagus) Cranial Nerve — VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 8410)

Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders · 38 CFR § 4.124a

What This Condition Is

Diagnostic Code 8410 covers neuralgia of the tenth cranial nerve, also known as the pneumogastric or vagus nerve. Neuralgia refers to nerve-related pain or irritation affecting this cranial nerve.

Under the VA's rating system, this condition is evaluated by analogy to Paralysis of the Tenth (Vagus) Cranial Nerve (Diagnostic Code 8210).

How the VA Rates It

Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis. This means the available rating level for this condition is capped accordingly.

RatingCriteria
10%Incomplete, moderate

What the VA Looks For

When evaluating neuralgia of the tenth (vagus) cranial nerve, the VA:

  • Assesses the condition of the vagus nerve consistent with the criteria for neuralgia of this cranial nerve.
  • Rates the condition by analogy to Paralysis of the Tenth (Vagus) Cranial Nerve (DC 8210).
  • Applies the § 4.124 rule that limits neuralgia ratings to a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.
  • Uses the available rating level of 10% for incomplete, moderate presentation.

This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8410. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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What next

How to claim this

Knowing the criteria is the first half. Getting your file to show them is the second.

  1. Find your level in the stack

    Read each rung against what your medical records already say. The level your records document today is the one the VA can support today.

  2. Name the gap

    Look at the rung above yours and write down exactly what it asks for that your file does not show yet — a diagnosis, a measurement, a prescribed brace, a doctor’s opinion linking it to service.

  3. Claim it by code

    File under diagnostic code 8410 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders codes may cover your secondary conditions.

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