VA Diagnostic Code 8617Neuritis.
Rated from 0% to 10% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 10%10% non-dominant
Incomplete: Moderate
- 0%0% non-dominant
Incomplete: Mild
General rating formula
Rate as Paralysis of: (DC 8517)
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 8517). 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 8617)
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders — 38 CFR § 4.124a
Understanding Neuritis
Neuritis is a nerve condition rated under the VA's schedule for neurological conditions. Under Diagnostic Code 8617, neuritis is rated by analogy to Paralysis of the nerve group covered by DC 8517.
The VA distinguishes between neuritis with and without organic changes:
- Without organic changes — Neuritis that is not characterized by organic changes (such as loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain that is at times excruciating) is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.
- With organic changes — When those organic changes are present, neuritis may be rated up to severe incomplete paralysis (per § 4.123).
Available Rating Levels
Ratings are drawn from the paralysis criteria of DC 8517. The following levels apply, with separate percentages for the dominant and non-dominant (minor) extremity:
| Rating | Level of Impairment | Non-Dominant Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Incomplete paralysis — Moderate | 10% |
| 0% | Incomplete paralysis — Mild | 0% |
What the VA Looks For
When rating neuritis under DC 8617, the VA considers:
- The degree of incomplete paralysis — whether the nerve involvement is mild or moderate, which determines the applicable rating level.
- Whether organic changes are present — including loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain (at times excruciating). The presence or absence of these changes affects the maximum rating that may be assigned.
- Which extremity is affected — ratings differ between the dominant and non-dominant (minor) extremity.
- Combined nerve injuries — these should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or, if sufficient in extent, by considering radicular group ratings.
This overview is based on the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8617. Individual ratings depend on the specific findings in your case as evaluated by the VA.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8617. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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