---
title: "DC 8617 - Neuritis."
diagnostic_code: "8617"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8617-musculocutaneous-nerve-neuritis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:35:17.708771Z"
---

# DC 8617 - Neuritis.

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

Rate as Paralysis of: (DC 8517)

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10% | 10% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 0% | 0% | 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 8517). 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 (VA Diagnostic Code 8617)

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

## Understanding Neuritis

Neuritis is a nerve condition rated under the VA's schedule for neurological conditions. Under Diagnostic Code 8617, neuritis is rated **by analogy to Paralysis of the nerve group covered by DC 8517**.

The VA distinguishes between neuritis with and without organic changes:

- **Without organic changes** — Neuritis that is *not* characterized by organic changes (such as loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain that is at times excruciating) is rated at a maximum of **moderate incomplete paralysis**.
- **With organic changes** — When those organic changes are present, neuritis may be rated up to **severe incomplete paralysis** (per § 4.123).

## Available Rating Levels

Ratings are drawn from the paralysis criteria of DC 8517. The following levels apply, with separate percentages for the dominant and non-dominant (minor) extremity:

| Rating | Level of Impairment | Non-Dominant Extremity |
|--------|--------------------|------------------------|
| **10%** | Incomplete paralysis — Moderate | 10% |
| **0%** | Incomplete paralysis — Mild | 0% |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating neuritis under DC 8617, the VA considers:

- **The degree of incomplete paralysis** — whether the nerve involvement is mild or moderate, which determines the applicable rating level.
- **Whether organic changes are present** — including loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain (at times excruciating). The presence or absence of these changes affects the maximum rating that may be assigned.
- **Which extremity is affected** — ratings differ between the dominant and non-dominant (minor) extremity.
- **Combined nerve injuries** — these should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or, if sufficient in extent, by considering radicular group ratings.

---

*This overview is based on the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8617. Individual ratings depend on the specific findings in your case as evaluated by the VA.*

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