---
title: "DC 8005 - Bulbar palsy"
diagnostic_code: "8005"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8005-bulbar-palsy"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:03:56.427337Z"
---

# DC 8005 - Bulbar palsy

Rated under § 4.124a. Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Bulbar palsy |

## Notes

- Note: It is required for the minimum ratings for residuals under diagnostic codes 8000-8025, that there be ascertainable residuals. Determinations as to the presence of residuals not capable of objective verification, i.e., headaches, dizziness, fatigability, must be approached on the basis of the diagnosis recorded; subjective residuals will be accepted when consistent with the disease and not more likely attributable to other disease or no disease. It is of exceptional importance that when ratings in excess of the prescribed minimum ratings are assigned, the diagnostic codes utilized as bases of evaluation be cited, in addition to the codes identifying the diagnoses.

# Bulbar Palsy (VA Diagnostic Code 8005)

**Understanding how the VA rates Bulbar Palsy under 38 CFR § 4.124a**

## What This Condition Is

Bulbar palsy is a neurological condition. Under the VA rating schedule, it falls within the **Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders** body system and is identified by **Diagnostic Code 8005**.

## Available Rating Level

The VA rating schedule provides the following evaluation for this condition:

| Rating | Criteria |
| ------ | -------- |
| **100%** | Bulbar palsy |

## What the VA Looks For When Rating This Condition

Bulbar palsy is rated under Diagnostic Code 8005, one of the diagnostic codes in the 8000–8025 series. When evaluating residuals under these codes, the VA applies the following guidance:

- **Ascertainable residuals are required** for the minimum ratings under Diagnostic Codes 8000–8025.
- **Residuals that cannot be objectively verified** — such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigability — are approached on the basis of the diagnosis recorded. Subjective residuals will be accepted when they are consistent with the disease and not more likely attributable to other disease or no disease.
- **When ratings above the prescribed minimum are assigned**, it is of exceptional importance that the diagnostic codes used as the basis of evaluation be cited, in addition to the codes identifying the diagnoses.

---

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a. It is provided for general informational purposes and describes the rating criteria as written. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts of each claim.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a