Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Neuritis is inflammation or damage to nerves that can cause pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of function in affected areas. The VA rates neuritis under this code based on how severely it affects your movement and function, treating it like paralysis for rating purposes. Ratings range from 20% for mild effects up to 60% for complete loss of shoulder and elbow movement, with the percentage depending on how much the nerve damage limits your daily activities.
Rating levels
- 50% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervical nerves) is rated by reference to the paralysis tiers for the same nerve. Without organic changes (muscle atrophy, loss of reflexes, sensory disturbances), the maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis. With demonstrable organic changes, severe incomplete paralysis applies; complete paralysis is rated under the 85-series paralysis code for this nerve.
- 40% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervical nerves) is rated by reference to the paralysis tiers for the same nerve. Without organic changes (muscle atrophy, loss of reflexes, sensory disturbances), the maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis. With demonstrable organic changes, severe incomplete paralysis applies; complete paralysis is rated under the 85-series paralysis code for this nerve.
- 40% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervical nerves) is rated by reference to the paralysis tiers for the same nerve. Without organic changes (muscle atrophy, loss of reflexes, sensory disturbances), the maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis. With demonstrable organic changes, severe incomplete paralysis applies; complete paralysis is rated under the 85-series paralysis code for this nerve.
- 30% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervical nerves) is rated by reference to the paralysis tiers for the same nerve. Without organic changes (muscle atrophy, loss of reflexes, sensory disturbances), the maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis. With demonstrable organic changes, severe incomplete paralysis applies; complete paralysis is rated under the 85-series paralysis code for this nerve.
- 20% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervical nerves) is rated by reference to the paralysis tiers for the same nerve. Without organic changes (muscle atrophy, loss of reflexes, sensory disturbances), the maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis. With demonstrable organic changes, severe incomplete paralysis applies; complete paralysis is rated under the 85-series paralysis code for this nerve.
- 20% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervical nerves) is rated by reference to the paralysis tiers for the same nerve. Without organic changes (muscle atrophy, loss of reflexes, sensory disturbances), the maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis. With demonstrable organic changes, severe incomplete paralysis applies; complete paralysis is rated under the 85-series paralysis code for this nerve.