★ Neurological
Bell's Palsy VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8207
Overview
Acute Bell's palsy often resolves within weeks to months with treatment.
Residuals such as facial weakness, synkinesis, and incomplete eye closure are what VA rates.
Photographs and standardized facial movement scales (House-Brackmann) help document severity.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: documented in-service onset.
- Secondary to viral illness during service or to a service-connected condition affecting the nerve.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8207
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Moderate incomplete paralysis. |
| 20% | Severe incomplete paralysis. |
| 30% | Complete paralysis. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Neurology or ENT documentation.
- Photographs at rest and during facial movement.
- Treatment records (steroids, antivirals, PT).
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Bell's Palsy:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Bell's Palsy claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.