Bell's Palsy (Facial Nerve Paralysis)
Bell's palsy is sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side, caused by inflammation of the seventh (facial) cranial nerve. VA rates it on how much facial muscle function is lost, up to 30 percent.
How the VA rates it
Rated under DC 8207 (seventh cranial nerve paralysis) based on the relative loss of innervation of the facial muscles - how much movement and control of the face is actually lost. Complete paralysis rates 30 percent, with lower ratings for incomplete impairment. Many Bell's palsy cases resolve substantially, so the rating reflects current residual function, not the initial episode.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 30%Complete paralysis of the facial nerve - loss of muscle function on the affected side (unable to close the eye, drooping mouth, loss of facial expression).
Severe incomplete paralysis - substantial but not total loss of facial muscle function.
Moderate incomplete paralysis - noticeable weakness of the facial muscles with partial loss of function.
Secondary condition strategy
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — Facial (cranial nerve VII) paralysis can be a physical residual of head trauma and is rated separately from the TBI facet evaluation.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Get current photos and an exam documenting residual weakness - eye closure, smile symmetry, brow movement - since the rating is based on present function, not the original episode.
- If residuals persisted after an in-service episode, continuity of symptoms in treatment records (or lay statements) supports service connection.
- Residual complications can be rated separately: eye dryness or exposure problems, disfigurement (scarring/asymmetry under the skin codes), or taste loss - raise each one explicitly.
Rating rules to know
Facial muscle impairment is rated once under 8207 - but distinct residuals such as eye complications or facial disfigurement may be separately ratable when based on different manifestations.
Related diagnostic codes
More neurological conditions
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are recurring severe headaches, often with nausea and light sensitivity. VA rates them entirely on how often you have 'prostrating' attacks - attacks so severe you must stop what you are doing and lie down.
Rated up to 50%
Sciatic Radiculopathy (Lower Extremity)
Sciatic radiculopathy is nerve pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the low back down the leg, usually caused by a spine condition pressing on the sciatic nerve root. VA rates it per leg based on how severe the nerve impairment is.
Rated up to 80%
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the feet, legs, or hands causing burning pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness - most often from diabetes. There is no single diagnostic code: VA rates each affected nerve in each extremity separately.
Rated up to 80%
Upper Extremity Radiculopathy (Cervical Radiculopathy)
Cervical radiculopathy is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand from a compressed nerve root. VA rates it per arm, with higher percentages for your dominant (major) arm.
Rated up to 70%
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. VA rates it per wrist under the median nerve code, with higher percentages for your dominant hand.
Rated up to 70%
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residuals
TBI residuals are the lasting effects of a head injury - problems with memory, concentration, mood, headaches, dizziness, and more. VA rates TBI with a unique facet-based system where your single worst area of impairment sets the rating.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.