VA Diagnostic Code 8718Neuralgia.
Rated from 0% to 10% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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- 10%10% non-dominant
Incomplete: Moderate
- 0%0% non-dominant
Incomplete: Mild
General rating formula
Rate as Paralysis of: (DC 8518)
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 8518). Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.
Neuralgia (VA Diagnostic Code 8718)
Understanding Your Rating for Neuralgia
Neuralgia is a nerve condition rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under Diagnostic Code 8718, within the section of federal regulations covering Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders (§ 4.124a).
What Is Neuralgia?
Neuralgia refers to nerve-related symptoms affecting the affected extremity. Under VA rules, neuralgia is rated by analogy to Paralysis of the same nerve (Diagnostic Code 8518). This means the VA evaluates neuralgia using the same framework it uses for the corresponding paralysis condition.
Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis. In other words, the highest level of severity the VA will assign for neuralgia under this code is "moderate incomplete."
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability percentage based on the severity of the incomplete paralysis. Ratings may differ depending on whether the affected limb is the dominant ("major") or non-dominant ("minor") extremity.
| Rating | Severity | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Incomplete: Moderate | 10% |
| 0% | Incomplete: Mild | 0% |
What the VA Looks For
When rating neuralgia, the VA considers:
- The severity of the incomplete paralysis — classified as mild or moderate. A moderate presentation corresponds to a 10% rating, while a mild presentation corresponds to a 0% rating.
- Which extremity is affected — the schedule distinguishes between the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) extremity.
- The maximum limit set by regulation — under § 4.124, neuralgia cannot be rated higher than moderate incomplete paralysis.
Note on combined nerve injuries: The VA notes that combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major nerve involvement, or — if the involvement is sufficient in extent — the VA may consider radicular group ratings.
This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8718. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8718. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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