Today, Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider reveals and explains the highest rated VA disabilities.
This detailed list of the highest rated VA disability claims is broken down into body system/part, disability name, and the rating criteria to get a 100 percent VA rating.
Okay, without further ado, let’s begin!
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Top 10 (Most Common) Highest Rated VA Disability Claims
Here’s a list of the 10 highest rated VA claims that can be rated at 100% with the most severe symptoms:
- Mental health conditions
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Meniere’s syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)
- Cancer (not in remission)
- Severe back and spine conditions
- Severe asthma
- Diabetes mellitus
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Amputations
What are the Highest Rated VA Disabilities?
Here’s a detailed list of 279 VA disabilities that can be rated up to 100 percent, along with the criteria needed to get the highest scheduler rating by law.
We also recommend reviewing CFR Title 38, Part 4, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities for each condition.
| Body System/Part | Disability Name | Criteria for a 100% VA Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal | Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic | Of the pelvis, vertebrae, or extending into major joints, or with multiple localization or with long history of intractability and debility, anemia, amyloid liver changes, or other continuous constitutional symptoms |
| Bones and joints, tuberculosis of, active or inactive | If Inactive: Tuberculosis in effect on August 19,1968 – 2 years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently Tuberculosis in effect after August 19, 1968 – 1 year after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis | |
| Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active process | With constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement, totally incapacitating | |
| Bones, neoplasm, malignant, primary or secondary | For 1 year following the cessation of surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other prescribed therapeutic procedure. | |
| Shoulder replacement (prosthesis) | For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis | |
| Elbow replacement (prosthesis) | For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis | |
| Wrist replacement (prosthesis) | For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis | |
| Hip, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) | For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing | |
| Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis) | For 4 months following implantation of prosthesis or resurfacing | |
| Ankle replacement (prosthesis) | For 1 year following implantation of prosthesis | |
| Anatomical loss of one hand and loss of use of one foot | N/A | |
| Anatomical loss of one foot and loss of use of one hand | N/A | |
| Anatomical loss of both hands | N/A | |
| Anatomical loss of both feet | N/A | |
| Anatomical loss of one hand and one foot | N/A | |
| Loss of use of both hands | N/A | |
| Loss of use of both feet | N/A | |
| Loss of use of one hand and one foot | N/A | |
| Complete amputation, upper extremity | Forequarter amputation (involving complete removal of the humerus along with any portion of the scapula, clavicle, and/or ribs) | |
| Complete amputation, lower extremity | Trans-pelvic amputation (involving complete removal of the femur and intrinsic pelvic musculature along with any portion of the pelvic bones) | |
| Vertebral fracture or dislocation | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | |
| Sacroiliac injury and weakness | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | |
| Lumbosacral or cervical strain | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | |
| Spinal stenosis | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | |
| Spondylolisthesis or segmental instability | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | |
| Ankylosing spondylitis | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | |
| Spinal fusion | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | |
| Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | |
| Intervertebral disc syndrome | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | |
| Muscle | Sarcoma, soft tissue (of muscle, fat, or fibrous connective tissue) | A rating of 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgery, radiation treatment, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedures. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination |
| Eye | Tuberculosis of eye, active or inactive | If Inactive: Tuberculosis in effect on August 19,1968 – 2 years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently Tuberculosis in effect after August 19, 1968 – 1 year after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis |
| Malignant neoplasms of the eye, orbit, and adnexa (excluding skin): | Requires therapy that is comparable to those used for systemic malignancies. Continue the 100 percent rating beyond the cessation of any surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating will be determined by mandatory VA examination | |
| Anatomical loss of both eyes | N/A | |
| No more than light perception in both eyes | N/A | |
| Anatomical loss of one eye | with 5/200 (1.5/60) in the other eye | |
| No more than light perception in one eye | with 5/200 (1.5/60) in the other eye | |
| Vision in one eye 5/200 (1.5/60) | with 5/200 (1.5/60) in the other eye | |
| Visual field defects | Bilateral concentric contraction of visual field | |
| Ear | Meniere’s syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops) | Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once weekly, with or without tinnitus |
| Malignant neoplasm of the ear (other than skin only) | A rating of 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, radiation treatment, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination | |
| Infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies. | Vibriosis (Cholera, Non-cholera) | As active disease |
| Visceral leishmaniasis | As active disease. Continue a 100 percent evaluation beyond the cessation of treatment for active disease. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, determine the appropriate disability rating by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) | As active disease. Continue a 100 percent evaluation beyond the cessation of treatment for active disease. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, determine the appropriate disability rating by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Malaria | As active disease | |
| Lymphatic filariasis, to include elephantiasis | As active disease | |
| Bartonellosis | As active disease | |
| Plague | As active disease | |
| Relapsing Fever | As active disease | |
| Rheumatic fever | As active disease | |
| Tuberculosis, miliary, active or inactive | If Inactive: Tuberculosis in effect on August 19,1968 – 2 years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently Tuberculosis in effect after August 19, 1968 – 1 year after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis | |
| Nontuberculosis mycobacterium infection | As active disease. Continue the rating of 100 percent for the duration of treatment for active disease followed by a mandatory VA exam. | |
| Avitaminosis | Marked mental changes, moist dermatitis, inability to retain adequate nourishment, exhaustion, and cachexia | |
| Beriberi | As active disease. With congestive heart failure, anasarca, or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome | |
| Pellagra | Marked mental changes, moist dermatitis, inability to retain adequate nourishment, exhaustion, and cachexia | |
| Brucellosis | As active disease | |
| Rickettsial, ehrlichia, and anaplasma infections | As active disease | |
| Melioidosis | As active disease | |
| Lyme disease | As active disease | |
| Parasitic diseases otherwise not specified | As active disease | |
| Hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated strongyloidiasis | As active disease. Continue the rating of 100 percent through active disease followed by a mandatory VA exam. | |
| Hemorrhagic fevers, including dengue, yellow fever, and others | As active disease | |
| Campylobacter jejuni infection | As active disease | |
| Coxiella burnetii infection (Q fever) | As active disease | |
| Nontyphoid salmonella infections | As active disease | |
| Shigella infections | As active disease | |
| West Nile virus infection | As active disease | |
| Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated) | Not to be combined with ratings under DC 7809 Acute, with frequent exacerbations, producing severe impairment of health | |
| HIV-related illness | AIDS with recurrent opportunistic infections (see Note 3) or with secondary diseases afflicting multiple body systems; HIV-related illness with debility and progressive weight loss | |
| Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) | Debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care | |
| Respiratory | Laryngectomy, total | N/A |
| Aphonia, complete organic | Constant inability to communicate by speech | |
| Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) | Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV–1) less than 40 percent of predicted value, with Flow-Volume Loop compatible with upper airway obstruction, or; permanent tracheostomy | |
| Granulomatous rhinitis | Wegener’s granulomatosis, lethal midline granuloma | |
| Bronchitis, chronic | FEV–1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV–1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Bronchiectasis | With incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year | |
| Asthma, bronchial | FEV–1 less than 40-percent predicted, or; FEV–1/FVC less than 40 percent, or; more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or; requires daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications | |
| Emphysema, pulmonary | FEV–1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV–1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy. | |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | FEV–1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV–1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy. | |
| Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, active (entitled on August 19, 1968) | N/A | |
| Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, moderately advanced, active (entitled on August 19, 1968) | N/A | |
| Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, minimal, active (entitled on August 19, 1968) | N/A | |
| Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, active, advancement unspecified (entitled on August 19, 1968) | N/A | |
| Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, inactive (entitled on August 19, 1968) | For two years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently | |
| Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, moderately advanced, inactive (entitled on August 19, 1968) | For two years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently | |
| Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, minimal, inactive (entitled on August 19, 1968) | For two years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently | |
| Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive, advancement unspecified (entitled on August 19, 1968) | For two years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently | |
| Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, active (entitled after August 19, 1968) | N/A | |
| Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive | 1 year after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis | |
| Pleurisy, tuberculous, active or inactive | If Inactive: Tuberculosis in effect on August 19,1968 – 2 years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently Tuberculosis in effect after August 19, 1968 – 1 year after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis | |
| Pulmonary Vascular Disease | Primary pulmonary hypertension, or; chronic pulmonary thromboembolism with evidence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, or cor pulmonale, or; pulmonary hypertension secondary to other obstructive disease of pulmonary arteries or veins with evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy or cor pulmonale | |
| Neoplasms, malignant, any specified part of respiratory system exclusive of skin growths | 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination | |
| Actinomycosis, Active | Active infection with systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or hemoptysis | |
| Nocardiosis, Active | Active infection with systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or hemoptysis | |
| Chronic lung abscess, Active | Active infection with systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or hemoptysis | |
| Interstitial Lung Disease | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Mycotic Lung Disease | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Interstitial Lung Disease-Diffuse interstitial fibrosis (interstitial pneumonitis, fibrosing alveolitis) | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Interstitial Lung Disease-Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Interstitial Lung Disease-Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Interstitial Lung Disease-Eosinophilic granuloma of lung | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Interstitial Lung Disease-Drug-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Interstitial Lung Disease-Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis. | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Interstitial Lung Disease-Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (extrinsic allergic alveolitis) | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Interstitial Lung Disease-Pneumoconiosis (silicosis, anthracosis, etc.) | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Interstitial Lung Disease-Asbestosis | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Mycotic Lung Disease-Histoplasmosis of lung | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis | |
| Mycotic Lung Disease-Coccidioidomycosis | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis | |
| Mycotic Lung Disease-Blastomycosis | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis | |
| Mycotic Lung Disease-Cryptococcosis | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis | |
| Mycotic Lung Disease-Aspergillosis | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis | |
| Mycotic Lung Disease-Mucormycosis | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis | |
| Restrictive Lung Disease-Diaphragm paralysis or paresis | FEV–1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV–1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Restrictive Lung Disease-Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency | FEV–1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV–1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Restrictive Lung Disease-Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum | FEV–1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV–1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Restrictive Lung Disease-Traumatic chest wall defect, pneumothorax, hernia, etc | FEV–1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV–1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Restrictive Lung Disease-Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) | FEV–1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV–1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Restrictive Lung Disease-Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis | FEV–1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV–1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | |
| Restrictive Lung Disease-Sarcoidosis | Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment | |
| Restrictive Lung Disease-Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) | Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy | |
| Heart | Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease) | During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection |
| Endocarditis, or | During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection | |
| Pericarditis | During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection | |
| Pericardial adhesions | Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | |
| Syphilitic heart disease | Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | |
| Arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease, Atherosclerotic heart disease, Ischemic heart disease) | Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | |
| Myocardial infarction | During and for three months following myocardial infarction, confirmed by laboratory tests | |
| Hypertensive heart disease | Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | |
| Hyperthyroid heart disease | Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | |
| Bradycardia (Bradyarrhythmia), symptomatic, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation: | For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation | |
| Ventricular arrhythmias (sustained) | For an indefinite period from the date of inpatient hospital admission for initial medical therapy for a sustained ventricular arrhythmia; or, for an indefinite period from the date of inpatient hospital admission for ventricular aneurysmectomy; or, with an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) in place. 100-percent evaluation begins on the date of hospital admission with a mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge. | |
| Atrioventricular block | Benign (First-Degree and Second-Degree, Type I): Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms Non-Benign (Second-Degree, Type II and Third-Degree): For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation | |
| Heart valve replacement (prosthesis) | For an indefinite period following date of hospital admission for valve replacement | |
| Coronary bypass surgery | For three months following hospital admission for surgery | |
| Implantable cardiac pacemakers | For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation | |
| Cardiac transplantation | For a minimum of one year from the date of hospital admission for cardiac transplantation | |
| Cardiomyopathy | Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | |
| Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal | Evaluate at 100 percent if the aneurysm is any one of the following: Five centimeters or larger in diameter; symptomatic (e.g., precludes exertion); or requires surgery | |
| Aneurysm, any large artery | If symptomatic; or, for the period beginning on the date a physician recommends surgical correction and continuing for six months following discharge from inpatient hospital admission for surgical correction | |
| Arteriovenous fistula, traumatic | With high-output heart failure | |
| Peripheral arterial disease | At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index less than or equal to 0.39; ankle pressure less than 50 mm Hg; toe pressure less than 30 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension less than 30 mm Hg | |
| Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger’s Disease) | Lower extremity: Rate under Peripheral arterial disease Upper extremity: Deep ischemic ulcers and necrosis of the fingers with persistent coldness of the extremity, trophic changes with pains in the hand during physical activity, and diminished upper extremity pulses | |
| Raynaud’s syndrome (also known as secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon or secondary Raynaud’s) | With two or more digital ulcers plus auto-amputation of one or more digits and history of characteristic attacks | |
| Erythromelalgia | Characteristic attacks that occur more than once a day, last an average of more than two hours each, respond poorly to treatment, and that restrict most routine daily activities | |
| Varicose veins | Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest | |
| Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology | Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest | |
| Soft tissue sarcoma (of vascular origin) | A rating of 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination | |
| Digestive | Tongue, loss of whole or part | With inability to communicate by speech |
| Ulcer, marginal (gastrojejunal) | Pronounced; periodic or continuous pain unrelieved by standard ulcer therapy with periodic vomiting, recurring melena or hematemesis, and weight loss. Totally incapacitating | |
| Cirrhosis of the liver, primary biliary cirrhosis, or cirrhotic phase of sclerosing cholangitis | Generalized weakness, substantial weight loss, and persistent jaundice, or; with one of the following refractory to treatment: ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, hemorrhage from varices or portal gastropathy (erosive gastritis) | |
| Dysentery, bacillary | Pronounced; resulting in marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility, or with serious complication as liver abscess | |
| Colitis, ulcerative | Pronounced; resulting in marked malnutrition, anemia, and general debility, or with serious complication as liver abscess | |
| Intestine, fistula of, persistent, or after attempt at operative closure | Copious and frequent, fecal discharge | |
| Peritonitis, tuberculous, active or inactive | If Inactive: Tuberculosis in effect on August 19,1968 – 2 years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently Tuberculosis in effect after August 19, 1968 – 1 year after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis | |
| Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control: | Complete loss of sphincter control | |
| Rectum and anus, stricture of | Requiring colostomy | |
| Ano, fistula in | Complete loss of sphincter control | |
| Hernia, ventral, postoperative | Massive, persistent, severe diastasis of recti muscles or extensive diffuse destruction or weakening of muscular and fascial support of abdominal wall so as to be inoperable | |
| Malignant neoplasms of the digestive system, exclusive of skin growths | A rating of 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Chronic liver disease without cirrhosis (including hepatitis B, chronic active hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, drug-induced hepatitis, etc., but excluding bile duct disorders and hepatitis C) | Near-constant debilitating symptoms (such as fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, arthralgia, and right upper quadrant pain) | |
| Pancreatitis | With frequently recurrent disabling attacks of abdominal pain with few pain free intermissions and with steatorrhea, malabsorption, diarrhea and severe malnutrition | |
| Liver transplant | For an indefinite period from the date of hospital admission for transplant surgery. 100 percent shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission for transplant surgery and shall continue. One year following discharge, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) | With serologic evidence of hepatitis C infection with near-constant debilitating symptoms (such as fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, arthralgia, and right upper quadrant pain) | |
| Genitourinary | Kidney, removal of one | If there is renal dysfunction: Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient |
| Nephritis, chronic | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Pyelonephritis, chronic | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Kidney, tuberculosis of | If Inactive: Tuberculosis in effect on August 19,1968 – 2 years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently Tuberculosis in effect after August 19, 1968 – 1 year after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis | |
| Nephrosclerosis, arteriolar | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Hydronephrosis | If severe, rate as renal dysfunction. Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Bladder, fistula of: | Postoperative, suprapubic cystotomy | |
| Urethra, fistula of | Multiple urethroperineal fistulae | |
| Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary system | Following the cessation of surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure, the rating of 100 percent shall continue with a mandatory VA examination at the expiration of six months. | |
| Chronic renal disease requiring regular dialysis | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Kidney transplant | Following transplant surgery. 100 percent evaluation shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission for transplant surgery and shall continue with a mandatory VA examination one year following hospital discharge. | |
| Renal tubular disorders (such as renal glycosurias, aminoacidurias, renal tubular acidosis, Fanconi’s syndrome, Bartter’s syndrome, related disorders of Henle’s loop and proximal or distal nephron function, etc.): | Can be rated as renal dysfunction. Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Cystic diseases of the kidneys | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Atherosclerotic renal disease (renal artery stenosis, atheroembolic renal disease, or large vessel disease, unspecified): | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Toxic nephropathy (antibotics, radiocontrast agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, heavy metals, and similar agents) | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Glomerulonephritis | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Interstitial nephritis, including gouty nephropathy, disorders of calcium metabolism | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Papillary necrosis | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Renal amyloid disease | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Disseminated intravascular coagulation with renal cortical necrosis | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Renal involvement in diabetes mellitus type I or II | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Renal disease caused by viral infection such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C | Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months; or requiring regular routine dialysis; or eligible kidney transplant recipient | |
| Gynecological | Uterus and both ovaries, removal of, complete | For three months after removal |
| Uterus, removal of, including corpus | For three months after removal | |
| Ovary, removal of | For three months after removal | |
| Fistula, rectovaginal | Vaginal fecal leakage at least once a day requiring wearing of pad | |
| Fistula, urethrovaginal | Multiple urethrovaginal fistulae | |
| Malignant neoplasms of gynecological system | 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, radiation, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedures. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Malignant neoplasms of the breast | 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, radiation, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Hemic and lymphatic | Agranulocytosis, acquired | Requiring bone marrow transplant; or infections recurring, on average, at least once every six weeks per 12-month period |
| Leukemia (except for chronic myelogenous leukemia) | When there is active disease or during a treatment phase. A 100 percent evaluation shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical therapy, radiation therapy, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Polycythemia vera | Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem-cell transplant or chemotherapy (including myelosuppressants) for the purpose of ameliorating the symptom burden. A 100 percent evaluation shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission for peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant; or during the period of treatment with chemotherapy (including myelosuppressants). Six months following hospital discharge or, in the case of chemotherapy treatment, six months after completion of treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Immune thrombocytopenia | Requiring chemotherapy for chronic refractory thrombocytopenia; or a platelet count 30,000 or below despite treatment. 100 percent evaluation shall continue beyond the cessation of chemotherapy. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Hodgkin’s lymphoma | With active disease or during a treatment phase. 100 percent evaluation shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical therapy, radiation therapy, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Adenitis, tuberculous, active or inactive | If Inactive: Tuberculosis in effect on August 19,1968 – 2 years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently Tuberculosis in effect after August 19, 1968 – 1 year after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis | |
| Multiple myeloma | Symptomatic multiple myeloma. 100 percent evaluation shall continue for five years after the diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma, at which time the appropriate disability evaluation shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Sickle cell anemia | With at least 4 or more painful episodes per 12-month period, occurring in skin, joints, bones, or any major organs, caused by hemolysis and sickling of red blood cells, with anemia, thrombosis, and infarction, with residual symptoms precluding even light manual labor | |
| Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma | When there is active disease, during treatment phase, or with indolent and non-contiguous phase of low grade NHL. 100 percent evaluation shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical therapy, radiation therapy, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures. Two years after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Aplastic anemia | Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant; or requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once every six weeks per 12-month period; or infections recurring, on average, at least once every six weeks per 12-month period. | |
| AL amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis) | N/A | |
| Essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis | Requiring either continuous myelosuppressive therapy, or, for six months following hospital admission for any of the following treatments: peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant, or chemotherapy, or interferon treatment | |
| Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) (chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic granulocytic leukemia) | Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant, or continuous myelosuppressive or immunosuppressive therapy treatment. 100 percent evaluation shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission for peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant; or during the period of treatment with chemotherapy (including myelosuppressants). Six months following hospital discharge or, in the case of chemotherapy treatment, six months after completion of treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia | For initial diagnosis requiring transfusion due to severe anemia, or if there are signs or symptoms related to central nervous system impairment, such as encephalopathy, myelopathy, or severe peripheral neuropathy, requiring parenteral B12 therapy. 100 percent evaluation for pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency shall be assigned as of the date of the initial diagnosis requiring transfusion due to severe anemia or parenteral B12 therapy and shall continue with a mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge or cessation of parenteral B12 therapy. | |
| Acquired hemolytic anemia | Requiring a bone marrow transplant or continuous intravenous or immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., prednisone, Cytoxan, azathioprine, or rituximab). 100 percent evaluation for bone marrow transplant shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission and shall continue for six months after hospital discharge with a mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge. | |
| Solitary plasmacytoma | Solitary plasmacytoma, when there is active disease or during a treatment phase. 100 percent evaluation shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical therapy, radiation therapy, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures (including autologous stem cell transplantation). Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Myelodysplastic syndromes | Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant; or requiring chemotherapy. 100 percent evaluation shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission for peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant, or during the period of treatment with chemotherapy, and shall continue with a mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge or, in the case of chemotherapy treatment, six months after completion of treatment. | |
| Skin | Erythroderma | Generalized involvement of the skin with systemic manifestations (such as fever, weight loss, or hypoproteinemia) AND one of the following: Constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as therapeutic doses of corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive drugs, retinoids, PUVA (psoralen with long-wave ultraviolet-A light), UVB (ultraviolet-B light) treatments, biologics, or electron beam therapy required over the past 12 month period; or No current treatment due to a documented history of treatment failure with 2 or more treatment regimens |
| Malignant skin neoplasms (other than malignant melanoma) | If a skin malignancy requires therapy that is comparable to that used for systemic malignancies, i.e., systemic chemotherapy, X-ray therapy more extensive than to the skin, or surgery more extensive than wide local excision, a 100-percent evaluation will be assigned from the date of onset of treatment, and will continue, with a mandatory VA examination six months following the completion of such antineoplastic treatment. | |
| Endocrine | Hypothyroidism | Hypothyroidism manifesting as myxedema (cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement (including, but not limited to hypotension, bradycardia, and pericardial effusion), and mental disturbance (including, but not limited to dementia, slowing of thought and depression)). This evaluation shall continue for six months beyond the date that an examining physician has determined crisis stabilization. |
| Hyperparathyroidism | For six months from date of discharge following surgery | |
| Hypoparathyroidism | For three months after initial diagnosis | |
| Cushing’s syndrome | As active, progressive disease, including areas of osteoporosis, hypertension, and proximal upper and lower extremity muscle wasting that results in inability to rise from squatting position, climb stairs, rise from a deep chair without assistance, or raise arms. This shall continue for six months following initial diagnosis. | |
| Acromegaly | Evidence of increased intracranial pressure (such as visual field defect), arthropathy, glucose intolerance, and either hypertension or cardiomegaly | |
| Polyglandular syndrome (multiple endocrine neoplasia, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome) | Evaluate according to major manifestations to include, but not limited to, Type I diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, or Addison’s disease. | |
| Diabetes mellitus | Requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider, plus either progressive loss of weight and strength or complications that would be compensable if separately evaluated | |
| Neoplasm, malignant, any specified part of the endocrine system | 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. | |
| Hyperpituitarism (prolactin secreting pituitary dysfunction) | Evaluate as malignant or benign neoplasm, as appropriate. | |
| Hyperaldosteronism (benign or malignant) | Evaluate as malignant or benign neoplasm, as appropriate. | |
| Pheochromocytoma (benign or malignant) | Evaluate as malignant or benign neoplasm, as appropriate. | |
| C-cell hyperplasia of the thyroid | If antineoplastic therapy is required, evaluate as a malignant neoplasm under DC 7914. If a prophylactic thyroidectomy is performed (based upon genetic testing) and antineoplastic therapy is not required, evaluate as hypothyroidism under DC 7903. | |
| Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders | Encephalitis, epidemic, chronic | As active febrile disease |
| Malignant | The rating in code 8002 will be continued for 2 years following cessation of surgical, chemotherapeutic or other treatment modality. At this point, if the residuals have stabilized, the rating will be made on neurological residuals according to symptomatology. | |
| Bulbar palsy | N/A | |
| Brain, vessels, embolism of | For 6 months | |
| Brain, vessels, thrombosis of | For 6 months | |
| Brain, vessels, hemorrhage from | For 6 months | |
| Poliomyelitis, anterior | As active febrile disease | |
| Hematomyelia | For 6 months | |
| Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | N/A` | |
| Meningitis, cerebrospinal, epidemic | As active febrile disease | |
| Brain, abscess of | As active disease | |
| Chorea, Sydenham’s | Pronounced, progressive grave types | |
| Chorea, Huntington’s. | Pronounced, progressive grave types | |
| Athetosis, acquired | Pronounced, progressive grave types | |
| Peripheral Nerves | Soft-tissue sarcoma (of neurogenic origin) | The 100 percent rating will be continued for 6 months following the cessation of surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. At this point, if there has been no local recurrence or metastases, the rating will be made on residuals. |
| Epilepsies | Epilepsy, grand mal | Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year |
| Epilepsy, petit mal | Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year | |
| Epilepsy, Jacksonian and focal motor or sensory | Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year | |
| Epilepsy, diencephalic | Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year | |
| Epilepsy, psychomotor | Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year | |
| Mental Disorders | Schizophrenia | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. |
| Delusional disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Other specified and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Schizoaffective disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Delirium | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to HIV or other infections (Dementia) | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic brain injury (Dementia) | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Major or mild vascular neurocognitive disorder (Dementia) | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Unspecified neurocognitive disorder (Dementia) | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer’s disease | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to another medical condition or substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Generalized anxiety disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Specific phobia; social anxiety disorder (social phobia) | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Obsessive compulsive disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Other specified anxiety disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Posttraumatic stress disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Panic disorder and/or agoraphobia | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Unspecified anxiety disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Dissociative amnesia; dissociative identity disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Depersonalization/Derealization disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Somatic symptom disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Other specified somatic symptom and related disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder) | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Illness anxiety disorder (Hypochondriasis) | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Cyclothymic disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Bipolar disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Major depressive disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Unspecified depressive disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Chronic adjustment disorder | Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. | |
| Anorexia nervosa | Self-induced weight loss to less than 80 percent of expected minimum weight, with incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks total duration per year, and requiring hospitalization more than twice a year for parenteral nutrition or tube feeding. | |
| Bulimia nervosa | Self-induced weight loss to less than 80 percent of expected minimum weight, with incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks total duration per year, and requiring hospitalization more than twice a year for parenteral nutrition or tube feeding. | |
| Dental and Oral | Maxilla or mandible, chronic osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis or osteoradionecrosis of | Of the pelvis, vertebrae, or extending into major joints, or with multiple localization or with long history of intractability and debility, anemia, amyloid liver changes, or other continuous constitutional symptoms |
| Mandible, loss of, complete, between angles | N/A | |
| Maxilla, loss of more than half | Not replaceable by prosthesis | |
| Neoplasm, hard and soft tissue, malignant | A rating of 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, radiation, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. |
About the Author
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).
