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If you’re a veteran dealing with a brain tumor, securing the appropriate VA disability rating is crucial for getting the compensation and benefits you’ve earned.
The VA rates both malignant (cancerous) and benign (noncancerous) brain tumors based on their activity level, treatment, and any persistent effects. Thanks to expansions like the PACT Act, many veterans with brain cancers from burn pit exposure now qualify more easily through presumptive service connection.
In this post, we’ll explain brain tumor VA ratings, how you can connect your brain tumor to service, and VA disability claim tips in clear, practical terms.
Summary of Key Points
- Malignant brain tumors typically qualify for a 100% rating while active or during treatment, continuing for two years post-treatment, then shifting to residuals with a minimum of 30%.
- A benign brain tumor VA rating often starts at 60% if the tumor is active, moving to residuals (minimum 10%) once stabilized.
- Under the PACT Act, certain brain cancers (like glioblastoma) are presumptive for veterans exposed to burn pits, making service connection automatic for qualifying service.
Table of Contents
Brain Tumors and Veterans
Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain or nearby tissues that can be benign (noncancerous, often slower-growing) or malignant (cancerous, aggressive).
Symptoms can include headaches, seizures, vision or balance problems, cognitive changes, nausea, vomiting, weakness or loss of movement, personality or behavior changes, and fatigue, varying by the tumor’s size, location, and type.
Veterans may link these to service exposures, such as burn pits used in post-9/11 deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas. The VA now lists several brain cancers as presumptive conditions tied to these exposures, easing the path to benefits.
Related: The BRUTAL TRUTH About Burn Pits and Toxic Exposure: What Veterans Need to Know!
How the VA Rates Brain Tumors
Malignant Brain Tumor
The VA rates malignant brain tumors under § 4.124a Schedule of ratings — neurological conditions and convulsive disorders, diagnostic code (DC) 8002.
With a current diagnosis of active brain cancer, the VA assigns a 100% disability rating during active illness and treatment (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation). This continues for two years after treatment ends.
Afterward, the VA reevaluates and rates any residuals (lingering effects like neurological deficits) with a minimum rating of 30%. Residuals are evaluated separately under relevant codes if they cause distinct impairment.
Benign Brain Tumor
Benign brain tumor VA ratings are evaluated under § 4.124a Schedule of ratings — neurological conditions and convulsive disorders, DC 8003.
If the tumor is active or present, the VA assigns a minimum 60% rating. Once treated or stabilized, the focus shifts to residuals, with a minimum 10% rating for noticeable impairments.
Residuals from a benign brain tumor might include headaches, dizziness, memory issues, or other neurological symptoms, and they are rated based on their impact. Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors don’t automatically receive 100%; higher ratings apply if residuals are severe.
Brain Tumor VA Rating Chart
Here’s a clear overview based on the VA rating practices:
| Condition | Diagnostic Code | Key VA Rating Details |
| Malignant Brain Tumor | 8002 | 100% during active cancer/treatment, plus two years post-treatment; after that, residuals are rated at a 30% minimum. |
| Benign Brain Tumor | 8003 | Minimum 60% if active/present; residuals are rated separately at a 10% minimum. |
| Residuals (e.g., migraines, seizures) | Varies (e.g., 8100 for migraines, 8910 series for seizures) | Ratings range from 10% to 100% based on frequency, severity, and functional impact. |
How to Prove Service Connection
Primary (Direct) Service Connection
To establish primary service connection, veterans generally need:
- A current medical diagnosis of a brain tumor, and
- Evidence of an in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation, and
- A medical nexus linking the two.
In presumptive cases (e.g., burn pit-related brain cancers), the nexus is assumed with a current diagnosis and qualifying service history.
Pro Tip: For secondary conditions to a brain tumor, include a nexus letter from a qualified doctor connecting the secondary issue directly to your service-connected brain tumor.
Secondary Service Connection
If your brain tumor was caused or aggravated by another service-connected condition, you can claim it as secondarily service-connected.
The requirements are similar to primary service connection, but instead of proving that your service caused the brain tumor, your nexus must show that another service-related condition, such as traumatic brain injury, caused or aggravated it.
Presumptive Service Connection
The PACT Act expanded presumptive conditions for toxic exposures, including exposure to burn pits. Brain cancers such as glioblastoma, astrocytoma, and other brain/brain stem cancers are now presumptive for eligible Gulf War-era and post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations (e.g., Iraq, Afghanistan).
This means the VA assumes your service connection without requiring proof of direct causation — just evidence of qualifying service and a current diagnosis. Presumptive status simplifies claims significantly for many veterans.
Read More: The BRUTAL TRUTH About Burn Pits and Toxic Exposure: What Veterans Need to Know!
C&P Exam for Brain Tumor
A compensation and pension (C&P) exam is commonly used to assess the status of your tumor and its impact on your daily life.
A specialist (often a neurologist) will review your history, symptoms, and records, and possibly order neurological tests or imaging. It’s important to be honest in describing how your symptoms affect your daily life, work, and relationships, as this will impact your rating.
Secondary Conditions That Can Increase Your Combined Rating
Brain tumors and their treatment can cause additional conditions that qualify for separate VA ratings. These are evaluated independently and combined with your primary brain tumor rating.
Common examples include:
- Migraines (DC 8100): Up to 50%
- Seizures (DC 8910–8914): 10% to 100%
- Mental health conditions: 0% to 100%
- Vision or hearing impairment: Rated based on measurable loss
These conditions may result from tumor pressure on brain tissue, surgery, radiation, or other treatments.
To qualify, you’ll need medical evidence linking the condition to your service-connected brain tumor, often supported by a strong nexus letter.
Conclusion
When you’re diagnosed with a brain tumor, it can be scary. It can also be hard to know where to start when it comes to treatment and recovery. Understanding how the VA rates brain tumors makes one step a little easier.
It also sets you up to build a strong claim.
If applicable, you can leverage presumptive connections under the PACT Act, but it’s still important to gather solid evidence and file promptly. Proper ratings deliver monthly compensation, priority health care, and many other VA benefits.
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Does a brain tumor automatically qualify for VA disability?
No. Service connection is required to qualify for VA disability benefits. However, many malignant brain cancers (e.g., glioblastoma, astrocytomas) are presumptive under the PACT Act for burn pit exposure if you served in qualifying locations (post-9/11 or Gulf War era).
What VA benefits can I claim if I have a brain tumor?
Tax-free monthly compensation (often 60% to 100% for active tumors), priority/no-cost VA health care for service-connected conditions, vocational rehabilitation, and possibly TDIU if unemployable. Dependents may qualify for Chapter 35 education benefits if your rating is permanent and total.
What is the minimum VA rating for a benign brain tumor?
The VA rating for a benign brain tumor is a minimum of 60% while the tumor is active or present (Diagnostic Code 8003). After treatment/stabilization, residuals are rated separately with a minimum of 10%. Higher ratings are possible for significant residual conditions, such as chronic headaches/migraines, seizures, or cognitive issues.
How long does the 100% rating last for malignant brain tumors?
You will be rated 100% for malignant brain tumors while the cancer is active and you’re in treatment, plus two years after treatment ends (Diagnostic Code 8002). Then the VA will reevaluate your residual symptoms, providing a minimum of a 30% rating if effects remain. You can claim separate ratings for secondary conditions (e.g., migraines, seizures) to increase your combined rating.
Can I claim secondary conditions to my brain tumor?
Yes. Common secondary conditions to brain tumors include migraines, seizures/epilepsy, cognitive/mood changes, vision/hearing loss, balance issues, and fatigue. These conditions receive separate ratings (e.g., up to 50% for migraines). For your best chance of getting approved, submit a nexus letter linking them to your service-connected tumor and file using the VA Form 21-526EZ.
Can residuals from a brain tumor be rated separately?
Yes, residuals from a brain tumor can be rated separately if they cause distinct impairment (e.g., migraines under Code 8100, seizures under 8910–8914, mental health under the general formula). These residuals can combine toward a higher overall rating, as long as the symptoms don’t overlap.
Is brain tumor service connection easier under the PACT Act?
Yes, it might be easier to service connect qualifying malignant brain cancers tied to burn pits and toxins under the PACT Act. The VA presumes service connection with a current diagnosis and qualifying service history; there’s no need to prove direct causation.
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About the Author
Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
