Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve
The VA rates Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8719 across 3 severity levels, from 0% to 20%. With a cap of 20%, most veterans pursue secondary conditions to increase their combined rating.
Rating schedule — DC 8719 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 20%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.124
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 20%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Mild; 0 |
| 10% | Moderate; 10 |
| 20% | Complete; inability to raise arm above shoulder level, winged scapula deformity; 30 (Neuralgia — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.124) |
“Moderate; 10”
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 8714Neuralgia of the Musculospiral Nerve (Radial Nerve)Rated up to 20%
- 8715Neuralgia of the Median NerveRated up to 30%
- 8716Neuralgia of the Ulnar NerveRated up to 30%
- 8717Neuralgia of the Musculocutaneous NerveRated up to 20%
- 8718Neuralgia of the Circumflex NerveRated up to 20%
- 8720Neuralgia of the Sciatic NerveRated up to 20%
- 8721Neuralgia of the External Popliteal Nerve (Common Peroneal)Rated up to 20%
- 8722Neuralgia of the Musculocutaneous Nerve (Superficial Peroneal)Rated up to 20%
- 8723Neuralgia of the Anterior Tibial Nerve (Deep Peroneal)Rated up to 20%
- 8724Neuralgia of the Internal Popliteal Nerve (Tibial)Rated up to 20%
Common Questions About Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve?
The VA rates Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve under Diagnostic Code 8719 at 0%, 10%, 20%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Mild; 0. The maximum 20% rating requires: Complete; inability to raise arm above shoulder level, winged scapula deformity; 30 (Neuralgia — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.124).
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve?
The VA rates Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8719, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 20% rating for Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve?
A 0% rating requires: Mild; 0. A 20% rating requires: Complete; inability to raise arm above shoulder level, winged scapula deformity; 30 (Neuralgia — maximum rating is moderate incomplete paralysis per 38 CFR § 4.124). The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve qualify for TDIU?
Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve maxes at 20%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve?
The key evidence for Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Neuralgia of the Long Thoracic Nerve?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8719 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits