VA Disability by Condition
How the VA rates the most common service-connected conditions: rating criteria, typical percentages, and what moves the number up. Select a condition to read the full guide, or use the calculator to see your combined rating and 2026 pay.
Calculate my combined rating →Mental Health
Mental health conditions are among the most common VA disability claims and can carry high ratings when properly documented.
Rated under the mental disorders schedule based on occupational and social impairment. A single 70% PTSD rating commonly qualifies veterans for TDIU.
Read full guide →Major depressive disorder is rated on the same 0–10–30–50–70–100% mental disorders scale, based on symptom frequency and functional impact.
Read full guide →Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety are each rated under 38 CFR § 4.130 based on how severely they impair daily functioning.
Rated on three facets: cognitive, emotional/behavioral, and physical. TBI can also unlock secondary claims for headaches, PTSD, and sleep disorders.
Read full guide →MST itself is not a diagnosis, but the resulting PTSD, depression, or other mental health conditions are fully compensable. Special examination protections apply.
Musculoskeletal
Joint and spine conditions are rated primarily on range of motion. Multiple joints can each carry a separate rating, which combine under VA math.
Lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease, and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) are rated on flexion limits and incapacitating episodes.
Read full guide →Cervical strain and spondylosis are rated identically to the lumbar spine but on cervical range of motion. Radiculopathy into the arms is a secondary claim.
Read full guide →Patellofemoral syndrome, ACL tears, and limited flexion are each rated separately per knee. Instability, locking, and range-of-motion limits all factor in.
Read full guide →Rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement are rated on arm abduction. Dominant vs. non-dominant arm affects the pay rate at higher ratings.
Hip flexion limits and painful motion drive ratings. Degenerative joint disease and labral tears are common service-connected diagnoses.
Bilateral flat feet are rated per foot. Symptomatic cases with objective findings (calluses, pain, limited motion) receive higher ratings.
Respiratory
Respiratory conditions are rated on pulmonary function tests (FEV-1, DLCO) and the frequency of required treatment.
CPAP or BiPAP prescription qualifies for the 50% rating ($1,132.90/mo). Persistent daytime hypersomnolence without a device rates 30%. Chronic respiratory failure rates 100%.
Read full guide →Chronic sinusitis is a Gulf War and PACT Act presumptive condition. Ratings are based on the number of incapacitating episodes requiring antibiotics per year.
Rated on FEV-1 results and daily medication requirements. Inhaled bronchodilators alone qualify for the minimum 30% rating.
Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis are common secondary conditions to nasal injuries or burn pit exposure. Often combined with sinusitis claims.
Hearing
Hearing conditions are among the most frequently claimed VA disabilities. Each ear is evaluated separately using the Maryland CNC speech discrimination test.
Tinnitus is rated 10% for any ear (bilateral counts as one rating). It is the single most claimed VA disability. The rating is unchanged regardless of severity.
Read full guide →Pure tone threshold averages and speech discrimination scores determine the rating per ear. Both ears are rated, then combined under VA math.
Read full guide →Neurological
Neurological conditions often arise as secondary claims: radiculopathy from a back condition, migraines from TBI, or peripheral neuropathy from diabetes.
Rated on the frequency and duration of prostrating attacks. Ten or more per year with economic inadaptability qualifies for the maximum 50%.
Read full guide →Nerve root compression causing pain, numbness, or weakness in an extremity. Commonly secondary to cervical or lumbar spine conditions. Rated per extremity.
Read full guide →Nerve damage causing burning, tingling, or loss of sensation. Often secondary to diabetes or Agent Orange exposure. Rated per extremity.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular conditions are Agent Orange presumptives and can also arise from high-stress service or physical injury.
Rated on diastolic and systolic pressure readings. A single diastolic reading above 130 qualifies for 60%. Often secondary to PTSD or service-related stress.
Read full guide →A presumptive condition for Agent Orange-exposed veterans. Rated on MET exercise tolerance. Chronic congestive heart failure qualifies for 100%.
Skin
Skin conditions are rated on the percentage of body surface affected and the frequency of required treatment.
Rated on the extent of skin involvement and systemic therapy requirements. Chronic cases requiring immunosuppressants can reach 60%.
Scars are rated on size, location, functional impairment, and whether they are unstable or painful. Each scar is a separate rating.
Tropical acne is a presumptive condition for veterans who served in certain climates. Rated on the area of the trunk and extremities affected.
Presumptive Conditions
Presumptive conditions do not require proof of service connection. Only a diagnosis and qualifying service are needed. The VA assumes the service caused it.
Over 20 conditions are presumptive for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, including ischemic heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and several cancers.
The 2022 PACT Act expanded presumptive coverage to burn pit and toxic exposure veterans. Includes many respiratory, cardiovascular, and cancer diagnoses.
Undiagnosed chronic multisymptom illness in Gulf War veterans is presumptive without requiring a specific diagnosis. Covers fatigue, cognitive issues, pain syndromes.
Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during nuclear testing or post-WWII Japan occupation may claim many cancers as presumptive service-connected conditions.