Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Neuralgia under this code refers to nerve pain and damage that affects your hand and wrist function, specifically involving the median nerve (which controls thumb and finger movement). The VA rates this condition using the same criteria as nerve paralysis, ranging from 10% for mild symptoms up to 60% for complete nerve dysfunction. The 60% rating describes severe "ape hand" deformity where your thumb sits flat against your palm, you can't make a fist, and you have significant muscle wasting in your thumb area.
Rating levels
- 30% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuralgia of the median nerve 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 median nerve 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.
- 10% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuralgia of the median nerve 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.
- 10% — Under 38 CFR §4.124a, neuralgia of the median nerve 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.