VA Diagnostic Code 8714Neuralgia.
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 § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.
Neuralgia (VA Diagnostic Code 8714)
Body System: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders Regulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
What This Condition Is
Neuralgia refers to nerve-related symptoms affecting the musculospiral (radial) nerve. Under the VA's rating schedule, neuralgia listed at Diagnostic Code 8714 is rated by analogy to Paralysis of the same nerve (Diagnostic Code 8514).
Because neuralgia involves nerve dysfunction rather than complete paralysis, the VA rates it as a form of incomplete paralysis. Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a rating based on the severity of the incomplete paralysis and whether the affected arm is your dominant ("major") or non-dominant ("minor") extremity.
| Criteria | Dominant (Major) Extremity | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete: Moderate | 30% | 20% |
| Incomplete: Mild | 20% | 20% |
What the VA Looks For
When rating this condition, the VA considers:
- Severity of incomplete paralysis — whether the nerve involvement is mild or moderate. Under § 4.124, neuralgia cannot be rated higher than the moderate level.
- Which extremity is affected — ratings differ depending on whether the involved arm is your dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) side.
- The extent of the lesion — Lesions involving only "dissociation of extensor communis digitorum" and "paralysis below the extensor communis digitorum" will not exceed the moderate rating under Code 8514.
- Combined nerve injuries — These should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or, if sufficient in extent, evaluated using radicular group ratings.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8714. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any specific rating or outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8714. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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