VA Disability Conditions

All active cancers (malignant neoplasms) receive a 100% disability rating while under active treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.

Hypertension is rated under DC 7101 based on diastolic and systolic blood pressure readings.

Coronary artery disease (also called ischemic heart disease or arteriosclerotic heart disease) is rated under DC 7005 using the basic heart condition schedule.

Hypertensive heart disease is rated under DC 7007 using the basic heart condition METs schedule.

Cardiomyopathy is rated under DC 7020 using the basic heart condition METs schedule.

Rheumatic and valvular heart disease is rated under DC 7000 using the basic heart condition METs schedule.

Supraventricular tachycardia and other supraventricular arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation) are rated under DC 7010.

Ventricular arrhythmias are rated under DC 7011.

Pacemaker implantation is rated under DC 7018.

Peripheral vascular disease is rated under DC 7114 based on the ankle/brachial index (ABI) and symptoms like claudication (pain when walking).

Varicose veins are rated under DC 7120 as part of the circulatory disturbances schedule.

Post-phlebitic syndrome, post-thrombotic syndrome, and other venous circulatory disturbances are rated under DC 7121.

Raynaud's syndrome (secondary Raynaud's) is rated under DC 7117.

Raynaud's disease (primary Raynaud's) is rated under DC 7124.

Cold injury residuals are rated under DC 7122 based on the severity of lasting effects from cold exposure.

Aortic aneurysm is rated under DC 7110.

Erythromelalgia is rated under DC 7119 based on the frequency of characteristic attacks (burning pain, warmth, and redness in the extremities) and how well the condition responds to treatment.

Angioedema and anaphylaxis are rated under DC 7118.

Buerger's disease is rated under DC 7115.

Arteriovenous fistula is rated under DC 7113 based on the location and severity of the abnormal connection between an artery and a vein, and the resulting impact on circulation and cardiac function.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD/TMJ) is rated under DC 9905 based on how far you can open your mouth or move your jaw side to side.

Osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) are rated under DC 9900.

Loss of the lower jaw (mandible) is rated under DC 9901 and 9902 based on three factors: how much bone is missing, whether a prosthesis can be used, and whether chewing ability is affected.

Nonunion of the mandible means a fracture of the lower jaw that never fully heals.

Malunion of the mandible means the lower jaw healed improperly after a fracture, resulting in displacement or disfigurement.

The condyloid process is the rounded end of the lower jaw that forms the hinge of the jaw joint.

The coronoid process is a bony projection on the lower jaw where the temporalis muscle attaches.

Loss of the upper jaw (maxilla) is rated under DC 9914 and 9915 based on the percentage of bone lost and whether a prosthesis can replace the missing portion.

Nonunion of the maxilla means a fracture of the upper jaw that never fully heals.

Malunion of the maxilla means the upper jaw healed improperly after a fracture, resulting in displacement.

The hard palate is the bony roof of the mouth.

Loss of teeth is rated under DC 9913, but only if the missing teeth cannot be replaced by suitable prosthesis.

Oral and dental cancer is rated under DC 9918 at 100% while the cancer is active and for six months after treatment ends with the condition in remission.

GERD is rated under DC 7206 using the same schedule as difficulty swallowing (DC 7203).

IBS is rated under DC 7319 based on the frequency of abdominal pain and the number of associated symptoms.

Crohn's disease and undifferentiated inflammatory bowel disease are rated under DC 7326.

Hemorrhoids are rated under DC 7336 based on the type (internal or external), frequency of thrombosis (blood clots), and whether there is persistent bleeding with anemia.

Peptic ulcer disease is rated under DC 7304 based on the frequency and severity of episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, as well as complications like bleeding.

Hepatitis C is rated under DC 7354 using the chronic liver disease without cirrhosis schedule (DC 7345).

Cirrhosis of the liver is rated under DC 7312 based on the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and associated symptoms.

Gallbladder removal is rated under DC 7318 based on residual symptoms after surgery.

Hernias (excluding hiatal) are rated under DC 7338 based on the size of the hernia, whether it is repairable, and the level of pain experienced during daily activities.

Diverticular disease is rated under DC 7327 based on the frequency of hospitalizations and the presence of complications.

Celiac disease is rated under DC 7355 based on the severity of malabsorption, dietary requirements, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic symptoms.

Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia are rated under DC 7346, which uses the same difficulty swallowing schedule as GERD (DC 7206).

Pancreatitis is rated under DC 7347 based on the frequency of pain episodes and the level of medical treatment required.

Bowel incontinence is rated under DC 7332 based on the severity of loss of sphincter control, ranging from how well it responds to a physician-prescribed bowel program to complete loss of control.

Barrett's esophagus is rated under DC 7207 based on the degree of precancerous cellular changes (dysplasia).

Hearing loss is rated under DC 6100 using a specific mathematical formula based on audiometric testing.

Tinnitus is rated under DC 6260.

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), mastoiditis, and cholesteatoma are rated together under DC 6200.

A ruptured or perforated eardrum is rated under DC 6211.

Chronic swimmer's ear (chronic otitis externa) is rated under DC 6210.

Loss of the outer ear (auricle or pinna) is rated under DC 6207.

Peripheral vestibular disorders (PVD) are rated under DC 6204.

Meniere's syndrome is rated under DC 6205.

Diabetes mellitus is rated under DC 7913 based on the level of treatment required to manage the condition.

Hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease, is rated under DC 7900.

Toxic thyroid enlargement is rated under DC 7901.

Nontoxic thyroid enlargement is rated under DC 7902.

Hypothyroidism is rated under DC 7903.

Thyroiditis is rated under DC 7906.

Hyperparathyroidism is rated under DC 7904.

Hypoparathyroidism is rated under DC 7905.

Cushing's syndrome is rated under DC 7907.

Acromegaly is rated under DC 7908.

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is rated under DC 7909.

Addison's disease is rated under DC 7911.

Polyglandular syndrome is rated under DC 7912.

Endocrine system cancer is rated under DC 7914.

Obesity is not a separately ratable disability under the VA rating schedule and has no diagnostic code.

Central visual acuity impairment is rated using the VA's visual acuity rating tables under 38 CFR 4.

Visual field impairment is rated under DC 6080.

Open-angle glaucoma is rated under DC 6013.

Angle-closure glaucoma is rated under DC 6012.

Cataracts are rated under DC 6027 (traumatic) and DC 6028 (senile and others).

Diabetic retinopathy is rated under DC 6040.

Retinal dystrophy, including macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, is rated under DC 6042.

Eye muscle dysfunction causing double vision (diplopia) is rated under DC 6090 and 6092.

Dry eye syndrome and disorders of tear production are rated under DC 6025 and 6031.

Pterygium is rated under DC 6034.

Retinal detachment is rated under DC 6008.

Keratoconus is rated under DC 6035.

Kidney disease (renal dysfunction) is rated based on GFR (glomerular filtration rate) under the genitourinary rating schedule.

Kidney stones are rated under DC 7508 and DC 7509 (hydronephrosis).

Urinary frequency is one of three measures under the VA's Urinary Rating System.

Obstructed voiding is the second measure under the VA's Urinary Rating System.

Voiding dysfunction is the third measure under the VA's Urinary Rating System, typically covering conditions that cause loss of bladder control and urinary incontinence.

Chronic cystitis and painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis) are rated under DC 7512.

Urinary tract infections are rated under the UTI schedule in 38 CFR 4.

Erectile dysfunction is rated under DC 7522.

Prostate conditions including injuries, infections, enlargement (hypertrophy), and post-surgical residuals are rated under DC 7527.

Neurogenic bladder is rated under DC 7542.

Genitourinary cancers are rated under DC 7528.

Endometriosis occurs when cells that normally line the uterus grow in other parts of the body.

Complete removal of the uterus and both ovaries is rated under DC 7617.

Removal of the uterus (without both ovaries) is rated under DC 7618.

Removal of one or both ovaries is rated under DC 7619.

When both ovaries are nonfunctional but have not been surgically removed, the condition is rated at 20% under DC 7620.

Displacement of pelvic organs (prolapse) is rated at a flat 10% under DC 7621 regardless of how many organs are affected.

A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina that can cause fecal leakage.

A urethrovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the urethra and vagina that causes urinary leakage.

Diseases, injuries, and adhesions of the cervix, fallopian tubes (including pelvic inflammatory disease), ovary, uterus, vagina, and vulva or clitoris (including vulvovaginitis) are all rated under the same schedule at DC 7610 through 7615.

Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is the inability to achieve or maintain arousal during sexual activity.

Breast surgery and removal is rated under DC 7626.

Gynecological cancer (malignant tumors of the reproductive system) is rated at 100% under DC 7627 while active and for six months after treatment ends with the cancer in remission.

Breast cancer is rated at 100% under DC 7630 while active and for six months after treatment ends with the cancer in remission.

PTSD is rated under Diagnostic Code 9411 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9400 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

OCD is rated under Diagnostic Code 9404 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Other Specified Anxiety Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9410 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia are rated under Diagnostic Code 9412 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Specific Phobia and Social Anxiety Disorder are rated under Diagnostic Code 9403 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Unspecified Anxiety Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9413 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Chronic Adjustment Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9440 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Delirium is rated under Diagnostic Code 9300 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Major or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder due to HIV or Other Infections is rated under Diagnostic Code 9301 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Major or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder due to Traumatic Brain Injury is rated under Diagnostic Code 9304 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Major or Mild Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9305 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Unspecified Neurocognitive Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9310 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Major or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder due to Alzheimer's Disease is rated under Diagnostic Code 9312 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Major or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder due to Another Medical Condition or Substance/Medication-Induced Neurocognitive Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9326 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Dissociative Amnesia and Dissociative Identity Disorder are rated under Diagnostic Code 9416 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9417 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Major Depressive Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9434 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Bipolar Disorder is classified as a mood disorder and rated under Diagnostic Code 9432 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Cyclothymic Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9431 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Persistent Depressive Disorder, also known as Dysthymia, is rated under Diagnostic Code 9433 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Unspecified Depressive Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9435 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Schizophrenia is classified as a psychotic disorder and rated under Diagnostic Code 9201 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Delusional Disorder is classified as a psychotic disorder and rated under Diagnostic Code 9208 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Other Specified and Unspecified Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders are rated under Diagnostic Code 9210 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Schizoaffective Disorder is classified as a psychotic disorder and rated under Diagnostic Code 9211 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Somatic Symptom Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9421 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Other Specified Somatic Symptom and Related Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9422 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Unspecified Somatic Symptom and Related Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9423 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Conversion Disorder, also known as Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder, is rated under Diagnostic Code 9424 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Illness Anxiety Disorder is rated under Diagnostic Code 9425 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa is rated under Diagnostic Code 9520 using a separate rating schedule based on body weight and incapacitating episodes.

Bulimia Nervosa is rated under Diagnostic Code 9521 using the same separate eating disorder rating schedule as anorexia.

PTSD resulting from Military Sexual Trauma is rated under the same Diagnostic Code 9411 and General Rating Formula as all other PTSD claims.

Insomnia and other sleep disorders are not listed as specific conditions in the VA's mental health rating schedule, but they may be rated analogously under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Thoracolumbar spine conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5235 through 5242 using the General Rating Formula for the Spine based on limitation of range of motion (ROM).

Cervical spine conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5235 through 5242 using the General Rating Formula for the Spine.

Intervertebral Disc Syndrome can be rated based on incapacitating episodes instead of range of motion if that produces a higher rating.

Coccyx conditions are rated under Diagnostic Code 5298 when the veteran has had their coccyx bone removed (whole or partial).

Limitation of knee flexion is rated under Diagnostic Code 5260 based on how far the veteran can bend their knee.

Limitation of knee extension is rated under Diagnostic Code 5261 based on the degree to which the veteran cannot fully straighten their leg.

Knee instability is rated under Diagnostic Code 5257.

Meniscus conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5258 (dislocated cartilage) and 5259 (removed cartilage).

Total knee replacement is rated under Diagnostic Code 5055.

Shin splints are rated under Diagnostic Code 5262 based on the duration of treatment and response to conservative and surgical treatments.

Shoulder limitation of range of motion is rated under Diagnostic Code 5201 based on how high the veteran can raise their arm (abduction or flexion).

Shoulder replacement is rated under Diagnostic Code 5051.

Flat feet are rated under Diagnostic Code 5276 based on severity: mild, moderate, severe, or pronounced.

Plantar fasciitis is rated under Diagnostic Code 5269 based on whether the veteran has attempted both non-surgical and surgical treatments and whether those treatments provided relief.

Claw foot is rated under Diagnostic Code 5278 based on severity: slight, moderate, severe, or pronounced.

Bunions are rated under Diagnostic Code 5280.

Hammer toe is rated under Diagnostic Code 5282 when the toe is permanently bent.

Morton's Disease is rated under Diagnostic Code 5279 when a small painful mass forms over the nerves between the toes, under the foot.

Foot Injuries, Other (DC 5284) is the catch-all code for foot conditions that do not fit under any other specific foot rating criteria.

Degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5003 and 5010.

Rheumatoid and other multi-joint arthritis conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5002/5004-5009 based on the frequency of incapacitating episodes and overall health impact.

Fibromyalgia is rated under Diagnostic Code 5025 based on the persistence of symptoms and response to treatment.

Osteomyelitis is rated under Diagnostic Code 5000 based on the severity and activity of the infection.

Hip conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5250-5255 based on limitation of range of motion, ankylosis, or other impairments.

Ankle conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5270-5274 based on limitation of range of motion and degree of impairment.

Elbow and forearm conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5205-5213 based on limitation of range of motion (flexion, extension, pronation, supination) and degree of impairment.

Wrist conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5214-5215 based on limitation of range of motion (dorsiflexion and palmar flexion).

Hand and finger conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5216-5230 based on ankylosis or limitation of motion of individual digits.

Gout is listed under Diagnostic Code 5017 in the VA rating schedule.

Muscle injuries are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5301-5329 based on the specific muscle group affected and the severity of the injury (slight, moderate, moderately severe, or severe).

All types of headaches are rated under Diagnostic Code 8100, using the migraine schedule.

Traumatic brain injury results from events such as IED blasts, car accidents, concussive artillery fire, falls, or gunshot wounds.

Epilepsy is rated based on the frequency and severity of seizures.

The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and runs down each leg, playing a major role in leg, foot, and hip movements.

Peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is rated based on the specific nerve affected and the severity of impairment.

Peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities involves the nerves originating from the cervical spine that control arm and hand function.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is rated under Diagnostic Code 8515 as paralysis of the median nerve.

Ulnar neuropathy involves damage to the ulnar nerve, which controls bending the hand down at the wrist, curling the fingers, lifting the hand upward at the wrist, and opening and closing the fingers.

Parkinson's disease causes brain cells to die, resulting in difficulty controlling bodily movements.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that causes swelling in the brain and spinal cord.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal motor neuron disease.

Narcolepsy is a condition causing excessive and uncontrollable daytime sleepiness.

Tremors (convulsive tic) occur when the nerves cause muscles to spasm regularly.

The common peroneal nerve branches from the sciatic nerve just above the knee and moves around the kneecap to the front of the shin, controlling movement of the foot.

Sleep apnea is rated under DC 6847 based on the severity of the condition and what treatment is required.

Asthma is rated under DC 6602 based on pulmonary function tests (FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC), medication requirements, and ER visit frequency.

COPD is rated under DC 6604 using the general respiratory rating schedule, which is based on pulmonary function tests (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO).

Chronic sinusitis (all types: ethmoid, frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, pansinusitis) is rated under DC 6510-6514, all using the same schedule.

Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis is rated under DC 6522.

Deviated nasal septum is rated under DC 6502.

Chronic laryngitis is rated under DC 6516 based on the severity of hoarseness and the condition of the vocal cords and larynx.

Bronchiectasis is rated under DC 6601.

Pulmonary emphysema is rated under DC 6603 using the general respiratory rating schedule based on pulmonary function tests (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO).

Chronic bronchitis is rated under DC 6600 using the general respiratory rating schedule based on pulmonary function tests.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis is rated under DC 6846.

Bacterial rhinitis is rated under DC 6523.

Asbestosis is rated under DC 6833 as part of the interstitial lung disease schedule.

Stenosis (narrowing) of the larynx is rated under DC 6520 based on FEV-1 results combined with a flow-volume loop showing upper airway obstruction.

Granulomatous rhinitis is rated under DC 6524.

Eczema and dermatitis are rated under Diagnostic Code 7806 using the General Rating Formula for the Skin.

Psoriasis is a condition where skin cells build up and form scales along with itchy, dry patches.

Acne is rated under Diagnostic Code 7828.

Chloracne is an acne-like eruption of blackheads, cysts, and pustules caused by exposure to certain chemical compounds such as chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans.

Scars and disfigurement involving the head, face, or neck are rated under Diagnostic Code 7800.

Deep scars that involve underlying soft tissue damage (not on the head, face, or neck) are rated under Diagnostic Code 7801.

Superficial scars (affecting only the skin, not the underlying tissue) that are not on the head, face, or neck are rated under Diagnostic Code 7802.

Painful or unstable scars are rated under Diagnostic Code 7804 based on the number of qualifying scars.

Chronic hives (urticaria) are rated under Diagnostic Code 7825.

Vitiligo is a condition that causes loss of skin color in blotches.

Primary cutaneous vasculitis encompasses a group of disorders involving inflamed blood vessels in the skin, causing red or purple discoloration from bleeding under the skin.

Erythema multiforme is a skin condition characterized by target-shaped (bulls-eye) lesions.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss that typically starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap.

Scarring alopecia is a group of hair loss disorders that cause permanent destruction of hair follicles through scar tissue formation in the skin.

Hyperhidrosis is abnormally excessive sweating involving the extremities, underarms, and face, usually not related to body temperature or exercise.

Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection that causes ring-shaped red and swollen patches on the skin.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin.

Bullous disorders are a group of rare skin conditions causing large, fluid-filled blisters.

Erythroderma refers to intense and usually widespread reddening of the skin due to inflammatory skin disease.

Non-melanoma skin cancers are rated under Diagnostic Code 7818.

Malignant melanoma causes dark patches to form on the skin and is rated under Diagnostic Code 7833.

Lumbosacral strain is an injury to the muscles and tendons of the lower back.

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) refers to the breakdown of the spinal discs over time.

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is where the base of the spine (sacrum) meets the pelvis.

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it.

Rotator cuff injuries, including tears and impingement, are among the most commonly claimed shoulder conditions.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), rated under the VA as ankylosis of the shoulder (DC 5200), applies when the shoulder joint cannot move or is severely restricted.

Shoulder dislocations involve the upper arm bone (humerus, DC 5202) or collar bone (clavicle, DC 5203) popping out of place.

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints).

Tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) and related conditions including tendinopathy, tendinosis, and tenosynovitis involve inflammation or degeneration of tendons.

Ankylosing spondylitis (DC 5240) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, potentially causing vertebrae to fuse together over time.

Osteoporosis (DC 5013) involves loss of bone density, making bones fragile and more prone to fractures.

Lumbar radiculopathy is caused by compression or irritation of nerve roots as they exit the lumbar spine (lower back).

Cervical radiculopathy results from compression or irritation of nerve roots in the cervical spine (neck), causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.

Bell's palsy is paralysis of the facial nerve (VII cranial nerve, also called the seventh nerve), which controls the muscles that allow facial expressions.

Trigeminal neuralgia involves the trigeminal nerve (V cranial nerve, also called the fifth nerve), which provides sensation to the face and controls chewing and biting.

The femoral nerve (also called the anterior crural nerve) originates from the spinal cord, travels around the outside of the hip toward the abdomen, then extends down the thigh.

The tibial nerve branches off from the sciatic nerve just above the knee, then travels down the back of the leg toward the ankle and foot.

The radial nerve (also called the musculospiral nerve) is one of the major nerves of the upper extremity.

The glossopharyngeal nerve (IX cranial nerve, also called the ninth nerve) provides sensation to the throat and tonsils and controls swallowing.

The vagus nerve (X cranial nerve, also called the tenth nerve) helps control swallowing, speaking, and aspects of heart function.