VA Diagnostic Code 8711Neuralgia [Middle radicular group]
Rated from 20% to 40% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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Summary
Neuralgia of the middle radicular group.
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 8511)
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: (DC 8511). Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.
Neuralgia of the Middle Radicular Group (VA Diagnostic Code 8711)
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders — 38 CFR § 4.124a
Understanding This Condition
Neuralgia of the middle radicular group refers to nerve pain affecting the middle radicular nerve group, which is part of the nerve network serving the arm. Under the VA rating schedule, this condition is evaluated by analogy to Paralysis of the Middle Radicular Group (Diagnostic Code 8511).
An important detail applies here: under § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis. This means the highest level available for this diagnostic code corresponds to the "moderate incomplete" rating tier.
Because the arm you use most affects your daily function differently, the VA distinguishes between your dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) extremity. The rating levels below reflect both.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of incomplete paralysis by analogy:
| Rating | Severity | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | Incomplete paralysis — Moderate | 30% |
| 20% | Incomplete paralysis — Mild | 20% |
Note: For this condition, neuralgia is capped at the moderate incomplete paralysis level per § 4.124.
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating neuralgia of the middle radicular group, the VA considers:
- The severity of the nerve involvement — whether the symptoms reflect mild or moderate incomplete impairment.
- Which extremity is affected — the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) arm, as this changes the assigned percentage.
- Rating by analogy — this condition is rated using the criteria for Paralysis of the Middle Radicular Group (DC 8511), consistent with the neuralgia limits set in § 4.124.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a. Individual evaluations depend on your specific medical findings and circumstances.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8711. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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