Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve
The VA rates Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve under Diagnostic Code 8209 across 3 severity levels, from 10% to 30%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 8209 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Incomplete, moderate |
| 20% | Incomplete, severe |
| 30% | Complete |
“Incomplete, severe”
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 8106Chorea, Huntington'sRated up to 0%
- 8107Athetosis, acquiredRated up to 0%
- 8108NarcolepsyRated up to 0%
- 8205Paralysis of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerveRated up to 50%
- 8207Paralysis of the seventh (facial) cranial nerveRated up to 30%
- 8210Paralysis of the tenth (pneumogastric, vagus) cranial nerveRated up to 50%
- 8211Paralysis of the eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerveRated up to 30%
- 8212Paralysis of the twelfth (hypoglossal) cranial nerveRated up to 50%
- 8305Neuritis of the fifth (trigeminal) cranial nerveRated up to 10%
- 8307Neuritis of the seventh (facial) cranial nerveRated up to 10%
Common Questions About Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve?
The VA rates Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve under Diagnostic Code 8209 at 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Incomplete, moderate. The maximum 30% rating requires: Complete.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve?
The VA rates Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8209, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 30% rating for Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve?
A 10% rating requires: Incomplete, moderate. A 30% rating requires: Complete. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve qualify for TDIU?
Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve?
The key evidence for Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Paralysis of the ninth (glossopharyngeal) cranial nerve?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8209 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.
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