---
title: "DC 8616 - Neuritis."
diagnostic_code: "8616"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8616-ulnar-nerve-neuritis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:34:56.348898Z"
---

# DC 8616 - Neuritis.

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

Rate as Paralysis of: (DC 8516)

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 30% | 20% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 10% | 10% | Incomplete: Mild |

## Notes

- Note: Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or if sufficient in extent, consider radicular group ratings.
- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: (DC 8516). 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.

# VA Disability Rating: Neuritis (Diagnostic Code 8616)

## Understanding Neuritis

Neuritis is a neurological condition addressed under the VA's rating schedule at **§ 4.124a**, within the category of **Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders**.

Under Diagnostic Code 8616, neuritis is **rated as Paralysis of the ulnar nerve (DC 8516)**. In other words, the VA evaluates the effects of neuritis by analogy to how it rates paralysis of that nerve.

An important distinction applies under **§ 4.123**:

- Neuritis that is **not** characterized by organic changes is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**.
- Neuritis **with** organic changes may be rated up to **severe incomplete paralysis**.

"Organic changes" in this context refers to findings such as **loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain that is at times excruciating**.

## Available Rating Levels

The rating levels below reflect the schedule for this condition. Ratings differ depending on whether the affected extremity is your **dominant** (major) or **non-dominant** (minor) side.

| Rating | Level of Incomplete Paralysis | Dominant Extremity | Non-Dominant Extremity |
|--------|-------------------------------|--------------------|------------------------|
| Moderate | Incomplete: Moderate | 30% | 20% |
| Mild | Incomplete: Mild | 10% | 10% |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating neuritis under this diagnostic code, the VA considers:

- **The degree of incomplete paralysis** — whether the impairment is best characterized as **mild** or **moderate** (and, where organic changes are present, whether it may reach the severe level under § 4.123).
- **Whether organic changes are present** — including loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant, at times excruciating, pain. The presence or absence of these findings affects the maximum rating available.
- **Which extremity is affected** — ratings account for whether the condition involves the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) extremity.
- **Combined nerve injuries** — these should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or, if sufficient in extent, evaluated using radicular group ratings.

---

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under § 4.124a and § 4.123. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

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