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Bell's Palsy VA Disability Rating
DC 8207 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.4.F
OVERVIEW
Bell's Palsy (paralysis of the 7th cranial nerve) is rated under DC 8207 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a. Rating based on degree of nerve involvement — complete vs. incomplete (severe or moderate). Bell's palsy secondary to Lyme disease is common and service-connectable. Ratings are for unilateral involvement; bilateral involvement is combined without the bilateral factor.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
30% — Complete paralysis of facial nerve
Complete paralysis of the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve, DC 8207) — complete loss of innervation of facial muscles on the affected side.
20% — Incomplete, severe
Incomplete paralysis, severe — most facial muscles affected with significant functional loss and visible asymmetry at rest and with movement.
10% — Incomplete, moderate
Incomplete paralysis, moderate — partial loss of facial muscle function with visible asymmetry on movement. Rate dependent upon relative loss of innervation of facial muscles.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Neurology evaluation documenting degree of facial nerve palsy
-House-Brackmann grading scale documentation (Grade I-VI)
-Electromyography (EMG) of facial muscles
-Eye care records if corneal complications from incomplete eye closure
-Records of Lyme disease if applicable as nexus
-Service records documenting period of onset
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (1 MAPPED)
DC 6001
Inability to fully close eye causes corneal damage — rate eye complications separately.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Document the House-Brackmann grade: Grade V-VI is complete (30%), Grade III-IV is severe (20%), Grade II-III is moderate (10%).
2.If you cannot fully close your eye, document any corneal complications — separately ratable under eye codes.
3.Bell's palsy secondary to service-connected Lyme disease has direct nexus — file the secondary claim.
4.Bilateral Bell's palsy (from Lyme or sarcoidosis) rates each side separately but without the bilateral factor.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, DC 8207 (Paralysis of facial nerve)
Bell's palsy (7th cranial nerve paralysis) rates under DC 8207 based on degree of paralysis: Complete = 30%, Incomplete severe = 20%, Incomplete moderate = 10%. Note: rating is dependent upon relative loss of innervation of facial muscles, not just at rest appearance.
DOLLAR IMPACT
10% moderate palsy: $175.03/mo. 20% severe incomplete: adds to combined rating. 30% complete: $524.31/mo. Bell's palsy secondary to Lyme adds significantly across all Lyme-related body system claims.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026