Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124aDBQ: DBQ NEURO Cranial Nerve Conditions
Neuralgia is nerve pain that feels like sharp, shooting, or burning sensations along the path of a damaged nerve. The VA rates neuralgia using the same criteria as paralysis conditions, which might seem confusing but reflects how nerve damage affects function. A 50% rating means complete loss of nerve function, 30% means severe but incomplete nerve damage, and 10% means moderate incomplete nerve damage.
Rating levels
- 10% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuralgia of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve is rated by reference to the paralysis tiers for the same nerve, up to a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis. Tic douloureux of the trigeminal nerve is an exception and may be rated up to complete paralysis per the schedule note.
- 0% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuralgia of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve is rated by reference to the paralysis tiers for the same nerve, up to a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis. Tic douloureux of the trigeminal nerve is an exception and may be rated up to complete paralysis per the schedule note.
- Note — Trigeminal neuralgia in its severe form, tic douloureux, is the exception to the rule that neuralgia stops at the moderate level: it may be rated by its severity up to complete paralysis of the trigeminal nerve, that is 30% for severe incomplete paralysis and 50% for complete paralysis under DC 8205.