VA Disability Conditions
Edited by Shirley Chia
Each VA disability condition is rated under a specific diagnostic code in 38 CFR Part 4 (the Schedule for Rating Disabilities). The brackets, evidence, and DBQ form vary by condition. Below: the most-rated conditions on this site. Additional condition guides are being published throughout 2026.
PTSD
PTSD is rated on the General Mental Disorders scale (38 CFR 4.130) at 0% / 10% / 30% / 50% / 70% / 100%. Diagnostic code 9411.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is rated under Diagnostic Code 6260 with a single 10% maximum, regardless of severity or unilateral vs bilateral presentation.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is rated under Diagnostic Code 6847 at 0% / 30% / 50% / 100%. CPAP-required automatically rates 50% or higher.
Depression
Depression (MDD, persistent depressive disorder) is rated under 38 CFR 4.130 General Mental scale at 0% / 10% / 30% / 50% / 70% / 100%.
Hypertension
Hypertension is rated under DC 7101 at 10% / 20% / 40% / 60% based on diastolic and systolic blood pressure readings.
Lower Back (Lumbar Spine)
Lumbar spine disabilities are rated under the General Rating Formula for the Spine (38 CFR 4.71a) at 10% / 20% / 40% / 50% based on forward flexion.
Anxiety Disorders
Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety are rated under 38 CFR 4.130 at 0% / 10% / 30% / 50% / 70% / 100%.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are rated under DC 8100 at 0% / 10% / 30% / 50% based on prostrating attack frequency and economic impact.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is rated under DC 6100 using combined puretone threshold averages and Maryland CNC speech discrimination tables. 0% to 100%.
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy (nerve root compression) is rated under 38 CFR 4.124a at 10% / 20% / 40% / 60% by severity per affected limb. Sciatic, femoral, ulnar, median.
IBS
IBS is rated under DC 7319 at 0% / 10% / 30% by severity. 38 CFR 4.114.
GERD
GERD is rated analogous to hiatal hernia under DC 7346 at 10% / 30% / 60% based on symptoms and impact on health. 38 CFR 4.114.
Knee Strain
Limited knee flexion is rated under DC 5260 at 0% / 10% / 20% / 30% based on degrees of flexion. 38 CFR 4.71a.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is rated under DC 5269 at 10% / 20% / 30% based on treatment response, bilateral status, and surgical history. 38 CFR 4.71a.
Diabetes Mellitus Type II
Diabetes type II is rated under DC 7913 at 10% / 20% / 40% / 60% / 100% based on insulin requirement, diet, and complications.
Shoulder Range of Motion
Limited shoulder ROM is rated under DC 5201 at 20% / 30% / 40% based on arm-at-side / shoulder-level / shoulder-blade thresholds. Major vs minor arm matters.
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
TBI residuals are rated under DC 8045 across 10 facets (cognitive, emotional, behavioral, motor, etc.) with the highest facet determining the percentage.
Asthma
Bronchial asthma is rated under DC 6602 at 10% / 30% / 60% / 100% based on FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC ratio, and need for systemic corticosteroids.
Post-Concussive Syndrome
Post-concussive syndrome residuals are rated under DC 8045 as TBI; symptoms often include cognitive deficits, headaches, dizziness, and mood changes.
Sciatica
Sciatica (sciatic nerve radiculopathy) is rated under DC 8520 at 10% / 20% / 40% / 60% / 80% based on severity. Bilateral cases trigger the 38 CFR 4.26 factor.
Cervical Spine
Cervical spine strain is rated under DC 5237 at 10% / 20% / 30% / 40% based on cervical spine range of motion.
Hip Strain
Hip limitation of motion is rated under DCs 5251-5253 at 10% / 20% / 30% based on which motion is restricted and to what degree.
Hemorrhoids
External or internal hemorrhoids are rated under DC 7336 at 0% / 10% / 20% based on severity, recurrence, and anemia.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
ED is rated under DC 7522 at 0% schedular plus SMC-K ($139.87/mo in 2026) for loss of use of a creative organ.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is rated under DCs 6510-6514 at 0% / 10% / 30% / 50% based on incapacitating episodes and antibiotic treatment.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is rated under DC 6522 at 10% or 30% based on nasal obstruction and polyps.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel (median nerve impairment) is rated under DC 8515 at 10% / 30% / 50% / 70% based on severity and dominant vs non-dominant hand.
Limited Ankle Motion
Limited ankle range of motion is rated under DC 5271 at 10% or 20% based on whether limitation is moderate or marked.
Cataracts
Cataracts are rated under DC 6027 by post-operative visual acuity. Pre-treatment cataracts get the underlying visual impairment rating.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is rated under DC 6013 by visual field loss or visual acuity, whichever produces the higher rating.
Eczema
Eczema / dermatitis is rated under DC 7806 at 0% to 60% based on body surface area affected and systemic treatment.
Painful or Unstable Scars
Painful or unstable scars are rated under DC 7804 at 10% / 20% / 30% based on count of qualifying scars.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is rated under DC 5025 at 10% / 20% / 40% based on response to therapy. Gulf War veterans may have presumptive service connection.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I and II are rated under DC 9432 using the General Mental scale at 0% / 10% / 30% / 50% / 70% / 100%.
IBS-D (Diarrhea Predominant)
IBS subtypes are rated together under DC 7319 at 0% / 10% / 30%. Gulf War veterans may have presumptive service connection.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is rated under DC 5002 with active-process brackets (20-100%) and chronic-residuals brackets (separately).
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is rated under DC 7900 at 10% / 30% / 60% / 100% based on cardiovascular, neurological, and constitutional symptoms.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is rated under DC 7903 at 10% / 30% / 60% / 100% based on cardiovascular and neurological involvement. Agent Orange presumptive.
Insomnia
Insomnia is typically rated as a symptom of a primary mental-health condition (PTSD, depression, anxiety) under 38 CFR 4.130, NOT as a standalone disability.
Foot Drop
Foot drop is rated under DC 8521 (external popliteal nerve) at 10% / 20% / 30% / 40% based on severity.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease is rated under DC 7005 at 10% / 30% / 60% / 100% based on MET workload, ejection fraction, and treatment requirements. Agent Orange presumptive.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is rated under DC 8520 (sciatic) or 8624 (femoral) per affected limb at 10% / 20% / 40% / 60%.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease (regional enteritis) is rated under DC 7326 at 10% / 30% / 60% / 100% based on severity of symptoms and impact on health.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is rated under DC 7323 at 10% / 30% / 60% / 100% based on attack severity and frequency.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is typically rated by analogy to IBS or chronic gastritis at 10% / 30%.
Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are rated analogously to migraines under DC 8100 at 0% / 10% / 30% / 50% based on prostrating-attack frequency.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is rated under DC 7528 at 100% during active malignancy + treatment, then residuals-rated. Agent Orange presumptive.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer rates at 100% during active disease under DC 6819. PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 burn-pit exposure.
Brain Cancer
Malignant brain tumors rate 100% during active disease under DC 8002. PACT Act presumptive (glioblastoma + other brain cancers).
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer rates 100% during active disease under DC 7528. Camp Lejeune + Agent Orange (2021) + PACT Act presumptive.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) rates 100% during active disease under DC 7528. Camp Lejeune + PACT Act presumptive.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer rates 100% during active disease. Camp Lejeune presumptive.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer rates 100% during active disease. PACT Act + Atomic Veteran presumptive.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
NHL rates 100% during active disease. Triple presumptive: Agent Orange + Camp Lejeune + radiation.
Hodgkin's Disease
Hodgkin's lymphoma rates 100% during active disease. Agent Orange presumptive.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma rates 100% during active disease. Agent Orange + radiation presumptive.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders rate 0-100% under 38 CFR 4.130 General Mental scale.
Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder rates under 38 CFR 4.130 General Mental scale.
Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder is service-connectable as SECONDARY to a service-connected mental health condition.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease rates 30% minimum under DC 8004; higher with motor/cognitive impairment. Agent Orange + Camp Lejeune presumptive.
Multiple Sclerosis
MS rates 30% minimum under DC 8018; higher based on residuals. Presumptive within 7 years post-service.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy rates 10-100% under DCs 8910-8911 based on seizure frequency (grand mal vs petit mal).
Meniere's Disease
Meniere's disease rates 30/60/100% under DC 6205 based on vertigo + hearing loss + cerebellar gait.
Atrial Fibrillation
A-Fib rates 10-30% under DC 7010 based on attack frequency.
Stroke (CVA) Residuals
Stroke residuals rate 100% for 6 months post-event, then on residuals (motor/sensory/cognitive deficits).
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD rates 10-100% under DC 6604 based on FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio. PACT Act presumptive.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis rates under DC 6825 based on PFTs. PACT Act + asbestos presumptive.
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis rates 0-100% under DC 6846 based on pulmonary involvement and systemic features. PACT Act presumptive.
Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Acquired flat feet rate 10-50% under DC 5276 based on severity and bilateral status.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff tears rated under DC 5201 (limited shoulder ROM) or DC 5024 (tenosynovitis).
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernia rates 0-60% under DC 7338 based on recurrence and reducibility.
Systemic Lupus (SLE)
SLE rates 10-100% under DC 6350 based on disease activity, exacerbations, and systemic involvement.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
CFS rates 10-100% under DC 6354 based on activity restriction. Gulf War undiagnosed illness presumptive.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C rates 0-100% under DC 7354 based on viral activity, liver function, and symptom severity.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is rated analogously under DC 5024 (tenosynovitis) or DC 5271 (ankle ROM).
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches rated analogously under DC 8100 (migraines).
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer rates 100% during active disease under DC 7343. PACT Act burn-pit presumptive.
Gastric Cancer
Stomach cancer rates 100% during active disease under DC 7343. PACT Act burn-pit presumptive.
Colorectal Cancer
Colon/colorectal cancer rates 100% during active disease under DC 7343. PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 veterans.
Melanoma
Melanoma rates 100% during active disease under DC 7833. PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 veterans.
Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer rates 100% during active disease under DC 6819. PACT Act + Agent Orange presumptive.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer rates 100% during active disease under DC 7900. Radiation + PACT Act presumptive.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer rates 100% during active disease under DC 7630. PACT Act presumptive for qualifying post-9/11 women veterans.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer rates 100% during active disease under DC 7627. PACT Act presumptive for qualifying women veterans.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer rates 100% during active disease under DC 7615. PACT Act + Camp Lejeune presumptive.
Constrictive Bronchiolitis
Constrictive bronchiolitis rates 10-100% under DC 6601 based on PFTs. PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 burn-pit veterans.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis rates 10-100% under DC 6600 based on PFTs. PACT Act + Agent Orange presumptive.
Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis rates 0-30% under DC 6522 (allergic) or DC 6523 (non-allergic). PACT Act presumptive.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy rates 10-70% per upper extremity under DC 8510-8519 (depending on which nerve root).
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy rates under DC 8520 (sciatic) or related codes. Bilateral triggers the bilateral factor.
Ankle Instability
Ankle instability and limited motion rate 10-40% under DC 5270-5274.
Shoulder
Shoulder conditions rate under DC 5200-5203 based on limitation of motion and instability. Includes rotator cuff disorders.
Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism (low testosterone) rates under DC 7913 by analogy or as secondary to other endocrine conditions. SMC-K if ED.
Gout
Gout rates 20-100% under DC 5002 based on active flares and joint involvement.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome rates by analogy under DC 8103 (paramyoclonus multiplex) or related neurological codes.
MST and VA Disability
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is a recognized stressor for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and related conditions. Special evidentiary rules apply.