---
title: "DC 8710 - Neuralgia [Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)]"
diagnostic_code: "8710"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8710-upper-radicular-group-neuralgia"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:39:42.655902Z"
---

# DC 8710 - Neuralgia [Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)]

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

Neuralgia 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 § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.

# Neuralgia of the Upper Radicular Group (Fifth and Sixth Cervicals) — VA Diagnostic Code 8710

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

## What This Condition Is

Neuralgia of the upper radicular group refers to nerve pain affecting the fifth and sixth cervical nerves. This diagnostic code (8710) covers neuralgia involving this specific group of nerves in the neck and upper extremity region.

## How the VA Rates It

Under the VA rating schedule, this condition is **rated by analogy to Paralysis of the Upper Radicular Group (Fifth and Sixth Cervicals) (Diagnostic Code 8510)**.

An important note applies here: per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**.

The VA also distinguishes between the **dominant (major)** and **non-dominant (minor)** extremity, which can affect the assigned percentage.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant Extremity |
|--------|----------|------------------------|
| **40%** | Incomplete paralysis — Moderate | 30% (non-dominant extremity) |
| **20%** | Incomplete paralysis — Mild | 20% (non-dominant extremity) |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating neuralgia of the upper radicular group, the VA assesses the condition based on the criteria used for the corresponding paralysis rating (DC 8510). Specifically, the VA considers:

- **The severity of the incomplete paralysis** — whether it is characterized as *mild* or *moderate*. Because this is neuralgia, the rating is capped at the *moderate* level.
- **Which extremity is affected** — the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) side, since separate percentages apply for the non-dominant extremity.

If you believe your condition may fall under this diagnostic code, a review of your medical records and evaluation against these criteria can help clarify how it may be rated.

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