VA Diagnostic Code 8615Neuritis.
Rated from 10% to 30% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
Not the right code?
What each rating requires
The VA assigns the highest level your evidence actually supports. Read up the stack until your records stop matching.
- 30%20% non-dominant
Incomplete: Moderate
- 10%10% non-dominant
Incomplete: Mild
General rating formula
Rate as Paralysis of: (DC 8515)
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 8515). 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.
Median Nerve Neuritis (VA Diagnostic Code 8615)
Understanding Neuritis and How the VA Rates It
Neuritis is a neurological condition listed under § 4.124a in the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, within the category of Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.
Under Diagnostic Code 8615, neuritis is rated by analogy to Paralysis of the median nerve (DC 8515). This means the VA evaluates neuritis using the same framework it applies to paralysis of that nerve, based on how the condition affects the body.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a percentage rating based on the severity of incomplete paralysis. Ratings differ depending on whether the affected limb is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity.
| Rating | Severity | Dominant (Major) Extremity | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate | Incomplete: Moderate | 30% | 20% |
| Mild | Incomplete: Mild | 10% | 10% |
What the VA Looks For
When rating neuritis, the VA considers the following:
-
Organic changes. Per § 4.123, 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. When those organic changes are present, neuritis may be rated up to severe incomplete paralysis.
-
Which limb is affected. Because ratings are split between the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) extremity, the VA takes into account which arm or hand is involved.
-
Combined nerve injuries. The VA notes that combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or — if sufficient in extent — the VA may consider radicular group ratings.
This information summarizes the VA rating schedule entry for Diagnostic Code 8615 and is provided for general educational purposes. It reflects the criteria as written in the rating schedule and does not predict any individual outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8615. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
View official sourceHow to claim this
Knowing the criteria is the first half. Getting your file to show them is the second.
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.
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.
Claim it by code
File under diagnostic code 8615 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders codes may cover your secondary conditions.
Find out which rating your evidence supports.
Six reads your records against these exact criteria and tells you what the VA is still missing.
Start for freeAll 119 Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders codes →