---
title: "DC 8207 - Paralysis of: [Seventh (facial) cranial nerve]"
diagnostic_code: "8207"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8207-paralysis-of-seventh-facial-cranial-nerve"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:12:54.006948Z"
---

# DC 8207 - Paralysis of: [Seventh (facial) cranial nerve]

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | Complete |
| 20% | Incomplete, severe |
| 10% | Incomplete, moderate |

## Notes

- 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:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **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.

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*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.*

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