Trigeminal Neuralgia

DC 8205Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8205 — Trigeminal (Fifth Cranial) Nerve Paralysis

Severe, shock-like facial pain caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve. Even light touch to the face, eating, or talking can trigger episodes of intense pain. The VA rates it based on the severity of nerve involvement.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 8205

Rating range

10% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8205 — Trigeminal (Fifth Cranial) Nerve Paralysis. 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 complete paralysis of the trigeminal nerve. This is the maximum rating.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of sensation in trigeminal distribution
Severe, debilitating facial pain
Loss of motor function of muscles of mastication
Unable to chew or has significant difficulty eating

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not describing the intensity and frequency of pain episodes — trigeminal neuralgia is called the "suicide disease" because of the severe pain. Make sure your records reflect this severity.
⚠Not documenting triggers — eating, talking, wind on face, brushing teeth. This shows how the condition limits daily activities.
⚠Not reporting weight loss or nutritional problems from avoiding eating due to pain — this supports the functional impact of your condition.
⚠Not connecting trigeminal neuralgia to a TBI, dental procedure, or other in-service event that caused or aggravated the nerve damage.
⚠Not filing for secondary depression or anxiety — chronic severe pain commonly causes mental health conditions.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Cranial Nerves Diseases

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Trigeminal Neuralgia or rated under the same body system.

Migraine Headaches

DC 8100·Neurological

Radiculopathy — Sciatic Nerve

DC 8520·Neurological

Peripheral Neuropathy — Lower Extremities

DC 8520·Neurological

Peripheral Neuropathy — Upper Extremities

DC 8515·Neurological

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

DC 8045·Neurological

Epilepsy — Grand Mal (Generalized Convulsive)

DC 8910·Neurological

Epilepsy — Petit Mal (Absence)

DC 8911·Neurological

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

DC 8515·Neurological

Condition Rating Guides

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

Trigeminal Neuralgia

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8205

Rating range

10% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have complete paralysis of the trigeminal nerve. This is the maximum rating.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of sensation in trigeminal distribution
Severe, debilitating facial pain
Loss of motor function of muscles of mastication
Unable to chew or has significant difficulty eating

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not describing the intensity and frequency of pain episodes — trigeminal neuralgia is called the "suicide disease" because of the severe pain. Make sure your records reflect this severity.

⚠Not documenting triggers — eating, talking, wind on face, brushing teeth. This shows how the condition limits daily activities.

⚠Not reporting weight loss or nutritional problems from avoiding eating due to pain — this supports the functional impact of your condition.

⚠Not connecting trigeminal neuralgia to a TBI, dental procedure, or other in-service event that caused or aggravated the nerve damage.

⚠Not filing for secondary depression or anxiety — chronic severe pain commonly causes mental health conditions.