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DC 8610Neurological ConditionsCriteria from 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8610

Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)

The VA rates Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals) under Diagnostic Code 8610 on the scale for DC 8510, with conditional limits and separate ratings for the dominant and non-dominant arm. The applicable level depends on the full criteria below and the evidence for the condition.

Rating schedule · DC 8610 at a glance

Rated on
DC 8510 scale

Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)

CFR section
§ 4.124a

Where this code is published

Body system
Neurological Conditions
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)?

DC 8610 38 CFR § 4.124a

Rated on the scale for DC 8510 (Upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals))

Each ceiling below is quoted from the regulation, with the DC 8510 row it points to and that row’s published percentages. Which one applies depends on the evidence.

  1. “Neuritis, cranial or peripheral, characterized by loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain, at times excruciating, is to be rated on the scale provided for injury of the nerve involved, with a maximum equal to severe, incomplete, paralysis.”

    38 CFR § 4.123

    Up to the DC 8510 “Severe” level.

    Dominant arm maximum50%Non-dominant arm maximum40%
  2. “The maximum rating which may be assigned for neuritis not characterized by organic changes referred to in this section will be that for moderate, or with sciatic nerve involvement, for moderately severe, incomplete paralysis.”

    38 CFR § 4.123

    Up to the DC 8510 “Moderate” level.

    Dominant arm maximum40%Non-dominant arm maximum30%
  3. “When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree.”

    38 CFR § 4.124a

    Up to the DC 8510 “Moderate” level.

    Dominant arm maximum40%Non-dominant arm maximum30%
Regulation text
Neuritis, cranial or peripheral, characterized by loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain, at times excruciating, is to be rated on the scale provided for injury of the nerve involved, with a maximum equal to severe, incomplete, paralysis. See nerve involved for diagnostic code number and rating. The maximum rating which may be assigned for neuritis not characterized by organic changes referred to in this section will be that for moderate, or with sciatic nerve involvement, for moderately severe, incomplete paralysis.
38 CFR § 4.123
The term “incomplete paralysis,” with this and other peripheral nerve injuries, indicates a degree of lost or impaired function substantially less than the type picture for complete paralysis given with each nerve, whether due to varied level of the nerve lesion or to partial regeneration. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateral involvement; when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor.
38 CFR § 4.124a
Other notes printed in this table

These notes appear in the same table in 38 CFR, and their text does not name DC 8610.

  • Note: Lesions involving only “dissociation of extensor communis digitorum” and “paralysis below the extensor communis digitorum,” will not exceed the moderate rating under code 8514.
  • Note: Not to be combined with lost motion above shoulder level.
  • Note: Combined nerve injuries should be rated by reference to the major involvement, or if sufficient in extent, consider radicular group ratings.
See the DC 8510 table

Source: 38 CFR § 4.124a, eCFR as of .

What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?

These diagnostic codes sit next to Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals) 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.

  1. 8527Paralysis of the internal saphenous nerve
  2. 8528Paralysis of the obturator nerve
  3. 8529Paralysis of the external cutaneous nerve of thigh
  4. 8530Paralysis of the ilio-inguinal nerve
  5. 8540Soft-tissue sarcoma (of neurogenic origin)
  6. 8611Neuritis of the middle radicular group
  7. 8612Neuritis of the lower radicular group
  8. 8613Neuritis of all radicular groups
  9. 8614Neuritis of the musculospiral nerve (radial nerve)
  10. 8615Neuritis of the median nerve
All 113 neurological conditions

What to do with a Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals) rating

The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.

Common Questions About Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals) VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)?

DC 8610 is rated on the DC 8510 scale, 38 CFR § 4.124a. “Neuritis, cranial or peripheral, characterized by loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain, at times excruciating, is to be rated on the scale provided for injury of the nerve involved, with a maximum equal to severe, incomplete, paralysis.” (38 CFR § 4.123): up to the “Severe” level, dominant arm 50% maximum, non-dominant arm 40% maximum. “The maximum rating which may be assigned for neuritis not characterized by organic changes referred to in this section will be that for moderate, or with sciatic nerve involvement, for moderately severe, incomplete paralysis.” (38 CFR § 4.123): up to the “Moderate” level, dominant arm 40% maximum, non-dominant arm 30% maximum. “When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree.” (38 CFR § 4.124a): up to the “Moderate” level, dominant arm 40% maximum, non-dominant arm 30% maximum.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)?

The VA rates Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8610, published in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)?

The key evidence for Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals) 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 Neuritis of the upper radicular group (fifth and sixth cervicals)?

The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8610 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.

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