---
title: "DC 8205 - Paralysis of: [Fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve]"
diagnostic_code: "8205"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8205-paralysis-of-fifth-trigeminal-cranial-nerve"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:12:36.913698Z"
---

# DC 8205 - Paralysis of: [Fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve]

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 50% | Complete |
| 30% | Incomplete, severe |
| 10% | Incomplete, moderate |

## Notes

- Note: Dependent upon relative degree of sensory manifestation or motor loss.

# Trigeminal Nerve Paralysis (Fifth Cranial Nerve) — VA Disability Rating

**Diagnostic Code 8205 · 38 CFR § 4.124a · Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders**

## What This Condition Is

The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve. Paralysis of this nerve affects the face, and under VA rules it is rated based on how the paralysis presents.

According to the VA's own guidance for this code, the rating is **dependent upon the relative degree of sensory manifestation or motor loss** — in other words, how much sensation is affected and how much movement is lost.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA rates paralysis of the trigeminal nerve at three levels:

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| **50%** | Complete |
| **30%** | Incomplete, severe |
| **10%** | Incomplete, moderate |

- A **50%** rating applies when the paralysis is **complete**.
- A **30%** rating applies when the paralysis is **incomplete** and **severe**.
- A **10%** rating applies when the paralysis is **incomplete** and **moderate**.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating paralysis of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerve, the VA considers:

- Whether the paralysis is **complete** or **incomplete**.
- For incomplete paralysis, whether the presentation is **moderate** or **severe**.
- The **relative degree of sensory manifestation or motor loss**, which is the basis for determining the rating level.

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8205 under 38 CFR § 4.124a and is provided for general informational purposes.*

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