Facial Nerve Neuritis

DC 8307Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8307

Inflammation or irritation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) causing pain, tingling, and partial weakness of the facial muscles. Unlike complete facial nerve paralysis, neuritis involves primarily sensory symptoms and incomplete motor involvement. The VA rates this condition based on the degree of sensory and motor impairment.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 8307

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8307. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have severe facial nerve neuritis with significant motor and sensory impairment. You have marked facial drooping, cannot close your eye on the affected side, and experience constant pain or severe discomfort.

What the VA looks for

Severe facial asymmetry with marked drooping
Inability to close the eye on the affected side
Constant facial pain or severe paresthesias
Difficulty with speech articulation
Corneal exposure due to incomplete eye closure requiring protective measures

Common Pitfalls

⚠Confusing neuritis (DC 8307) with paralysis (DC 8207) — neuritis involves inflammation and irritation with primarily sensory symptoms and incomplete motor loss, while paralysis involves complete motor nerve damage. The maximum neuritis rating is limited to the severe incomplete paralysis level.
⚠Not documenting the sensory component — facial pain, tingling, and burning are key features of neuritis that distinguish it from pure paralysis, and these symptoms should be thoroughly described during the C&P exam.
⚠Not protecting the eye — if you cannot fully close your eye, document the use of eye patches, moisture chambers, lubricating drops, and any corneal complications, as these support the severity of the condition.
⚠Not filing secondary claims for depression or anxiety — visible facial disfigurement and chronic pain commonly cause mental health conditions that warrant separate ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Cranial Nerves Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Facial Nerve Neuritis

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 8307

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Severe facial asymmetry with marked drooping
Inability to close the eye on the affected side
Constant facial pain or severe paresthesias
Difficulty with speech articulation
Corneal exposure due to incomplete eye closure requiring protective measures

Common Pitfalls

⚠Confusing neuritis (DC 8307) with paralysis (DC 8207) — neuritis involves inflammation and irritation with primarily sensory symptoms and incomplete motor loss, while paralysis involves complete motor nerve damage. The maximum neuritis rating is limited to the severe incomplete paralysis level.

⚠Not documenting the sensory component — facial pain, tingling, and burning are key features of neuritis that distinguish it from pure paralysis, and these symptoms should be thoroughly described during the C&P exam.

⚠Not protecting the eye — if you cannot fully close your eye, document the use of eye patches, moisture chambers, lubricating drops, and any corneal complications, as these support the severity of the condition.

⚠Not filing secondary claims for depression or anxiety — visible facial disfigurement and chronic pain commonly cause mental health conditions that warrant separate ratings.