VA Diagnostic Code 8612Neuritis.
Rated from 20% to 40% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 40%30% non-dominant
Incomplete: Moderate
- 20%20% non-dominant
Incomplete: Mild
General rating formula
Rate as Paralysis of: (DC 8512)
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or if sufficient in extent, consider radicular group ratings.
- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: (DC 8512). 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 (VA Diagnostic Code 8612)
Understanding This Condition
Neuritis is a neurological condition rated by the VA under § 4.124a, within the body system covering Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.
Because neuritis affects the nerves, the VA does not rate it with its own standalone criteria. Instead, it is rated by analogy to Paralysis of (Diagnostic Code 8512) — meaning the VA measures how the nerve impairment limits function, using the same framework applied to paralysis.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a percentage based on the severity of incomplete paralysis. Ratings may differ depending on whether the affected limb is your dominant ("major") or non-dominant ("minor") extremity.
| Rating | Severity | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | Incomplete: Moderate | 30% |
| 20% | Incomplete: Mild | 20% |
What the VA Looks For
When rating neuritis, the VA considers the degree of nerve involvement and whether there are organic changes to the nerve. Per § 4.123:
- Without organic changes: Neuritis that is not characterized by organic changes — such as loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain (at times excruciating) — is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.
- With organic changes: When these organic changes are present, the condition may be rated up to severe incomplete paralysis.
Combined Nerve Injuries
If more than one nerve is involved, the VA notes that combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or — if the extent is sufficient — the VA may consider radicular group ratings.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8612. Individual evaluations depend on the specific findings in your case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8612. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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