---
title: "DC 8718 - Neuralgia."
diagnostic_code: "8718"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8718-circumflex-nerve-neuralgia"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:42:18.693603Z"
---

# DC 8718 - Neuralgia.

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

Rate as Paralysis of: (DC 8518)

## 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 8518). Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.

# Neuralgia (VA Diagnostic Code 8718)

## Understanding Your Rating for Neuralgia

Neuralgia is a nerve condition rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under **Diagnostic Code 8718**, within the section of federal regulations covering **Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders** (§ 4.124a).

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## What Is Neuralgia?

Neuralgia refers to nerve-related symptoms affecting the affected extremity. Under VA rules, neuralgia is **rated by analogy to Paralysis of the same nerve** (Diagnostic Code 8518). This means the VA evaluates neuralgia using the same framework it uses for the corresponding paralysis condition.

Per § 4.124, **neuralgia is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis.** In other words, the highest level of severity the VA will assign for neuralgia under this code is "moderate incomplete."

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## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability percentage based on the severity of the incomplete paralysis. Ratings may differ depending on whether the affected limb is the dominant ("major") or non-dominant ("minor") extremity.

| Rating | Severity | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|----------|-------------------------------|
| **10%** | Incomplete: Moderate | 10% |
| **0%** | Incomplete: Mild | 0% |

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## What the VA Looks For

When rating neuralgia, the VA considers:

- **The severity of the incomplete paralysis** — classified as *mild* or *moderate*. A moderate presentation corresponds to a 10% rating, while a mild presentation corresponds to a 0% rating.
- **Which extremity is affected** — the schedule distinguishes between the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) extremity.
- **The maximum limit set by regulation** — under § 4.124, neuralgia cannot be rated higher than moderate incomplete paralysis.

**Note on combined nerve injuries:** The VA notes that combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major nerve involvement, or — if the involvement is sufficient in extent — the VA may consider radicular group ratings.

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*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8718. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating outcome.*

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