Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Neuritis is inflammation of the nerves that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. The VA rates neuritis under this code based on how severely it affects your ability to use your hand and wrist, ranging from 20% for mild symptoms up to 60% for complete paralysis of hand muscles. The ratings are specifically tied to loss of function in your hand's intrinsic muscles (the small muscles that control fine finger movements) and the flexor muscles that bend your wrist and fingers.
Rating levels
- 50% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the lower radicular group 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 lower radicular group 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 lower radicular group 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 lower radicular group 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 lower radicular group 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 lower radicular group 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.