---
title: "DC 8312 - Neuritis [Twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve]"
diagnostic_code: "8312"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8312-neuritis-twelfth-hypoglossal-cranial-nerve"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:27:17.780517Z"
---

# DC 8312 - Neuritis [Twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve]

Rated under § 4.124a. Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.

Neuritis of the twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve.

Rate as Paralysis of: [Twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve] (DC 8212)

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 10% | Incomplete, moderate |

## Notes

- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: [Twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve] (DC 8212). 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 of the Twelfth (Hypoglossal) Cranial Nerve — VA Diagnostic Code 8312

*Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders • 38 CFR § 4.124a*

## What This Condition Is

Diagnostic Code 8312 covers **neuritis of the twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerve**. The hypoglossal nerve is one of the cranial nerves, and "neuritis" refers to inflammation of that nerve. Because neuritis affects nerve function, the VA evaluates it based on how the nerve is impaired.

## How the VA Rates It

Under DC 8312, neuritis of the twelfth cranial nerve is **rated by analogy to Paralysis of the Twelfth (Hypoglossal) Cranial Nerve (DC 8212)**. In other words, the VA looks at the degree of impairment and applies the same rating framework used for paralysis of this nerve.

### Available Rating Level

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **10%** | Incomplete, moderate |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating neuritis under this code, the VA considers the guidance in **§ 4.123**, which distinguishes between neuritis with and without certain organic changes:

- **Without organic changes** — Neuritis that is *not* characterized by organic changes is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**.
- **With organic changes** — When organic changes are present, the condition may be rated **up to severe incomplete paralysis**. Organic changes the VA looks for include:
  - Loss of reflexes
  - Muscle atrophy
  - Sensory disturbances
  - Constant pain, at times excruciating

The specific level assigned depends on how the individual case aligns with the criteria for the twelfth cranial nerve.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a (Diagnostic Code 8312). Individual evaluations depend on the medical evidence in each case.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a