---
title: "DC 8716 - Neuralgia."
diagnostic_code: "8716"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8716-ulnar-nerve-neuralgia"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:41:39.401653Z"
---

# DC 8716 - Neuralgia.

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

# Neuralgia (Diagnostic Code 8716)

**Body System:** Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.124a

## Understanding This Condition

Neuralgia is a neurological condition rated under Diagnostic Code 8716. Under the VA's rating framework, neuralgia is rated **by analogy to Paralysis of (DC 8516)**.

An important limitation applies: per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**. This means the rating levels available for this condition top out at the "moderate incomplete" tier.

The VA also recognizes that the dominant ("major") side of the body and the non-dominant ("minor") side may be rated differently, with separate percentages assigned for the non-dominant extremity.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns ratings based on the severity of incomplete paralysis. For neuralgia under this code, the following levels apply:

| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|----------|-------------------------------|
| **30%** | Incomplete: Moderate | 20% |
| **10%** | Incomplete: Mild | 10% |

- **Moderate incomplete:** 30% for the dominant extremity, or 20% for the non-dominant extremity.
- **Mild incomplete:** 10% for either the dominant or non-dominant extremity.

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating neuralgia under DC 8716, the VA considers:

- **The degree of incomplete paralysis** — whether the impairment is characterized as mild or moderate, since neuralgia is capped at the moderate incomplete paralysis level.
- **Which extremity is affected** — the dominant (major) side and the non-dominant (minor) side are rated separately, which affects the assigned percentage.
- **Combined nerve injuries** — these should be rated by reference to the major involvement. If the extent is sufficient, the VA may consider radicular group ratings.
- **Rating by analogy** — because neuralgia is rated by analogy to Paralysis of (DC 8516), the VA applies that code's framework in its evaluation.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8716 under 38 CFR § 4.124a. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of each case.*

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