Diagnostic Code 8005 · 38 CFR §4.124a
Bulbar palsy is a condition affecting the motor neurons in the brainstem that control the muscles used for swallowing, speaking, and tongue movement. This results in difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), slurred or nasal speech (dysarthria), drooling, and tongue weakness or wasting. Bulbar palsy can develop from brainstem strokes, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), brain tumors, or traumatic brain injuries sustained during service. The condition is often progressive and can become life-threatening when swallowing is severely impaired, as food or liquid can enter the lungs.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% |
Neurologist's examination documenting bulbar findings, Swallowing study (videofluoroscopic or FEES) showing dysphagia, Speech-language pathology evaluation documenting speech impairment, Brain MRI showing the underlying cause (stroke, tumor, lesion), EMG/nerve conduction studies if motor neuron disease is suspected, Treatment records documenting progression and management