VA Disability by Condition

Rated under the mental disorders schedule based on occupational and social impairment. A single 70% PTSD rating commonly qualifies veterans for TDIU.

Major depressive disorder is rated on the same 0–10–30–50–70–100% mental disorders scale, based on symptom frequency and functional impact.

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.

MST itself is not a diagnosis, but the resulting PTSD, depression, or other mental health conditions are fully compensable. Special examination protections apply.

Lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease, and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) are rated on flexion limits and incapacitating episodes.

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.

Patellofemoral syndrome, ACL tears, and limited flexion are each rated separately per knee. Instability, locking, and range-of-motion limits all factor in.

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.

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%.

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. A daily controller inhaler alone qualifies for the 30% rating, with no PFT threshold required.

Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis are common secondary conditions to nasal injuries or burn pit exposure. Often combined with sinusitis claims.

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.

Pure tone threshold averages and speech discrimination scores determine the rating per ear. Both ears are rated, then combined under VA math.

Rated on the frequency and duration of prostrating attacks. Ten or more per year with economic inadaptability qualifies for the maximum 50%.

Nerve root compression causing pain, numbness, or weakness in an extremity. Commonly secondary to cervical or lumbar spine conditions. Rated per extremity.

Nerve damage causing burning, tingling, or loss of sensation. Often secondary to diabetes or Agent Orange exposure. Rated per extremity.

Rated on diastolic and systolic pressure readings. A single diastolic reading above 130 qualifies for 60%. Often secondary to PTSD or service-related stress.

A presumptive condition for Agent Orange-exposed veterans. Rated on MET exercise tolerance. Chronic congestive heart failure qualifies for 100%.

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.

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.