Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders§ 4.124aUpdated
Rating criteria

VA Diagnostic Code 8207Paralysis of: [Seventh (facial) cranial nerve]

Rated from 10% to 30% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.

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What each rating requires

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  1. 30%

    Complete

  2. 20%

    Incomplete, severe

  3. 10%

    Incomplete, moderate

From the schedule

Notes on this code

These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.

  • Note: Dependent upon relative loss of innervation of facial muscles.

VA Disability Rating: Paralysis of the Seventh (Facial) Cranial Nerve

Diagnostic Code 8207 · 38 CFR § 4.124a · Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders

Understanding This Condition

The seventh cranial nerve—also called the facial nerve—controls the muscles of the face. When this nerve is affected by paralysis, it can impact the movement and function of the facial muscles.

Under VA's rating schedule, paralysis of the seventh (facial) cranial nerve is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 8207, part of the neurological conditions and convulsive disorders group.

Available Rating Levels

VA assigns a disability rating based on how the condition presents. The rating levels for this condition are:

RatingCriteria
30%Complete
20%Incomplete, severe
10%Incomplete, moderate
  • A 30% rating applies to complete paralysis of the facial nerve.
  • A 20% rating applies to incomplete, severe paralysis.
  • A 10% rating applies to incomplete, moderate paralysis.

What the VA Looks For

When rating this condition, VA evaluations are dependent upon the relative loss of innervation of the facial muscles. In other words, the assessment focuses on the extent to which the facial nerve has lost its ability to activate the facial muscles.

This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8207. Individual evaluations are made by the VA based on the specifics of each case.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8207. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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What next

How to claim this

Knowing the criteria is the first half. Getting your file to show them is the second.

  1. Find your level in the stack

    Read each rung against what your medical records already say. The level your records document today is the one the VA can support today.

  2. Name the gap

    Look at the rung above yours and write down exactly what it asks for that your file does not show yet — a diagnosis, a measurement, a prescribed brace, a doctor’s opinion linking it to service.

  3. Claim it by code

    File under diagnostic code 8207 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders codes may cover your secondary conditions.

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