VA Diagnostic Code 8719Neuralgia.
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 8519)
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: Not to be combined with lost motion above shoulder level.
- 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 8519). Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.
Neuralgia (VA Diagnostic Code 8719)
Understanding VA disability ratings for neuralgia of the long thoracic nerve.
What This Condition Is
Neuralgia is a nerve condition listed under Diagnostic Code 8719 in the VA rating schedule. It falls within the body system covering Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, and is governed by 38 CFR § 4.124a.
Under the VA schedule, neuralgia is rated by analogy to Paralysis of the long thoracic nerve (Diagnostic Code 8519). Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.
Available Rating Levels
The VA uses the following rating levels for this condition. Ratings can differ depending on whether the affected extremity is dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor):
| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Incomplete: Moderate | 10% |
| 0% | Incomplete: Mild | 0% |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating neuralgia under this code, the VA considers:
- The degree of incomplete paralysis — whether the nerve involvement is best characterized as mild or moderate. Because neuralgia is capped at moderate incomplete paralysis, this represents the highest level available under this code.
- Which extremity is affected — ratings may be assigned based on whether the dominant or non-dominant extremity is involved.
Important Notes from the Rating Schedule
- This rating is not to be combined with lost motion above shoulder level.
- Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or, if sufficient in extent, radicular group ratings may be considered.
- Neuralgia is rated by analogy to Paralysis of DC 8519, at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis per § 4.124.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8719). Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of each claim and the medical evidence presented.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8719. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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