---
title: "DC 8610 - Neuritis [Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)]"
diagnostic_code: "8610"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8610-upper-radicular-group-neuritis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:32:53.248892Z"
---

# DC 8610 - Neuritis [Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)]

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

Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals).

Rate as Paralysis of: [Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)] (DC 8510)

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | 30% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 20% | 20% | Incomplete: Mild |

## Notes

- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: [Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)] (DC 8510). 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 Upper Radicular Group (Fifth and Sixth Cervicals) — VA Diagnostic Code 8610

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

## What This Condition Is

Neuritis of the upper radicular group involves inflammation affecting the nerves originating from the fifth and sixth cervical nerve roots. This diagnostic code (8610) addresses neuritis specifically of this nerve group.

Because the VA does not have a separate rating chart just for this neuritis, it is **rated by analogy to Paralysis of the Upper Radicular Group (Fifth and Sixth Cervicals), Diagnostic Code 8510**. In other words, the VA applies the same rating levels used for paralysis of these nerves.

## How the VA Rates It

Ratings are assigned based on the degree of **incomplete paralysis** caused by the neuritis, and they differ depending on whether the affected arm is the dominant ("major") or non-dominant ("minor") extremity.

| Rating | Level of Impairment | Dominant Extremity | Non-Dominant Extremity |
|--------|--------------------|--------------------|------------------------|
| **40%** | Incomplete: Moderate | 40% | 30% |
| **20%** | Incomplete: Mild | 20% | 20% |

## What the VA Looks For

- **The severity of the incomplete paralysis** — whether the impairment is mild or moderate — is the primary factor in determining the rating level.
- **Which arm is affected** — the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity — can affect the assigned percentage at the moderate level.
- **The presence or absence of organic changes.** Under § 4.123, neuritis **not** characterized by organic changes is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**. Organic changes include:
  - Loss of reflexes
  - Muscle atrophy
  - Sensory disturbances
  - Constant pain, at times excruciating

  When such organic changes **are** present, the condition may be rated **up to severe incomplete paralysis**.

---

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8610 under 38 CFR § 4.124a. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating outcome.*

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