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.
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.
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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.
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8305 Neuritis
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
| 30% | Severe. |
8405 Neuralgia
Limitation of Motion of the Jaw
If only ROM is affected the Veteran will be rated under Temporomandibular disorder.
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
8307 Neuritis
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
| 20% | Severe. |
8407 Neuralgia
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
8309 Neuritis
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
| 20% | Severe. |
8409 Neuralgia
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
8310 Neuritis
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
| 30% | Severe. |
8410 Neuralgia
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
8311 Neuritis
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
| 20% | Severe. |
8411 Neuralgia
Limitation of Motion
If only ROM is affected the Veteran will be rated under the appropriate Musculoskeletal schedule.
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
8312 Neuritis
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
| 30% | Severe. |
8412 Neuralgia
| Rating |
Description |
|---|---|
| 10% |
Moderate. |
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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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