2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D43.3Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cranial nerves

ICD-10-CM CodesC00–D49D37-D48D43

ICD-10-CM D43.3
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

D43.3 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cranial nerves. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Neoplasms of unspecified nature or uncertain behavior.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
D43.3
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cranial nerves
Short Description
Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cranial nerves
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of brain and central nervous system

Code Classification

ChapterC00–D49Neoplasms
SectionD37-D48Neoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes
CategoryD43Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of brain and central nervous system
This CodeD43.3Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cranial nerves

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Bilateral optic glioma
  • Chiasmal glioma
  • Disorder of olfactory nerve
  • Intracranial optic nerve glioma
  • Intraocular optic nerve glioma
  • Left optic glioma
  • Neoplasm of abducens nerve
  • Neoplasm of accessory nerve
  • Neoplasm of facial nerve
  • Neoplasm of glossopharyngeal nerve
  • Neoplasm of hypoglossal nerve
  • Neoplasm of oculomotor nerve
  • Neoplasm of olfactory nerve
  • Neoplasm of trigeminal nerve
  • Neoplasm of trochlear nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of abducens nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of accessory nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cranial nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of facial nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of glossopharyngeal nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of hypoglossal nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of oculomotor nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of olfactory nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of optic nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of trigeminal nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of trochlear nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of vagus nerve
  • Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of vestibulocochlear nerve
  • Neoplasm of vagus nerve
  • Optic nerve glioma
  • Optic nerve glioma of orbit
  • Right optic glioma

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR NEO072
Neoplasms of unspecified nature or uncertain behavior
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Optic Nerve Glioma

    glial cell derived tumors arising from the optic nerve, usually presenting in childhood.

Table of NeoplasmsClinical

Anatomical sites in the Table of Neoplasms that reference this code family.

SiteMalig.
Primary
Malig.
Secondary
Ca
in situ
BenignUncertainUnspec.
acoustic nerveC72.4C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
auditory nerveC72.4C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
chiasma opticumC72.3C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
cranial (fossa, any) nerveC72.50C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
cranial (fossa, any) nerve specified NECC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
ganglia [See Also: Neoplasm, nerve, peripheral] cranial nerveC72.50C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) abducensC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) accessory (spinal)C72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) acousticC72.4C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) auditoryC72.4C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) cranialC72.50C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) cranial specified NECC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) facialC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) glossopharyngealC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) hypoglossalC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) oculomotorC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) olfactoryC47.2C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) opticC72.3C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) spinal NEC accessoryC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) trigeminalC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) trochlearC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
nerve (ganglion) vagusC72.59C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
olfactory nerve or bulbC72.2C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7
optic nerve, chiasm, or tractC72.3C79.49D33.3D43.3D49.7

Patient EducationClinical

Peripheral Nerve Disorders

Nerves are like wires that carry messages back and forth between your brain and your body. Your peripheral nerves branch off from your brain and spinal cord and connect to all parts of your body, including your muscles and organs.

The full article covers:

  • What are peripheral nerves?
  • What are peripheral nerve disorders?
  • What causes peripheral nerve disorders?
  • What are the symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders?
  • How are peripheral nerve disorders diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for peripheral nerve disorders?
  • Can peripheral nerve disorders be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert D43.3 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
237.9 Unc beh neo nerv sys NEC
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About D43.3Overview

Is D43.3 a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cranial nerves on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of D43.3?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, neoplasm of uncertain behavior of cranial nerves converts to ICD-9-CM 237.9 (unc beh neo nerv sys NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.