---
title: "DC 8711 - Neuralgia [Middle radicular group]"
diagnostic_code: "8711"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8711-middle-radicular-group-neuralgia"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:40:01.492059Z"
---

# DC 8711 - Neuralgia [Middle radicular group]

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

Neuralgia of the middle radicular group.

Rate as Paralysis of: (DC 8511)

## Rating criteria

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

## Notes

- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: (DC 8511). Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.

# Neuralgia of the Middle Radicular Group (VA Diagnostic Code 8711)

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

## Understanding This Condition

Neuralgia of the middle radicular group refers to nerve pain affecting the middle radicular nerve group, which is part of the nerve network serving the arm. Under the VA rating schedule, this condition is evaluated by analogy to **Paralysis of the Middle Radicular Group (Diagnostic Code 8511)**.

An important detail applies here: under § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**. This means the highest level available for this diagnostic code corresponds to the "moderate incomplete" rating tier.

Because the arm you use most affects your daily function differently, the VA distinguishes between your **dominant (major)** and **non-dominant (minor)** extremity. The rating levels below reflect both.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of incomplete paralysis by analogy:

| Rating | Severity | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|----------|-------------------------------|
| **40%** | Incomplete paralysis — Moderate | 30% |
| **20%** | Incomplete paralysis — Mild | 20% |

*Note: For this condition, neuralgia is capped at the moderate incomplete paralysis level per § 4.124.*

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating neuralgia of the middle radicular group, the VA considers:

- **The severity of the nerve involvement** — whether the symptoms reflect **mild** or **moderate** incomplete impairment.
- **Which extremity is affected** — the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) arm, as this changes the assigned percentage.
- **Rating by analogy** — this condition is rated using the criteria for Paralysis of the Middle Radicular Group (DC 8511), consistent with the neuralgia limits set in § 4.124.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a. Individual evaluations depend on your specific medical findings and circumstances.*

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