---
title: "DC 8721 - Neuralgia."
diagnostic_code: "8721"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8721-external-popliteal-common-peroneal-nerve-neuralgia"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:43:10.238847Z"
---

# DC 8721 - Neuralgia.

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

# Neuralgia (VA Diagnostic Code 8721)

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

## Understanding This Condition

**Neuralgia** refers to nerve pain along the path of a nerve. Under the VA rating schedule, neuralgia listed under Diagnostic Code 8721 is **rated by analogy to Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal nerve), Diagnostic Code 8521**.

Because of how the VA classifies nerve pain, this condition is evaluated using the criteria for **incomplete paralysis**. Per § 4.124, neuralgia is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**.

## Available Rating Levels

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

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

## What the VA Looks For

When rating neuralgia under DC 8721, the VA:

- Evaluates the condition **by analogy** to Paralysis of the affected nerve (DC 8521).
- Determines the **degree of incomplete paralysis**, ranking severity as either **mild** or **moderate**.
- Applies the rule under **§ 4.124** that neuralgia is rated **no higher than the moderate incomplete paralysis level**.

---

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.124a) and is provided for general educational purposes. Individual ratings are determined by the VA based on your specific evidence and circumstances.*

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