Reference: 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8207

What is the VA rating for Bells Palsy?

The published Bells Palsy schedule uses specific diagnostic codes.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

Under 38 CFR 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8207 (Seventh (facial) cranial nerve), VA rates Bell's Palsy (facial nerve paralysis) based on the severity of the paralysis, ranging from 10 percent for moderate incomplete paralysis to 30 percent for complete paralysis.

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Overview

About this condition

Under 38 CFR 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8207 (Seventh (facial) cranial nerve), VA rates Bell's Palsy (facial nerve paralysis) based on the severity of the paralysis, ranging from 10 percent for moderate incomplete paralysis to 30 percent for complete paralysis.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8207

This guide is educational only. RatingScope does not diagnose Bell's Palsy, cannot determine service connection, and does not predict a VA decision.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.

30%

Highest listed pathway

Complete paralysis.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Complete
What the published criteria say
This level applies when there is complete paralysis of the facial nerve.
Medical evidence
Neurological evaluation confirming complete facial nerve paralysis

20%

Next: 30% requires complete paralysis.

Severe incomplete paralysis.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Incomplete, severe
What the published criteria say
This level applies when paralysis of the facial nerve is incomplete but severe.
Medical evidence
Neurological evaluation confirming severe incomplete facial nerve paralysis

10%

Next: 20% requires severe incomplete paralysis.

Moderate incomplete paralysis.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Incomplete, moderate
What the published criteria say
This level applies when paralysis of the facial nerve is incomplete and moderate.
Medical evidence
Neurological evaluation confirming moderate incomplete facial nerve paralysis

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Understand the details behind the criteria

Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.

Acute facial paralysis versus chronic residual impairment

Bell's palsy causes temporary or permanent weakness of facial muscles controlled by the seventh cranial nerve. Ratings evaluate permanent residuals rather than temporary acute symptoms.

  • While many cases resolve within months, chronic residuals can include permanent facial asymmetry, difficulty closing the eye (lagophthalmos), and loss of taste on the front of the tongue.
  • Inability to fully close the eyelid creates risk of corneal drying and injury, which may warrant secondary evaluation under eye criteria.
  • Evaluations assess the degree of muscle weakness, motor function loss, and disfigurement caused by permanent nerve damage.

Records to review: Neurology or ENT examination records evaluating facial nerve motor function; Ophthalmology records documenting corneal health and eyelid closure; Photographic evidence or clinical descriptions of facial asymmetry.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Medical Evidence 1

A confirmed medical diagnosis of Bell's Palsy or facial nerve paralysis.

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

Medical Evidence 2

Records from a neurologist or examiner detailing the severity of the paralysis (complete, severe incomplete, or moderate incomplete).

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

VA forms and DBQs (from VA.gov)

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

The public DBQ shows the kinds of findings an examiner may record. A veteran may review it, or may share it with a private clinician, before a C&P exam. RatingScope does not tell any person what to submit.

Terminology

Plain-English terms

Common Questions

Questions veterans commonly ask

Related Conditions

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Bell's Palsy (Facial Nerve Paralysis) is evaluated under the Cranial Nerves assessment

RatingScope compares Bell's Palsy (Facial Nerve Paralysis) records using the published criteria in the Cranial Nerves assessment. Compare your documented records against the criteria.

Informational guidance only. RatingScope does not predict, decide, or guarantee VA outcomes.

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Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Bells Palsy

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Bells Palsy yet.

Educational Guides & Evidence Resources

In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Bells Palsy.

Paralysis, Neuritis, & Neuralgia: How VA Selects Nerve Diagnostic Codes

Understand how the VA distinguishes between paralysis (85xx), neuritis (86xx), and neuralgia (87xx) in 38 CFR 4.124a and how rating ceilings apply.

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Related Tools

Compare a percentage level and combined-rating math, or review evidence context.

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VA Math & Combined Ratings

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Evidence Center

Understand common evidence categories and what they can clarify without treating them as a checklist.

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