The Veteran's Bell's Palsy was initially rated at 10 percent prior to April 22, 2009 and increased to 20 percent effective on that date. The Board found the disability picture more nearly approximated severe incomplete paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve prior to April 22, 2009, but moderate incomplete paralysis since then.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's Bell's Palsy was shown to have manifested by a disability picture that more closely resembled severe incomplete paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve prior to April 22, 2009 and moderate incomplete paralysis since then.
- Claimed conditions
- Bell's Palsy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 3, 2010
- Citation
- 1029092
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1029092.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is granted a rating of 30 percent, the maximum allowed. The claims for increased ratings and service connection for other conditions are denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Bell's Palsy, bilateral hearing loss, contact dermatitis, migraines, and right lower extremity sciatica due to a lack of new and relevant evidence.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral foot condition, to include plantar fasciitis and pes planus. The claims for other conditions were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for hemicrania continua is being remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. Additionally, the need for treatment records related to Bell's Palsy and residuals is noted.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.