---
title: "DC 8409 - Neuralgia [Ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve]"
diagnostic_code: "8409"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8409-neuralgia-ninth-glossopharyngeal-cranial-nerve"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:28:10.104281Z"
---

# DC 8409 - Neuralgia [Ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve]

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

Neuralgia of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve.

Rate as Paralysis of: [Ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve] (DC 8209)

## Rating criteria

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

## Notes

- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: [Ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve] (DC 8209). Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.

# Neuralgia of the Ninth (Glossopharyngeal) Cranial Nerve — VA Diagnostic Code 8409

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

## What This Condition Is

Diagnostic Code 8409 covers **neuralgia of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve**. Neuralgia refers to nerve pain associated with this cranial nerve.

## How the VA Rates It

This condition is rated **by analogy to Paralysis of the Ninth (Glossopharyngeal) Cranial Nerve (Diagnostic Code 8209)**.

Under § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**.

### Available Rating Level

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

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating neuralgia of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve, the VA assesses the condition using the paralysis criteria for this nerve (DC 8209). Because § 4.124 caps neuralgia ratings at **moderate incomplete paralysis**, the evaluation focuses on identifying incomplete, moderate involvement of the nerve.

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*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8409. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not guarantee any specific rating or outcome. For questions about your individual situation, consult the applicable regulations or a qualified representative.*

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