Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Neuritis is inflammation or irritation of a nerve that causes pain, weakness, and loss of function. Under diagnostic code 8615, the VA rates neuritis the same way they rate paralysis, meaning they focus on how much function you've lost rather than just the pain. Ratings range from 10% for mild symptoms up to 60% for complete loss of hand function with severe muscle wasting and the characteristic 'ape hand' deformity where your thumb lies flat in your palm.
Rating levels
- 50% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the median nerve 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 median nerve 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 median nerve 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 median nerve 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.
- 10% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the median nerve 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.
- 10% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the median nerve 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.