Rating Schedule for the Cranial Nerves

The cranial nerves are those that come directly from the brain, not the spinal cord.

NOTE:

• While there are a total of 12 cranial nerves. Only 6 of them can be rated under this schedule. The other 6 are rated under the Special senses schedule.

PRESUMPTIVE CONDITION:

• If diagnosed within a Year of separation AND the severity warranted at least a 10% evaluation within that time.

PYRAMIDING NOTES:

• The nerve can only be rated under ONE category OR however it affects range of motion (ROM). Whichever will give the Veteran the highest rating.

  • However, if the Veteran has a Musculoskeletal issue that can be attributed to the limitation of ROM. Then the Veteran CAN get separate ratings for both the nerve AND the ROM!

• The Veteran CAN get separate evaluations for each of the following 6 nerves.

• There are a pair of nerves (each controlling a side of the body). The Veteran CAN get an individual rating for BOTH sides affected! Meaning a Veteran can get upwards of a total of 12 separate evaluations! Do know that the cranial nerves however are NOT eligible for the Bilateral factor.

Categorizes & Severity Explained

Nerve conditions are placed into 1 of 3 categories. Which are then rated upon their severity.

Paralysis

Inability to control or sense.

• Incomplete (Mild) - Feelings of tingling or mild pain. Some mild ROM impacts.

• Incomplete (Moderate) - Feelings of tingling, numbness, moderate pain, or other symptoms that do interfere with ability to function.

• Incomplete (Severe) - Ability to function is seriously limited. Symptoms might include things like poor blood circulation and loss of muscle mass.

• Complete - No sensation or control, basically it is gone.

Neuritis

Pain or numbness without nerve degeneration or objective signs of nerve dysfunction (the doctor seeing/finding it).

• Mild - Loss of sensation, loss of muscle mass, or loss of reflexes. The total impact does not significantly impacts ability to function.

• Moderate - Loss of sensation, loss of muscle mass, or loss of reflexes. The total impact significantly impacts ability to function.

• Severe - Loss of sensation, loss of muscle mass, and loss of reflexes. The total impact seriously impacts ability to function.

Neuralgia

Stabbing, burning, and often severe pain due to an irritated or damaged nerve.

• Mild - Tingling or mild pain. The total impact does not really affect overall function.

• Moderate - Tingling, numbness, or moderate to severe pain. The total impact significantly impacts ability to function.

The Trigeminal Nerve (V Nerve, Fifth Nerve)

Nerve that lets your feel your face and controls chewing and biting.

NOTE:

• If only jaw range of motion is affected the Veteran will be rated under Temporomandibular disorder.

8205 Paralysis

8305 Neuritis

8405 Neuralgia

The Facial Nerve (VII Nerve, Seventh Nerve)

Nerve that lets you move your face muscles.

8207 Paralysis

8307 Neuritis

8407 Neuralgia

The Glossopharynegal Nerve (IX Nerve, Ninth Nerve)

Nerve that provides feeling in throat/tonsils and controls swallowing.

8209 Paralysis

8309 Neuritis

8409 Neuralgia

The Vagus Nerve (X Nerve, Tenth Nerve)

Nerve that helps control swallowing and speaking, also helps control the heart.

8210 Paralysis

8310 Neuritis

8410 Neuralgia

The Spinal Accessory Nerve (XI Nerve, Eleventh Nerve, Accessory Nerve)

Nerve that controls ability to shrug your shoulders and move your head.

NOTE:

• If only range of motion is affected the Veteran will be rated under the appropriate Musculoskeletal schedule.

8211 Paralysis

8311 Neuritis

8411 Neuralgia

The Hypoglossal Nerve (XII Nerve, Twelfth Nerve)

Nerve that controls the tongue.

8212 Paralysis

8312 Neuritis

8412 Neuralgia

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.

• Cranial Nerve Conditions

Having Trouble Finding Your Condition?

• Click HERE to view the Master Condition List.

References

• 38 CFR § 4.120 - Evaluations by comparison

• 38 CFR § 4.123 - Neuritis, cranial or peripheral

• 38 CFR § 4.124 - Neuralgia, cranial or peripheral

• 38 CFR § 4.124a - Schedule of ratings—neurological conditions and convulsive disorders

• M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 12, Section A - Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders

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