---
title: "DC 8405 - Neuralgia [Fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve]"
diagnostic_code: "8405"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8405-neuralgia-fifth-trigeminal-cranial-nerve"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:27:35.821560Z"
---

# DC 8405 - Neuralgia [Fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve]

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

Neuralgia of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve.

Rate as Paralysis of: [Fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve] (DC 8205)

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 50% | Complete |
| 30% | Incomplete, severe |
| 10% | Incomplete, moderate |

## Notes

- Note: Tic douloureux may be rated in accordance with severity, up to complete paralysis.
- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: [Fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve] (DC 8205). Per § 4.124, tic douloureux may be rated up to complete paralysis of the affected nerve.

# Trigeminal Nerve Neuralgia (VA Diagnostic Code 8405)

## Understanding This Condition

**Neuralgia of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve** is a nerve condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which is the nerve responsible for sensation in the face. This condition is rated by the VA under **Diagnostic Code 8405**, within the body system category of **Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders** (governed by **38 CFR § 4.124a**).

In plain terms, neuralgia refers to nerve pain or irritation along the trigeminal nerve. A specific related form of this condition, **tic douloureux**, may also be evaluated under this code.

## How the VA Rates This Condition

Trigeminal nerve neuralgia is rated **by analogy to Paralysis of the Fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve (DC 8205)**. This means the VA looks at the severity of the nerve involvement to assign a rating.

Per § 4.124, **tic douloureux may be rated in accordance with its severity, up to complete paralysis** of the affected nerve.

### Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **50%** | Complete |
| **30%** | Incomplete, severe |
| **10%** | Incomplete, moderate |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating this condition, the VA focuses on the **degree of nerve involvement**:

- **Complete** involvement of the trigeminal nerve corresponds to the highest rating level (50%).
- **Incomplete, severe** involvement corresponds to the 30% level.
- **Incomplete, moderate** involvement corresponds to the 10% level.

Because this condition is rated by analogy to paralysis of the trigeminal nerve (DC 8205), the assessment centers on how severely the nerve is affected — ranging from moderate incomplete involvement up to complete involvement.

---

*This information is based on the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8405. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts and medical evidence in each case.*

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