Bell's Palsy (Facial Nerve Paralysis)

DC 8207Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8207 — Facial (Seventh Cranial) Nerve Paralysis

Sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face, caused by damage to the seventh cranial (facial) nerve. The VA rates this based on the severity of nerve involvement, from moderate incomplete paralysis to complete paralysis.

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the facial nerve on one side. You cannot move the muscles on the affected side of your face at all. This is the maximum rating.

What the VA looks for

Complete inability to move muscles on one side of face
Cannot close eye on affected side
Complete loss of forehead movement on affected side
Severe drooling and difficulty eating
Speech significantly affected
Need for eye protection (patches, drops, taping)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the full extent of facial paralysis — photographs and video showing facial asymmetry at rest and with expression are powerful evidence for your claim.
⚠Not reporting secondary eye problems — inability to close the eye leads to dry eye, corneal damage, and infections that may warrant a separate rating.
⚠Not connecting the onset to a service-connected event — cold exposure, infections, ear surgery, dental procedures, and TBI during service can all trigger Bell's palsy.
⚠Not documenting the psychological impact — visible facial paralysis commonly causes depression and social anxiety that may warrant a separate mental health rating.
⚠Not requesting evaluation for synkinesis — after partial recovery, abnormal nerve regrowth can cause involuntary facial movements (like eye twitching when smiling) that support a higher rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Cranial Nerves Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Bell's Palsy (Facial Nerve Paralysis)

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the facial nerve on one side. You cannot move the muscles on the affected side of your face at all. This is the maximum rating.

What the VA looks for

Complete inability to move muscles on one side of face
Cannot close eye on affected side
Complete loss of forehead movement on affected side
Severe drooling and difficulty eating
Speech significantly affected
Need for eye protection (patches, drops, taping)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the full extent of facial paralysis — photographs and video showing facial asymmetry at rest and with expression are powerful evidence for your claim.

⚠Not reporting secondary eye problems — inability to close the eye leads to dry eye, corneal damage, and infections that may warrant a separate rating.

⚠Not connecting the onset to a service-connected event — cold exposure, infections, ear surgery, dental procedures, and TBI during service can all trigger Bell's palsy.

⚠Not documenting the psychological impact — visible facial paralysis commonly causes depression and social anxiety that may warrant a separate mental health rating.

⚠Not requesting evaluation for synkinesis — after partial recovery, abnormal nerve regrowth can cause involuntary facial movements (like eye twitching when smiling) that support a higher rating.