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Neuritis, tenth cranial nerve
Diagnostic code 8310 · Neurological conditions and convulsive disorders · 38 CFR 4.124a
VA has proposed changing these rules
The proposal (89 FR 88917, published November 12, 2024) is not in effect. The rules on this page still apply until VA publishes a final rule.
Read the proposal in the Federal RegisterRating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.124a. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
Printed at the start of this table in the regulation:
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Disability from lesions of peripheral portions of first, second, third, fourth, sixth, and eighth nerves will be rated under the Organs of Special Sense. The ratings for the cranial nerves are for unilateral involvement; when bilateral, combine but without the bilateral factor. |
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 8310 Neuritis. |
Rated on the scale for diagnostic code 8210: Tenth (pneumogastric, vagus), paralysis
The regulation rates neuritis and neuralgia of a nerve on the scale for paralysis of the same nerve, with the limits in 38 CFR 4.123, quoted here:
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.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 8210 Paralysis of: | |
| Complete | 50 |
| Incomplete, severe | 30 |
| Incomplete, moderate | 10 |
| Note : Dependent upon extent of sensory and motor loss to organs of voice, respiration, pharynx, stomach and heart. |
Related codes in the regulation
- 8210 Tenth (pneumogastric, vagus), paralysisRated using
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.124a, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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