---
title: "DC 8209 - Paralysis of: [Ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve]"
diagnostic_code: "8209"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8209-paralysis-of-ninth-glossopharyngeal-cranial-nerve"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:13:08.032105Z"
---

# DC 8209 - Paralysis of: [Ninth (glossopharyngeal) 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 ordinary sensation in mucous membrane of the pharynx, fauces, and tonsils.

# VA Disability Rating: Paralysis of the Ninth (Glossopharyngeal) Cranial Nerve

**Diagnostic Code 8209 · 38 CFR § 4.124a · Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders**

## What This Condition Involves

The ninth cranial nerve, known as the glossopharyngeal nerve, plays a role in sensation in the back of the throat. Paralysis of this nerve is rated under Diagnostic Code 8209 within the VA's schedule for Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.

Under § 4.124a, this condition is rated based on the **relative loss of ordinary sensation in the mucous membrane of the pharynx, fauces, and tonsils**.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete, and if incomplete, how severe it is:

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

## What the VA Looks For

When rating paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve, the VA evaluates the **relative loss of ordinary sensation in the mucous membrane of the pharynx, fauces, and tonsils**. The degree of this sensory loss helps determine whether the paralysis is considered complete, or incomplete at a severe or moderate level.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a. Individual ratings depend on the specific findings in each case.*

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