---
title: "DC 8411 - Neuralgia [Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve]"
diagnostic_code: "8411"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8411-neuralgia-eleventh-spinal-accessory-external-branch-cranial"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:28:50.461944Z"
---

# DC 8411 - Neuralgia [Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve]

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

Neuralgia of the eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve.

Rate as Paralysis of: [Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve] (DC 8211)

## Rating criteria

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

## Notes

- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: [Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve] (DC 8211). Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.

# Neuralgia of the Eleventh (Spinal Accessory, External Branch) Cranial Nerve — VA Diagnostic Code 8411

**Body System:** Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.124a

## What This Condition Is

Neuralgia of the eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve refers to nerve pain affecting the spinal accessory nerve. This is one of the cranial nerves, and it is evaluated under the VA's schedule for neurological conditions.

Under Diagnostic Code 8411, this condition is rated **by analogy to Paralysis of the Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve (DC 8211)**. In plain terms, the VA uses the rating framework for paralysis of the same nerve as the starting point for evaluating neuralgia.

## Available Rating Level

Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**. Based on the rating schedule, the available level for this condition is:

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

## What the VA Looks For

When rating neuralgia of the eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve, the VA:

- Evaluates the condition **by analogy** to paralysis of the same nerve (DC 8211).
- Applies the rule under **§ 4.124** that neuralgia is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**.
- Assigns the rating level based on whether the impairment reflects **moderate, incomplete** involvement of the nerve.

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8411) and is provided for general reference. It describes how the condition is evaluated and does not predict any individual outcome.*

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