If you experience facial pain, can’t close your eyes, or have an abnormal taste sensation, you may be entitled to a Bell’s palsy VA Rating.
Symptoms of Bell’s palsy can significantly impact the quality of your life, but your VA benefits and compensation could just be around the corner…
In this post, we examine what you need to know about Bell’s Palsy VA Disability Ratings so you can get the VA disability rating, benefits, and VA compensation you deserve.
Let’s get to it!
Summary of Key Points
- Bell’s palsy VA disability ratings range from 10% to 30%, based on facial nerve paralysis severity.
- Qualifying for a VA disability rating for Bell’s palsy requires three elements: diagnosis, evidence of an in-service event, and a medical nexus.
- Veterans can file a VA claim online, by mail, in person, or by fax using Form 21-526EZ.
Table of Contents
Bell’s Palsy VA Ratings
The VA rating for Bell’s palsy is 10%, 20%, or 30%, depending on the extent of facial nerve paralysis.
You can find the VA rating for Bell’s palsy under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8207, Diseases of the Cranial Nerves.
Bell’s Palsy VA Rating Chart
| DC 8207, Paralysis | VA Rating |
| Complete paralysis | 30% |
| Severe incomplete paralysis | 20% |
| Moderate incomplete paralysis | 10% |
Note: Dependent upon relative loss of innervation of facial muscles.
How to Prove a Service Connection for Bell’s Palsy
To receive a Bell’s palsy VA disability rating, you must first establish a service connection with these three key points:
- A current medical diagnosis of Bell’s palsy
- Evidence of an in-service event, injury, disease, or aggravation.
- A “nexus” (or link) between #1 and #2 via competent medical evidence.
3 Things Needed to Prove Your Service-Connected Disability
How to File a VA Claim for Bell’s Palsy
The quickest way to file a VA claim for Bell’s palsy is online. However, jumping online isn’t the only option.
You can also file a VA claim using one of the following methods when submitting VA form 21-526EZ.
By mail
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
In-person
You can bring your application to the nearest VA regional office.
By fax
If you’re in the U.S., fax your application to 844-531-7818.
If you’re outside the U.S., fax your application to 248-524-4260.
Filing a VA claim can be frustrating and overwhelming, so don’t forget to check out our guide on How to File a VA Claim to help you in the process. We’ve got your back!
Denied Bell’s Palsy VA Rating Claim?
If your VA Bell’s Palsy claim was denied, you have options. Don’t give up!!
As of February 19, 2019, you can choose from one of the following three decision review options:
You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.
WE CAN HELP.
Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Learn what you’ve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you’ve earned for your service.
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process so you can get the rating and compensation you are owed by law.
Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating FAST!
If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you are unsure how to get started—reach out to us! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you have been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
Content Reviewed by: Quality Assurance (QA) Team
The Quality Assurance (QA) team has over 36 years of combined experience in meticulously researching accuracy and fact-finding information. The Quality Assurance team’s expertise includes specialized experience in the VA Claims Adjudication processes, applicable VA laws, and regulations. Reviews were structured around considerations of the intended audience and examined the content’s relevance, accuracy, structure, and clarity. Changes suggested by the QA team were incorporated by content writers and creators.
