The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection for Bell's Palsy of the seventh and fifth cranial nerves was denied. The claim for an increased rating for Bell's Palsy of the fifth cranial nerve is granted, while the claim for an increased rating for Bell's Palsy of the seventh cranial nerve remains denied.
The deciding factor: The April 2024 VA examination found moderate incomplete paralysis in both the seventh and fifth cranial nerves, warranting a 10% disability rating for the fifth cranial nerve. The severity of the seventh cranial nerve's Bell's Palsy did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Bell's Palsy of the seventh cranial nerve, Bell's Palsy of the fifth cranial nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 9, 2026
- Citation
- A26002420
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 A26002420.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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