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Rating Schedule for the Face Muscles

Last updated: Jan 20, 2026

Rating Schedule for the Face Muscles Conditions
TL;DR What You Need to Know
  • 10% rating available if facial muscle injury affects your ability to chew food
  • Physical muscle injury only - such as debris/shrapnel lodged in the muscle
  • Nerve damage or scars are rated under different schedules (cranial nerves or skin)

The muscles that allow you to make expressions and help you eat.

IMPORTANT: The following rating is for injuries affecting the facial muscles themselves. Think of something like bone/debris/shrapnel lodged in the muscle that prevents it from moving properly.

5325 Injury Affecting the Facial Muscles

PYRAMIDING NOTE:

If there are other issues that prevent the muscles from moving like

The Veteran will be rated under those schedules instead of this one.

However, the Veteran will get at a MINIMUM of a 10% rating under those schedules if the Veteran's ability to chew food is affected!

Rating
Description
10% If it affects ability to chew food.

Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQs)

To get an idea of how a C&P exam will be conducted it is recommended that the Veteran look at the applicable DBQ.

Veteran's may ask a physician to complete a DBQ on their behalf to submit with their claim. For more information on DBQs click HERE.

Having Trouble Finding Your Condition?

  • Click HERE to view the Master Condition List.

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