VA Diagnostic Code 8614Neuritis.
Rated from 20% to 30% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 30%20% non-dominant
Incomplete: Moderate
- 20%20% non-dominant
Incomplete: Mild
General rating formula
Rate as Paralysis of: (DC 8514)
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: Lesions involving only âdissociation of extensor communis digitorumâ and âparalysis below the extensor communis digitorum,â will not exceed the moderate rating under code 8514.
- 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 8514). 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 8614)
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders — 38 CFR § 4.124a
Understanding Neuritis
Neuritis is a nerve condition that the VA evaluates under Diagnostic Code 8614. Rather than having its own standalone criteria, neuritis is rated by analogy to Paralysis of the affected nerve (Diagnostic Code 8514).
Because ratings depend in part on which arm is affected, the VA distinguishes between the dominant (major) extremity and the non-dominant (minor) extremity, which can result in different rating percentages for the same level of impairment.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability rating based on the degree of incomplete paralysis:
| Rating | Level of Impairment | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | Incomplete — Moderate | 20% |
| 20% | Incomplete — Mild | 20% |
What the VA Looks For
When rating neuritis under DC 8614, the VA considers the following:
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Organic changes. Under § 4.123, neuritis 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. When these organic changes are present, the condition may be rated up to severe incomplete paralysis.
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Specific lesions. Lesions involving only "dissociation of extensor communis digitorum" and "paralysis below the extensor communis digitorum" will not exceed the moderate rating under code 8514.
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Combined nerve injuries. These should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or — if sufficient in extent — the VA may consider radicular group ratings.
This overview is based on the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8614 under 38 CFR § 4.124a. Individual ratings depend on your specific medical evidence and circumstances.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8614. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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