---
title: "DC 8307 - Neuritis [Seventh (facial) cranial nerve]"
diagnostic_code: "8307"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8307-neuritis-seventh-facial-cranial-nerve"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:25:58.997934Z"
---

# DC 8307 - Neuritis [Seventh (facial) cranial nerve]

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

Neuritis of the seventh (facial) cranial nerve.

Rate as Paralysis of: [Seventh (facial) cranial nerve] (DC 8207)

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 10% | Incomplete, moderate |

## Notes

- Rated by analogy to Paralysis of: [Seventh (facial) cranial nerve] (DC 8207). Per § 4.123, neuritis not characterized by organic changes (loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain, at times excruciating) is rated at a maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis; with such organic changes it may be rated up to severe incomplete paralysis.

# Facial Nerve Neuritis (VA Diagnostic Code 8307)

## Understanding Neuritis of the Seventh (Facial) Cranial Nerve

**Diagnostic Code:** 8307
**CFR Section:** § 4.124a
**Body System:** Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders

---

## What This Condition Is

**Neuritis of the seventh (facial) cranial nerve** refers to inflammation affecting the facial nerve. The seventh cranial nerve is one of the nerves involved in controlling the muscles of the face.

Under the VA rating schedule, this condition is evaluated **by analogy to Paralysis of the Seventh (Facial) Cranial Nerve (Diagnostic Code 8207)**. In other words, the VA uses the framework for facial nerve paralysis as the basis for assigning a rating.

---

## How the VA Rates This Condition

The VA assigns disability ratings for facial nerve neuritis using the following level:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **10%** | Incomplete, moderate |

Because this condition is rated by analogy, the severity is described using the terms used for incomplete paralysis of the facial nerve.

---

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating facial nerve neuritis, the VA considers the guidance in **§ 4.123**:

- **Neuritis *without* organic changes** — meaning without findings such as loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain (at times excruciating) — is rated at a **maximum of moderate incomplete paralysis**.

- **Neuritis *with* such organic changes** — including loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain (at times excruciating) — **may be rated up to severe incomplete paralysis**.

The VA reviews the medical evidence to determine whether these organic changes are present, as this affects the level at which the condition can be rated.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8307). Individual ratings depend on the specific facts and medical evidence in each case.*

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