---
title: "DC 8621 - Neuritis."
diagnostic_code: "8621"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8621-external-popliteal-common-peroneal-nerve-neuritis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:36:32.537564Z"
---

# DC 8621 - Neuritis.

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

Rate as Paralysis of: (DC 8521)

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 20% | Incomplete: Moderate |
| 10% | Incomplete: Mild |

## Notes

- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: (DC 8521). 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 8621)

## Understanding Neuritis and How the VA Rates It

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 8621, neuritis is rated **by analogy to Paralysis of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal Nerve), Diagnostic Code 8521**. In other words, the VA looks at how the neuritis affects the same nerve function and applies the corresponding rating levels used for paralysis of that nerve.

---

## Available Rating Levels

For neuritis rated under DC 8621, the schedule provides the following levels for **incomplete paralysis**:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **20%** | Incomplete paralysis — **Moderate** |
| **10%** | Incomplete paralysis — **Mild** |

---

## What the VA Looks For

When rating neuritis, the VA follows the guidance in **§ 4.123**, which distinguishes between neuritis with and without organic changes:

- **Neuritis *not* characterized by organic changes** is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis** (up to the **20%** level under DC 8621).

- **Neuritis *with* organic changes** — such as:
  - Loss of reflexes
  - Muscle atrophy
  - Sensory disturbances
  - Constant pain (at times excruciating)

  may be rated **up to severe incomplete paralysis**.

The presence or absence of these organic changes is a key factor the VA considers when determining which rating level applies.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.124a, § 4.123, Diagnostic Code 8621) and is provided for general educational purposes. It describes how the condition is rated and does not guarantee any particular outcome.*

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