Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Neuritis is nerve inflammation that causes pain, weakness, and loss of function in the affected area. Under diagnostic code 8616, the VA rates neuritis the same way they rate paralysis, which means they focus on how much function you've lost rather than just pain levels. Ratings range from 10% for mild symptoms up to 50% for complete loss of function with severe deformities like 'griffin claw' (when your ring and little fingers stay permanently bent).
Rating levels
- 40% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuritis of the ulnar 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 ulnar 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 ulnar 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 ulnar 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 ulnar 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 ulnar 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.