[29 FR 6718, May 22, 1964, as amended at 34 FR 5062, Mar. 5242 Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010). Criterion July 6, 1950; criterion September 22, 1978. When a claimant has both diplopia and decreased visual acuity or visual field defect, assign a level of corrected visual acuity for the poorer eye (or the affected eye, if disability of only one eye is service-connected) that is: one step poorer than it would otherwise warrant if the evaluation for diplopia under diagnostic code 6090 is 20/70 or 20/100; two steps poorer if the evaluation under diagnostic code 6090 is 20/200 or 15/200; or three steps poorer if the evaluation under diagnostic code 6090 is 5/200. 5165 At a lower level, permitting prosthesis. Occasionally disoriented to two of the four aspects (person, time, place, situation) of orientation or often disoriented to one aspect of orientation. Added September 9, 1975; removed September 22, 1978. [61 FR 52700, Oct. 8, 1996, as amended at 79 FR 45099, Aug. 4, 2014]. 7801 Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage. 8912 Jacksonian and focal motor or sensory. Evaluation August 30, 2002; criterion October 23, 2008. 7101 Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension): Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more, Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more, Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more, Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or; minimum evaluation for an individual with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control. You can use your service medical records, military records, and a personal statement to prove your shoulder injury occurred while you were serving. 6011 Retinal scars, atrophy, or irregularities: Localized scars, atrophy, or irregularities of the retina, unilateral or bilateral, that are centrally located and that result in an irregular, duplicated, enlarged, or diminished image, Alternatively, evaluate based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, if this would result in a higher evaluation, Evaluate under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. Its FREE to get started, so click Go Elite Now below to complete our 3-step intake process. VA disabilities for Dental and Oral Conditions are those that affect the Mouth and Teeth to include the jaws, the jaw joint, the palates, and the teeth. When the evidence is inadequate to assign a schedular evaluation, a physical examination will be scheduled and considered prior to the termination of a total rating under this section. 7124 Raynauds disease (primary Raynauds). 7540 Disseminated intravascular coagulation with renal cortical necrosis: 7541 Renal involvement in diabetes mellitus type I or II: 7544 Renal disease caused by viral infection such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C: 7610 Vulva or clitoris, disease or injury of (including vulvovaginitis). After active disease has resolved, rate at 0 percent for infection. Where there is lung or pleural involvement, ratings under diagnostic codes 6819 and 6820 will not be combined with each other or with diagnostic codes 6600 through 6817 or 6822 through 6847. Evaluation March 10, 1976; revised and moved to 5235-5243 September 26, 2003. General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833): Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy, FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56- to 65-percent predicted, FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted. Service department record of superficial wound with brief treatment and return to duty. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. The rating board will include a full statement as to the veteran's service-connected disabilities, employment history, educational and vocational attainment and all other factors having a bearing on the issue. Essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis. Whether the upper or lower extremities, the back or abdominal wall, the eyes or ears, or the cardiovascular, digestive, or other system, or psyche are affected, evaluations are based upon lack of usefulness, of these parts or systems, especially in self-support. 29 FR 6718, May 22, 1964, unless otherwise noted. For example, the combined evaluations for disabilities below the knee shall not exceed the 40 percent evaluation, diagnostic code 5165. 7631 Benign neoplasms of the breast and other injuries of the breast. (a) If the diagnosis of a mental disorder does not conform to DSM-5 or is not supported by the findings on the examination report, the rating agency shall return the report to the examiner to substantiate the diagnosis. VA disabilities of the Skin include burns, scars, eczema, infections, and cancers, among others. Choosing an item from Evaluate under diagnostic codes 5256, 5257, 5260, or 5261 for the knee, or 5270 or 5271 for the ankle, whichever results in the highest evaluation. 4.89 Ratings for inactive nonpulmonary tuberculosis in effect on August 19, 1968. section 356 of title 38, United States Code. Tests of strength, endurance, or coordinated movements compared with the corresponding muscles of the uninjured side indicate severe impairment of function. The Skin is the largest of the bodys organs and its primary purpose is protection. 6829 Drug-induced, pneumonitis & fibrosis. The repealed section, however, still applies to the case of any veteran who on August 19, 1968, was receiving or entitled to receive compensation for tuberculosis. Web5257 VA disability rating for knee instability: Excessive side to side motion or frequent dislocation of the knee. 6025 Disorders of the lacrimal apparatus (epiphora, dacryocystitis, etc. Apply the provisions of, For three months following hospital admission for surgery. Military and private medical treatment records: Severe rated at 30% to 40% depending on dominant or non-dominant arm, Moderately severe rated at 20% to 30% depending on dominant or non-dominant arm, Moderate rated from 10% to 20% depending on shoulder function, File an Appeal with the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). Narcolepsy VA Rating Complete Guide If you're a veteran who suffers from narcolepsy, you know how debilitating the condition can be. Most likely, the VA will Able to communicate basic needs. In each prestabilization rating an examination will be requested to be accomplished not earlier than 6 months nor more than 12 months following discharge. 5283 Tarsal, or metatarsal bones, malunion of, or nonunion of: 5296 Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables: Area larger than size of a 50-cent piece or 1.140 in, Area smaller than the size of a 25-cent piece or 0.716 in, One or resection of two or more ribs without regeneration, Partial or complete, with painful residuals, 5324 Diaphragm, rupture of, with herniation. Criterion March 11, 1969; evaluation August 30, 2002. 6826 Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis. The following will be considered to be permanent total disability: the permanent loss of the use of both hands, or of both feet, or of one hand and one foot, or of the sight of both eyes, or becoming permanently helpless or permanently bedridden. Transcutaneous oxygen tension (T. Note (3): Evaluate residuals of aortic and large arterial bypass surgery or arterial graft as peripheral arterial disease. Subscribe to: Changes in Title 38 :: Chapter I :: Part 4. 8612 Neuritis, lower radicular group. 8307 Neuritis, seventh cranial nerve. This is an examination that a VA-hired doctor conducts. When complete examinations are not conducted covering all systems of the body affected by disease or injury, it is impossible to visualize the nature and extent of the service connected disability. Complete; all shoulder and elbow movements lost or severely affected, hand and wrist movements not affected, Complete; adduction, abduction and rotation of arm, flexion of elbow, and extension of wrist lost or severely affected, Complete; all intrinsic muscles of hand, and some or all of flexors of wrist and fingers, paralyzed (substantial loss of use of hand), Complete; drop of hand and fingers, wrist and fingers perpetually flexed, the thumb adducted falling within the line of the outer border of the index finger; can not extend hand at wrist, extend proximal phalanges of fingers, extend thumb, or make lateral movement of wrist; supination of hand, extension and flexion of elbow weakened, the loss of synergic motion of extensors impairs the hand grip seriously; total paralysis of the triceps occurs only as the greatest rarity, Complete; the hand inclined to the ulnar side, the index and middle fingers more extended than normally, considerable atrophy of the muscles of the thenar eminence, the thumb in the plane of the hand (ape hand); pronation incomplete and defective, absence of flexion of index finger and feeble flexion of middle finger, cannot make a fist, index and middle fingers remain extended; cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb, defective opposition and abduction of the thumb, at right angles to palm; flexion of wrist weakened; pain with trophic disturbances, Complete; the griffin claw deformity, due to flexor contraction of ring and little fingers, atrophy very marked in dorsal interspace and thenar and hypothenar eminences; loss of extension of ring and little fingers cannot spread the fingers (or reverse), cannot adduct the thumb; flexion of wrist weakened, Complete; weakness but not loss of flexion of elbow and supination of forearm, Complete; abduction of arm is impossible, outward rotation is weakened; muscles supplied are deltoid and teres minor, Complete; inability to raise arm above shoulder level, winged scapula deformity, Complete; the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost, Complete; foot drop and slight droop of first phalanges of all toes, cannot dorsiflex the foot, extension (dorsal flexion) of proximal phalanges of toes lost; abduction of foot lost, adduction weakened; anesthesia covers entire dorsum of foot and toes, Complete; plantar flexion lost, frank adduction of foot impossible, flexion and separation of toes abolished; no muscle in sole can move; in lesions of the nerve high in popliteal fossa, plantar flexion of foot is lost, Complete; paralysis of all muscles of sole of foot, frequently with painful paralysis of a causalgic nature; toes cannot be flexed; adduction is weakened; plantar flexion is impaired, Complete; paralysis of quadriceps extensor muscles, 8540 Soft-tissue sarcoma (of neurogenic origin). Organic Diseases of the Central Nervous System. Unless medically contraindicated, the fundus must be examined with the claimant's pupils dilated. Diagnosis of disease, injury, or residuals will be cited, with diagnostic code number assigned from this rating schedule for conditions listed therein. 7312 Cirrhosis of the liver, primary biliary cirrhosis, or cirrhotic phase of sclerosing cholangitis: Generalized weakness, substantial weight loss, and persistent jaundice, or; with one of the following refractory to treatment: ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, hemorrhage from varices or portal gastropathy (erosive gastritis), History of two or more episodes of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or hemorrhage from varices or portal gastropathy (erosive gastritis), but with periods of remission between attacks, History of one episode of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or hemorrhage from varices or portal gastropathy (erosive gastritis), Portal hypertension and splenomegaly, with weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, malaise, and at least minor weight loss, Symptoms such as weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, and malaise, Severe; frequent attacks of gall bladder colic, Moderate; gall bladder dyspepsia, confirmed by X-ray technique, and with infrequent attacks (not over two or three a year) of gall bladder colic, with or without jaundice. For even routine and familiar decisions, occasionally unable to identify, understand, and weigh the alternatives, understand the consequences of choices, and make a reasonable decision. (b) Complete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) and consequent, footdrop, accompanied by characteristic organic changes including trophic and circulatory disturbances and other concomitants confirmatory of complete paralysis of this nerve, will be taken as loss of use of the foot. Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders and Nutritional Deficiencies. 6065 Vision in one eye 5/200 (1.5/60). 7614 Fallopian tube, disease, injury, or adhesions of (including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)). The schedule for rating for mental disorders is set forth as follows: 9210 Other specified and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, 9301 Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to HIV or other infections, 9304 Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic brain injury, 9305 Major or mild vascular neurocognitive disorder, 9312 Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease, 9326 Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to another medical condition or substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder, 9403 Specific phobia; social anxiety disorder (social phobia), 9416 Dissociative amnesia; dissociative identity disorder, 9417 Depersonalization/Derealization disorder, 9422 Other specified somatic symptom and related disorder, 9423 Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder, 9424 Conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder), 9433 Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. 5003 Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic: Degenerative arthritis established by X-ray findings will be rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved (DC 5200 etc.). (b) If the diagnosis of a mental disorder is changed, the rating agency shall determine whether the new diagnosis represents progression of the prior diagnosis, correction of an error in the prior diagnosis, or development of a new and separate condition. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. When the involvement is wholly sensory, the rating should be for the mild, or at most, the moderate degree. What are Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders for VA rating purposes? 7811 Tuberculosis luposa (lupus vulgaris), active or inactive: 7813 Dermatophytosis (ringworm: Of body, tinea corporis; of head, tinea capitis; of feet, tinea pedis; of beard area, tinea barbae; of nails, tinea unguium (onychomycosis); of inguinal area (jock itch), tinea cruris; tinea versicolor). 6209 Benign neoplasms of the ear (other than skin only): Swelling, dry and scaly or serous discharge, and itching requiring frequent and prolonged treatment. Criterion September 22, 1978; evaluation January 12, 1998; criterion November 14, 2021. It is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Consistently disoriented to two or more of the four aspects (person, time, place, situation) of orientation. Examples: A person of high social standing remained seated, muttered angrily, and rubbed the arms of his chair while the National Anthem was being played; an apparently normal person suddenly disrobed in public; a man traded an expensive automobile for an antiquated automobile in poor mechanical condition and after regaining conscious control, discovered that he had signed an agreement to pay an additional sum of money in the trade. The most common shoulder injuries in veterans are rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, bursitis, and tendinitis. 5055 Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis): With intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion rate by analogy to diagnostic codes 5256, 5261, or 5262. 5206 Forearm, limitation of flexion. 18, 1976, as amended at 79 FR 2100, Jan. 13, 2014]. Other specified somatic symptom and related disorder. 8523 Anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal), paralysis. Indications on palpation of loss of deep fascia, muscle substance, or normal firm resistance of muscles compared with sound side. Schedule of ratings - other sense organs. 4. What is the Genitourinary System for VA rating purposes? 7540 Disseminated intravascular coagulation. 8717 Neuralgia, musculocutaneous nerve. 7016 Heart valve replacement (prosthesis): For an indefinite period following date of hospital admission for valve replacement, Note: Six months following discharge from inpatient hospitalization, disability evaluation shall be conducted by mandatory VA examination using the General Rating Formula. (a) Total ratings will be assigned under this section if treatment of a service-connected disability resulted in: (1) Surgery necessitating at least one month of convalescence (Effective as to outpatient surgery March 1, 1989. The duration of the initial, and any subsequent, period of total incapacity, especially periods reflecting delayed union, inflammation, swelling, drainage, or operative intervention, should be given close attention. (d) Amputation or resection of metacarpal bones (more than one-half the bone lost) in multiple fingers injuries will require a rating of 10 percent added to (not combined with) the ratings, multiple finger amputations, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm. A clear statement will be made of the point or points upon which information is desired, and the complete case file will be simultaneously forwarded to Central Office. 2 Also entitled to special monthly compensation. Material improvement means lessening or absence of clinical symptoms, and X-ray findings of a stationary or retrogressive lesion. Nonunion in upper half, with false movement: With loss of bone substance (1 inch (2.5 cms.) 18, 1976; 43 FR 45362, Oct. 2, 1978; 54 FR 4282, Jan. 30, 1989; 54 FR 49755, Dec. 1, 1989; 55 FR 154, Jan. 3, 1990; 56 FR 51653, Oct. 15, 1991; 57 FR 24364, June 9, 1992; 70 FR 75399, Dec. 20, 2005; 73 FR 54705, Sept. 23, 2008; 73 FR 69554, Nov. 19, 2008; 76 FR 78824, Dec. 20, 2011; 79 FR 2100, Jan. 13, 2014]. Mildly impaired judgment. 11 to 20 mm of maximum unassisted vertical opening. Criterion March 10, 1976; title, note February 7, 2021. The variability of residuals following these fractures necessitates rating on specific residuals, faulty posture, limitation of motion, muscle injury, painful motion of the lumbar spine, manifest by muscle spasm, mild to moderate sciatic neuritis, peripheral nerve injury, or limitation of hip motion. The digestive system is made up of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Metatarsalgia, anterior (Morton's disease). Unfavorable, at an angle of less than 50 or with complete loss of supination or pronation, Intermediate, at an angle of more than 90, or between 70 and 50, Favorable, at an angle between 90 and 70. Note (3): Where surgical intervention is not indicated, this evaluation shall continue for six months after pharmacologic treatment begins. 8730 Neuralgia, ilio-inguinal nerve. 7717 AL amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis). 9903 Mandible, nonunion of, confirmed by diagnostic imaging studies: Displacement, causing severe anterior or posterior open bite, Displacement, causing moderate anterior or posterior open bite, Displacement, not causing anterior or posterior open bite. (e) Without retrogression of lesions or other evidence of material improvement at the end of six months hospitalization or without change of diagnosis from active at the end of 12 months hospitalization. (a) Examination of visual fields. How the VA Will Assign you a Shoulder Pain VA Rating, 4. cm.) Uroflowmetry; markedly diminished peak flow rate (less than 10 cc/sec). Complete medical examination of injury cases. Added July 6, 1950; title February 7, 2021. Exceptional patterns of hearing impairment. (2) When diplopia extends beyond more than one quadrant or range of degrees, evaluate diplopia based on the quadrant and degree range that provides the highest evaluation. The symptoms should be apparent without regard to exercise. The term inability to gain weight means that there has been substantial weight loss with inability to regain it despite appropriate therapy. In this post, we reveal and explain the complete VA disability conditions list by body system and diagnostic code. between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers. Learn what youve been missingso you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE! Amputation, or injury to an upper extremity, is not considered as a causative factor with subsequently developing arthritis, except in joints subject to direct strain or actually injured. the hierarchy of the document. 5009 Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout). or less between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers, evaluate as favorable ankylosis, (5) If there is limitation of motion of two or more digits, evaluate each digit separately and combine the evaluations, 5216 Five digits of one hand, unfavorable ankylosis of. If you have questions or comments regarding a published document please (a) Examination of muscle function. (1) An authorized absence in excess of 4 days which begins during the first 21 days of hospitalization will be regarded as the equivalent of hospital discharge effective the first day of such authorized absence. The disability rating scale ranks conditions by severity, with ratings ranging from 10 percent to 100 percent disability. Attacks without laryngeal involvement lasting one to seven days or longer and occurring more than eight times a year, or; attacks with laryngeal involvement of any duration occurring more than twice a year, Attacks without laryngeal involvement lasting one to seven days and occurring five to eight times a year, or; attacks with laryngeal involvement of any duration occurring once or twice a year, Attacks without laryngeal involvement lasting one to seven days and occurring two to four times a year, Characteristic attacks that occur more than once a day, last an average of more than two hours each, respond poorly to treatment, and that restrict most routine daily activities, Characteristic attacks that occur more than once a day, last an average of more than two hours each, and respond poorly to treatment, but that do not restrict most routine daily activities, Characteristic attacks that occur daily or more often but that respond to treatment, Characteristic attacks that occur less than daily but at least three times a week and that respond to treatment. Rating of disabilities aggravated by active service. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. An evaluation of 20 percent is assigned for recurrent subluxation Schedule of ratings - musculoskeletal system. Thereafter, with diagnosis confirmed by findings on physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization, use the General Rating Formula. 5210 Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint. For the purpose of rating disability from arthritis, the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle are considered major joints; multiple involvements of the interphalangeal, metacarpal and carpal joints of the upper extremities, the interphalangeal, metatarsal and tarsal joints of the lower extremities, the cervical vertebrae, the dorsal vertebrae, and the lumbar vertebrae, are considered groups of minor joints, ratable on a parity with major joints. However, the total rating during the 1-year period for the pulmonary or for the nonpulmonary condition will be utilized, combined with evaluation for residuals of the condition not covered by the 1-year total evaluation, so as to allow any additional benefit provided during such period. 4.127 Intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) and personality disorders. Added March 1, 1963; criterion March 1, 1989; criterion August 30, 1996; criterion, note August 11, 2019. Evaluation of disability from mental disorders. Table VIa will be used when the examiner certifies that use of the speech discrimination test is not appropriate because of language difficulties, inconsistent speech discrimination scores, etc., or when indicated under the provisions of 4.86. Constant inability to communicate by speech, Constant inability to speak above a whisper. 7912 Polyglandular syndrome (multiple endocrine neoplasia, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome). (a) Rating coexisting respiratory conditions. Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch), paralysis. It is provided further that the existence or degree of nonservice-connected disabilities or previous unemployability status will be disregarded where the percentages referred to in this paragraph for the service-connected disability or disabilities are met and in the judgment of the rating agency such service-connected disabilities render the veteran unemployable. Schedule of ratings - hemic and lymphatic systems. 5025 Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome). 18, 1976, as amended at 70 FR 75399, Dec. 20, 2005]. 11, 1969; 40 FR 42540, Sept. 15, 1975; 41 FR 11301, Mar. 5105 Anatomical loss of one foot and loss of use of one hand. With any form of arthritis, painful motion is an important factor of disability, the facial expression, wincing, etc., on pressure or manipulation, should be carefully noted and definitely related to affected joints. 4.71 Measurement of ankylosis and joint motion. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. To determine the evaluation for visual impairment when both decreased visual acuity and visual field defect are present in one or both eyes and are service connected, separately evaluate the visual acuity and visual field defect (expressed as a level of visual acuity), and combine them under the provisions of 4.25. Neuritis, internal popliteal (tibial) nerve. 7520 Penis, removal of half or more.