The 8 most-claimed conditions, with the actual 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteria, evidence requirements, and the predatory traps. Free. No nexus-letter upsell.
Read this first
NOT LEGAL ADVICE. This page documents what the regulations SAY. Your actual rating depends on your medical records, your C&P exam, and the rater's interpretation of evidence. Use this for orientation — not as a substitute for a free VSO consultation.
File claims through a VSO (Veterans Service Organization). VFW, DAV, American Legion, VVA — all free. They'll do what a $5,000 "claim shark" does, for the price of an oath.
Most-rated VA condition. Over 3 million veterans receive disability for tinnitus. The threshold is low — but the rating cap is also low.
Rating tiers
10%
Recurrent tinnitus. This is the ONLY rating tier — tinnitus is statutorily capped at 10% regardless of severity. Whether it's a faint ring or a constant scream, the rating is the same.
Evidence you need
Statement that tinnitus exists (lay evidence is sufficient — you don't need an audiology test to prove ringing in your ears)
Nexus to service: noise exposure documented in records (range time, deployment, MOS exposure)
Continuous symptoms since service (or proximate to discharge)
Common mistakes
Believing you need an audiology test — you don't for tinnitus itself, only for hearing loss
Filing tinnitus separately from hearing loss — they're separate codes but typically claimed together
Not connecting it to a specific service event — write down the range qualifications, the artillery exposure, the deployment
Predator trap
Claim sharks charge $3,000–$5,000 to "win" you a tinnitus claim. The form is DBQ Hearing Loss and Tinnitus + a lay statement. Veterans file this for free with a VSO every day.
2026 status
Current rules in effect. Proposed 2024 changes to add a 0% diagnostic category were withdrawn; tinnitus remains a flat 10%.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
DC 6847 · 38 CFR 4.97
High-value rating. 50% under current rules if a CPAP/BiPAP is prescribed — even if you don't use it. Common secondary to PTSD, depression, anxiety, GERD.
Rating tiers
0%
Asymptomatic but documented sleep disordered breathing.
30%
Persistent daytime hypersomnolence (sleepiness).
50%
Requires use of breathing assistance device — CPAP or BiPAP — PRESCRIBED (use is not required). This is the workhorse rating. A documented prescription, even if you can't tolerate the device, triggers the 50%.
100%
Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, OR requires tracheostomy, OR cor pulmonale (right-heart failure).
Evidence you need
Sleep study (polysomnography) showing AHI ≥ 5/hour
CPAP/BiPAP prescription from a provider
Nexus opinion connecting OSA to service (or to a service-connected condition like PTSD)
C&P exam documenting current condition and CPAP requirement
Common mistakes
Filing without a sleep study — the VA will order one but only if you have symptoms documented
Throwing away the CPAP machine — it's evidence of continued need
Not pursuing secondary service connection — OSA is commonly granted secondary to PTSD, depression, GERD, weight gain from another rated condition
Predator trap
A whole industry of "VA disability lawyers" markets to veterans for sleep apnea claims at 20-30% of past-due benefits. Many of these claims are straightforward and a free VSO will file them for you.
2026 status
VA proposed changes in 2024 to require CPAP "ineffectiveness" for the 50% rating. After public comments, implementation has been PAUSED pending review. Current rules remain in effect as of 2026-05-20. Veterans with existing 50% ratings will be grandfathered if changes do eventually take effect.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
DC 9411 · 38 CFR 4.130
Most common service-connected mental health condition. Rated on the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders — same scale used for depression, anxiety, MDD, etc.
Rating tiers
0%
Formal diagnosis but symptoms not severe enough to interfere with occupational/social functioning. Treatment not required.
10%
Mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency during periods of significant stress; OR symptoms controlled by continuous medication.
30%
Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent inability to perform tasks. Includes depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss.
50%
Reduced reliability and productivity. Flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired memory/judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty in establishing/maintaining effective work and social relationships.
70%
Deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family, judgment, thinking, mood). Suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances.
100%
Total occupational and social impairment. Persistent danger of hurting self or others, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, disorientation to time/place, memory loss for names of close relatives.
Evidence you need
In-service stressor — documented or "credible" (combat stressors are presumed credible)
Current diagnosis (per DSM-5) from a qualified provider
Nexus opinion linking PTSD to the in-service stressor
Documentation of functional impairment — work history showing missed time/firings, treatment records, lay statements from family
Common mistakes
Not documenting work impairment — the VA rates on FUNCTIONAL impact, not just symptoms
Filing without seeking treatment — a treatment record (even VA mental health) substantially strengthens the claim
Underselling at the C&P exam — be honest about your worst days, not your best
Filing for "anxiety" or "depression" without recognizing it could also be PTSD — the diagnosis matters for stressor verification
Predator trap
Massive predatory market. "Nexus letter" services charge $1,500–$5,000 for letters that VA raters often discount. A free VSO + your treatment records + a C&P exam will typically produce the same outcome.
2026 status
VA proposed rating-criteria changes for mental health in 2022. Public comment closed. Implementation status as of 2026-05-20: VA has indicated it will NOT proceed with the originally proposed changes; existing criteria remain in effect.
Lumbar Spine Strain / Low Back Pain
DC 5237 · 38 CFR 4.71a
One of the most claimed conditions. Rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine — range of motion (ROM) plus functional loss.
Rating tiers
10%
Forward flexion of thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; OR combined ROM greater than 120 but not greater than 235 degrees; OR muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait/contour.
20%
Forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; OR combined ROM not greater than 120 degrees; OR muscle spasm/guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait/contour.
40%
Forward flexion 30 degrees or less; OR favorable ankylosis of entire thoracolumbar spine.
50%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
100%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
Evidence you need
In-service injury or onset (documented in STRs, line-of-duty injuries, sick call visits)
Current diagnosis with imaging (X-ray, MRI showing arthritis, herniation, stenosis)
Range of motion testing — measured in degrees by a qualified provider
Functional impact statement — flare-ups, painful motion, ability to do activities
Common mistakes
Going to the C&P exam well-rested and stretched — show up sore, demonstrate your actual limitations
Not mentioning flare-ups — the VA must consider flare-up severity (DeLuca factors)
Missing the radiculopathy claim — if your back radiates pain to your legs, that's a SEPARATE rating under DC 8520 (sciatic nerve)
Not connecting subsequent knee/hip/neck issues — secondary connections are common
Predator trap
Some "VA experts" pitch range-of-motion training to "perform" worse at C&P. Don't do this — the rater can spot inconsistency between your daily-life statements and your exam, and dishonesty can void your claim.
2026 status
Current rules in effect. The musculoskeletal section was updated 2021; no pending changes to the spine schedule as of 2026-05-20.
Knee Disabilities (Limited Flexion/Extension)
DC 5260 / 5261 · 38 CFR 4.71a
Heavily claimed. Knees can be rated on multiple codes: 5260 (limited flexion), 5261 (limited extension), 5257 (instability), 5258 (semilunar cartilage), 5258 dislocated semilunar cartilage. Each can stack.
Rating tiers
0%
Limited flexion to 60 degrees or limited extension to 5 degrees (essentially normal).
10%
Flexion limited to 45 degrees OR extension limited to 10 degrees.
20%
Flexion limited to 30 degrees OR extension limited to 15 degrees.
30%
Flexion limited to 15 degrees OR extension limited to 20 degrees.
40%
Extension limited to 30 degrees (45° for 50% rating). Severe loss of motion.
Evidence you need
In-service injury or activity (running, jumping, IED/blast exposure)
Current imaging or surgical history
ROM testing — flexion and extension measured in degrees
Instability documentation (Lachman, drawer tests) for separate DC 5257 rating
Common mistakes
Settling for one rating when multiple codes apply (you can rate flexion + instability + arthritis separately)
Not claiming bilateral knees — separate ratings, with bilateral factor adding 10% to the combined
Not pursuing meniscus tear as separate DC 5258 if applicable
Predator trap
Claim sharks miss that knee disabilities can be rated under multiple codes simultaneously. A "$3,000 service" often produces what a free VSO produces.
2026 status
Current rules in effect. No pending changes to the knee schedule as of 2026-05-20.
Hearing Loss (Sensorineural)
DC 6100 · 38 CFR 4.85
Massively underrated condition because the math doesn't favor veterans. Rating uses both Pure Tone Threshold and Maryland CNC speech discrimination — most veterans rate 0% or 10% even with documented loss.
Rating tiers
0%
Mild hearing loss. Most service-connected hearing claims rate here despite real audiology findings — the VA's rating chart is unfavorable.
10%
Moderate loss — typically Roman numeral III/IV on both ears per Table VI.
30%
Moderate-to-severe bilateral loss.
50%
Severe bilateral loss.
70%
Severe-to-profound bilateral loss.
100%
Profound bilateral deafness.
Evidence you need
Audiology test (puretone audiogram + Maryland CNC speech discrimination)
Service treatment record showing audiograms at entry vs separation (the "shift" matters)
Documented noise exposure (MOS, deployments, range duties)
Statement that hearing loss has continued since service
Common mistakes
Filing hearing loss without filing tinnitus simultaneously — they're separate but typically co-claimed
Assuming "I have hearing loss" gets a 50% — the rating chart is restrictive
Not bringing your hearing aids to the C&P exam — providers want to see them
Predator trap
Some claim services promise 50%+ hearing ratings without explaining the Table VI math. The rating is statutory; no service can change it.
2026 status
Current rules in effect. No pending changes as of 2026-05-20.
Migraine Headaches
DC 8100 · 38 CFR 4.124a
Often missed in claims because veterans don't track frequency. Common secondary to TBI, neck injury, PTSD, depression.
Rating tiers
0%
Less frequent attacks.
10%
Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months.
30%
Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once a month over last several months.
50%
Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
Evidence you need
Migraine diagnosis from neurologist or PCP
Headache log showing frequency, duration, severity (essential — the rating is frequency-based)
Documentation of "prostrating" — meaning the migraine requires you to stop activity, lie down
Nexus to service (TBI, helmet weight, deployment exposure)
Common mistakes
Not keeping a migraine log for at least 3 months before claiming — the VA needs frequency data
Misunderstanding "prostrating" — it means functionally disabling, not just painful
Not connecting to TBI or neck — many migraines are secondary to other rated conditions
Predator trap
"VA migraine specialists" charge $2,000-$5,000 to "win" claims. The form is DBQ Headaches + a documented log + a C&P exam. Free with a VSO.
2026 status
Current rules in effect. No pending changes as of 2026-05-20.
Cervical Spine (Neck) Strain
DC 5237 · 38 CFR 4.71a
Commonly claimed alongside lumbar spine. Often secondary to vehicle/IED exposure, sustained helmet wear. Same General Rating Formula as lumbar, with cervical-specific ROM thresholds.
Rating tiers
10%
Forward flexion greater than 30 but not greater than 40 degrees; OR combined ROM greater than 170 but not greater than 335; OR muscle spasm/guarding/tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait/contour.
20%
Forward flexion greater than 15 but not greater than 30 degrees; OR combined ROM not greater than 170; OR muscle spasm/guarding severe enough for abnormal gait/contour.
30%
Forward flexion 15 degrees or less; OR favorable ankylosis of entire cervical spine.
40%
Unfavorable ankylosis of entire cervical spine.
100%
Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine.
Evidence you need
In-service event (vehicle accident, IED, sustained helmet wear, weight bearing of body armor)
Skipping radiculopathy claim — cervical radiculopathy radiating to arms/hands is SEPARATE under DC 8510 (upper radicular nerve group)
Not connecting to migraines — many migraine claims succeed secondary to cervical strain
Failing to report flare-up severity
Predator trap
Cervical + lumbar are often bundled by claim sharks as a "spine package" — but they're rated separately and adding sciatic/radicular nerve ratings can stack further. The work is straightforward; no $3,000 needed.
2026 status
Current rules in effect. Same musculoskeletal section as lumbar.
Scars (Surgical, Burn, Traumatic)
DC 7800-7805 · 38 CFR 4.118
Often overlooked. Scars from in-service surgeries, combat wounds, training injuries can rate separately from the underlying condition. Multiple scars stack.
Rating tiers
10%
(DC 7804) One or two scars that are unstable or painful. OR (DC 7801) Burn scar(s) of body other than head/face/neck covering area of at least 6 square inches.
20%
(DC 7804) Three or four scars unstable or painful. OR (DC 7801) Burn scar covering at least 12 square inches.
30%
(DC 7800) Visible disfigurement of head/face/neck — one characteristic feature.
50%
(DC 7800) Visible disfigurement of head/face/neck — visible at conversational distance; two or three characteristics.
80%
(DC 7800) Severe disfigurement of head/face/neck with four or more characteristics.
Evidence you need
Photographs of the scar(s) (the VA will request these)
Documentation of cause (in-service surgery, combat wound, injury)
Not claiming scars secondary to a service-connected surgery (gallbladder, hernia, knee scope, etc.)
Not counting MULTIPLE scars — 3-4 painful scars rate higher than one
Not pursuing facial scar rating when scars are visible
Predator trap
Scar claims are easy to file via VSO; paid services often pad these into "packages" for full price. Free.
2026 status
Current rules in effect; 38 CFR 4.118 last revised 2018.
Hypertension
DC 7101 · 38 CFR 4.104
Frequently claimed secondary to PTSD, sleep apnea, weight gain from rated conditions. Also primary for veterans with documented in-service BP elevation.
Rating tiers
10%
Diastolic 100+ OR systolic 160+, OR an individual with history of diastolic 100+ requiring continuous medication.
20%
Diastolic 110+ OR systolic 200+.
40%
Diastolic 120+.
60%
Diastolic 130+.
Evidence you need
Multiple BP readings (at least 2 readings on 3 different days)
Service treatment records showing in-service BP elevation, OR nexus opinion connecting hypertension to a service-connected condition
Medication record
Common mistakes
Single high BP reading is not enough — need pattern documentation
Not pursuing secondary connection — PTSD-hypertension is a well-trodden path
Not adding ischemic heart disease (DC 7005) as separate rating if applicable
Predator trap
Hypertension secondary to PTSD is one of the most-marketed "claim shark" wins. The work is standard; free VSO does it.
2026 status
Current rules in effect. VA proposed revisions to cardiovascular schedule withdrawn.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
DC 7346 (analogous) · 38 CFR 4.114
Often filed secondary to PTSD, medications, sleep apnea. Rated by analogy under DC 7346 (Hiatal Hernia) since GERD doesn't have its own code.
Rating tiers
10%
Two or more symptoms (regurgitation, substernal pain, recurrent epigastric distress) of less severity than 30% criteria.
30%
Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain — productive of considerable impairment of health.
60%
Symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss, hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia, OR other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health.
Evidence you need
Diagnosis (typically via endoscopy or PPI trial response)
Medication record showing PPI use
Symptom diary
Nexus to service or secondary to a service-connected condition (PTSD, medications, sleep apnea)
Common mistakes
Not pursuing GERD as secondary to PTSD — strong evidence base for the connection
Treating with OTC antacids and not getting a formal diagnosis — the VA needs documented chronic condition
Predator trap
Often grouped into "package" claim services. GERD secondary to PTSD is a well-trodden path; no specialist needed.
2026 status
Current rules in effect. VA has proposed revisions to digestive system ratings in recent years; check ecfr.gov for the current version of 38 CFR 4.114 before relying on these tiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this my official VA disability rating?
No. This is a reference guide, not a rating decision. It documents what the regulations say for the most-claimed conditions. Your actual rating depends on your medical records, your C&P exam, and how the VA rater interprets the evidence — none of which this page can see. Treat it as orientation, not a verdict.
How does the VA decide the percentage for a condition?
Each condition is rated under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4). The regulation lays out severity tiers, and the rater assigns the percentage that matches the severity your evidence supports — usually anchored by a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam plus your medical records. More severe, better-documented symptoms map to higher tiers.
If I have several rated conditions, do the percentages add up?
No — and this is the single most common misunderstanding. The VA uses combined-ratings math (the "whole person" table in 38 CFR 4.25), not simple addition. Each additional condition is applied to the remaining un-disabled percentage, so two ratings never simply sum. That is why the combined figure is almost always lower than adding the numbers in your head.
What evidence actually drives the rating?
A current diagnosis, a service connection linking the condition to your service, and documentation of how severe it is — medical records, and typically a C&P exam. The rating follows the evidence of severity, not how much a condition bothers you day to day. The evidence-needed list on each condition card above spells out what raters look for.
Do I need to pay a company to file my claim?
No. A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) — VFW, DAV, American Legion, VVA — will help you file for free. As this page notes, that is the same work the paid "claim sharks" charge thousands for. A free VSO consultation is the right next step for any actual claim.