10 High Value VA Claims Commonly Rated at 30% or More!

Today, Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider reveals and explains 10 high value VA claims commonly rated at 30% or more.

A “high value” VA disability claim is a condition that has a high likelihood of being rated at 30% or higher on its own (e.g., a mental health condition rated at 70% or headaches rated at 50%).

Okay, without further ado, let’s begin!

List of the Top 10 High Value VA Claims

• Mental Health Conditions

• Sleep Apnea

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

• Migraines (Headaches)

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

• Peripheral Neuropathy

• Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

• Presumptive Conditions

#1. Mental Health Conditions

VA ratings for mental health range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70%.

The most common VA rating for mental health is 70%, making it a high value VA claim.

There are 31 ratable mental health conditions that encompass a wide range of disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, and somatoform disorders, among others.

Veterans may develop these conditions as a result of their service, especially if they’ve experienced combat, traumatic events, or high-stress environments.

VA claims for mental health conditions are evaluated based on the degree of social and occupational impairment caused by the condition, with consideration given to the severity of mental health symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration.

#2. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea VA ratings range from 0% to 100%, with breaks at 30% and 50%.

The most common VA rating for sleep apnea is 50%, meaning a veteran requires the use of a breathing device such as a CPAP machine.

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep.

There are three types: obstructive, central, and mixed.

It’s a condition of particular concern for veterans because it can be aggravated or caused by other service-connected conditions like PTSD, obesity, or facial injuries.

The VA rates sleep apnea based on the severity of symptoms and the need for a breathing device.

#3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

VA ratings for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 100%, and depend upon the frequency, severity, and duration of a veteran’s symptoms.

CFS is commonly rated at 40% or more, helping to land it on our list of high value VA claims.

CFS is a complex condition characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.

The cause of CFS is unknown, but it can be triggered by infections, immune system problems, or hormonal imbalances.

Veterans may develop CFS as a result of physical or emotional stress experienced during service.

VA claims for CFS require a detailed medical history showing that the fatigue significantly limits daily activities.

#4. Migraines (Headaches)

Migraines (or any type of headache) are rated from 0% to 50%, with breaks at 10% and 30% depending on the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms and how those symptoms negatively impact a veteran’s work, life, and social functioning.

Migraines are severe, disabling headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

They can be particularly debilitating, affecting a veteran’s ability to work and perform daily activities.

The VA rates migraines based on their frequency and severity, including how they impact a veteran’s work, called “economic inadaptability” in the VA rating criteria.

#5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

The VA rates Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) at 0%, 10%, or 30%.

However, IBS is commonly rated at 30 percent if a veteran has severe symptoms.

IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms, including abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

Stress and mental health issues can exacerbate IBS, linking it to service-related conditions.

The VA evaluates IBS based on how symptoms affect a veteran’s health and ability to work.

#6. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

VA ratings for GERD range from 10% to 60%, with a break at 30%.

GERD is commonly rated at 30% or 60%, depending on the severity of symptoms and how those symptoms negatively impact a veteran’s work, life, and social functioning.

GERD is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing.

GERD can be exacerbated by stress and certain injuries related to service.

The VA rates GERD based on the severity of symptoms and the impact on a veteran’s daily life.

#7. Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

VA ratings for Radiculopathy typically range from 0% to 70%, depending upon the severity of your symptoms.

VA ratings for Sciatica range from 10% to 80%, depending upon the severity of symptoms.

However, the highest possible VA rating rating for Radiculopathy, across all radicular groups, with complete paralysis, is 90%.

Radiculopathy refers to nerve pain caused by compression or irritation of nerve roots in the spinal column.

Sciatica, a common form of radiculopathy, involves pain that radiates from the lower back down to the legs.

Veterans may develop radiculopathy due to spinal injuries, herniated discs, or degenerative spinal conditions.

VA claims are evaluated based on the extent of nerve damage, pain, and mobility issues.

#8. Peripheral Neuropathy

VA ratings for Peripheral Neuropathy range from 10% to 80%, with breaks at 20%, 40%, and 60%, depending on the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms.

Note: Peripheral Neuropathy is usually rated analogous to Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8520.

Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, causing weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet.

It can result from physical injury, exposure to toxins, or infections.

The VA assesses peripheral neuropathy based on the degree of sensory or motor impairment, pain, and its impact on daily activities.

#9. Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

VA ratings for Flat Feet range from 0% to 50%, with breaks at 10%, 20%, and 30%.

The maximum scheduler rating for severe bilateral pes planus (flat feet) is 50%.

VA ratings for pes planus depend upon whether the condition is unilateral or bilateral, as well as the severity of symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration.

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition where the arches of the feet are flattened, leading to pain and mobility issues.

It can be aggravated by or result from injuries, overweight, or strenuous activities during service.

The VA rates flat feet based on the severity of the condition, the presence of pain, and how it affects standing or walking.

#10. VA Presumptive Conditions

VA ratings for presumptive conditions range from 0% to 100%, depending on the condition and the severity of symptoms.

VA presumptive conditions are easy to win because you just need to show on your DD 214 that you were in an eligible location during a specific period and that you developed a qualifying disability as a result.

There are 10 primary categories that comprise the official 2024 VA Presumptive List.

• #1. Prisoners of War (POW)
• #2. Chronic Debilitating Diseases
• #3. Tropical Diseases
• #4. Agent Orange (Herbicides) Exposure
• #5. Asbestos Exposure
• #6. Radiation Exposure
• #7. Mustard Gas or Lewisite Exposure
• #8. Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Exposure
• #9. Gulf War Syndrome
• #10. Burn Pits and Particulate Matter Exposure

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About the Author

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Brian Reese

Brian Reese is one of the top VA disability benefits experts in the world and bestselling author of You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned (Second Edition).

Brian’s frustration with the VA claim process led him to create VA Claims Insider, which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim, faster, even if they’ve already filed, been denied, gave up, or don’t know where to start. 

As the founder of VA Claims Insider and CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, he has helped serve more than 10 million military members and veterans since 2013 through free online educational resources.

He is a former active duty Air Force officer with 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.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).