Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Neuralgia is severe nerve pain, often described as burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like sensations along a nerve pathway. Under diagnostic code 8710, the VA rates neuralgia using the same scale as paralysis conditions, which might seem odd but reflects how disabling nerve pain can be. Ratings range from 20% for mild neuralgia up to 60% for complete loss of shoulder and elbow function, with the percentage based on how much the nerve pain limits your ability to move and function normally.
Rating levels
- 40% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuralgia of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervical nerves) 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.
- 30% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuralgia of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervical nerves) 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.
- 20% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuralgia of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervical nerves) 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.
- 20% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuralgia of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervical nerves) 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.