Top 100 VA Disability Claims List From A to Z [2026 Update]

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Hi Fellow Veterans, Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider here!

Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Top 100 VA Disability Claims List From A to Z.

This comprehensive list of the top VA disability claims is arranged alphabetically to help you quickly search and find the most common VA claims you might qualify for.

If you’d prefer a shorter list, here’s a link to the Top 50 VA Disability Claims.

Okay, without further ado, let’s begin.

What are the Top 100 VA Disability Claims?

Here’s a list of the 100 most common VA claims arranged in alphabetical order:

1. Adjustment Disorder
2. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
3. Amputation residuals (other than limb loss)
4. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
5. Anemia
6. Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)
7. Arthritis
8. Asthma
9. Bladder cancer
10. Blind in one or both eyes
11. Brain disease due to trauma
12. Cancer
13. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
14. Chronic Conjunctivitis
15. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
16. Chronic headaches requiring protracted treatment
17. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
18. Chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C
19. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
20. Chronic pancreatitis
21. Chronic renal failure requiring regular dialysis
22. Chronic skin conditions (e.g., Psoriasis)
23. Chronic venous insufficiency
24. Cirrhosis of the liver
25. Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
26. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
27. Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
28. Diabetes Type 2
29. Eczema
30. Erectile Dysfunction
31. Excessive tearing of the eye
32. Female sexual arousal disorder
33. Fibromyalgia
34. Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD)
35. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
36. Gulf War Syndrome (e.g., fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive issues of unknown origins)
37. Hearing Loss
38. Hemorrhoids
39. Hiatal Hernia
40. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
41. Hypertensive vascular disease
42. Hyperthyroidism
43. Hypothyroidism
44. Impaired vision – one or both eyes
45. Inflammation of a nerve or nerve group
46. Intervertebral disc syndrome
47. Iron deficiency anemia
48. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
49. Ischemic Heart Disease
50. Labyrinthitis
51. Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
52. Limitation of Motion of the Arm
53. Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
54. Limited Motion of the Jaw (Temporomandibular Disorder)
55. Loss of 1 eye; vision 20/40 in other
56. Loss of sense of smell (anosmia) or Loss of sense of taste (ageusia)
57. Loss of teeth
58. Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
59. Lyme disease
60. Major Depressive Disorder
61. Malaria
62. Malignant growths of genitourinary system
63. Malunion of lower jaw
64. Meniere’s Syndrome
65. Migraines (Headaches)
66. Multiple sclerosis (MS)
67. Muscle spasms
68. Myasthenia gravis
69. Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
70. Neuralgia of a nerve or nerve group
71. Neurogenic bladder
72. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
73. Paralysis of the anterior crural nerve
74. Paralysis of the median nerve
75. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
76. Parkinson’s disease
77. Penile deformity (loss of erectile power)
78. Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
79. Peripheral Neuropathy
80. Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
81. Plantar Fasciitis
82. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
83. Prostate Gland Injuries
84. Radiculopathy
85. Residuals of foot injury
86. Sarcoidosis
87. Scars, burns (2nd degree)
88. Scars, General
89. Seizure disorders
90. Sinusitis
91. Sleep Apnea
92. Somatic Symptom Disorder (Chronic Pain Syndrome)
93. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
94. Thigh condition, general
95. Thyroid cancer
96. Tinnitus
97. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
98. Urinary Incontinence
99. Varicose Veins
100. Vertigo

Top 100 Most Common VA Claims List (Brief Explanations)

Adjustment Disorder: Adjustment disorder is a stress-response condition where a specific life event (deployment transition, divorce, job loss, medical diagnosis, etc.) triggers emotional or behavioral symptoms that are out of proportion to what’s expected and that disrupt work, relationships, sleep, or daily routines. Symptoms can include depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, and in VA claims the key is tying onset and functional impairment to the identified stressor with consistent treatment documentation.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal lining triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold, causing congestion, sneezing, runny nose, post-nasal drip, and itchy/watery eyes. It can be seasonal or year-round and often impacts sleep and daytime energy; VA documentation typically focuses on chronicity, treatment response (antihistamines, nasal steroids), and any complications like recurrent sinus issues.

Amputation residuals (other than limb loss): Amputation residuals refer to ongoing symptoms and functional limitations after an amputation, such as stump pain, phantom limb pain, skin breakdown, neuroma pain, gait changes, or difficulty tolerating a prosthesis. These residuals can affect balance, endurance, and activities of daily living, and VA evidence usually emphasizes objective findings, prosthetic needs, and measurable functional loss.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that damages motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to worsening muscle weakness, muscle wasting, fasciculations, difficulty speaking/swallowing, and eventually respiratory compromise. Symptoms typically progress over months to years, and medical records often document neurologic exams, EMG findings, assistive device needs, and functional decline over time.

Anemia: Anemia is a reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin that limits oxygen delivery to tissues, commonly causing fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath with exertion, dizziness, and reduced exercise tolerance. Causes vary (iron deficiency, chronic disease, blood loss, kidney disease), and VA documentation often centers on lab values, etiology, required treatment, and impact on stamina and work capacity.

Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease): Coronary artery disease involves plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and leading to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, and risk of heart attack. Diagnosis is supported by stress testing, imaging, or catheterization, and VA claims typically track symptoms, medications, procedures (stents/bypass), and functional limits.

Arthritis: Arthritis is joint inflammation and degeneration that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion, often worse with activity or weather changes. It can be osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) or inflammatory (autoimmune), and VA evidence usually focuses on imaging, exam findings, flare frequency, and functional loss during repetitive use and flare-ups.

Asthma: Asthma is chronic airway inflammation with episodic bronchospasm, producing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath that may be triggered by allergens, exercise, infections, or irritants. Severity varies from intermittent to persistent and is tracked with symptoms, rescue inhaler use, and pulmonary function testing; VA records often emphasize frequency of attacks and treatment intensity.

Bladder cancer: Bladder cancer is malignant growth arising from bladder lining cells, commonly presenting with blood in the urine, urinary urgency/frequency, and sometimes pelvic pain. Diagnosis typically requires cystoscopy and biopsy, and VA documentation often includes staging, treatments (surgery, intravesical therapy, chemo/radiation), and ongoing urinary functional impact.

Blind in one or both eyes: Blindness is severe vision loss in one or both eyes that significantly limits reading, driving, depth perception, and many daily activities. Causes include trauma, glaucoma, retinal disease, or neurologic injury, and VA evidence generally relies on ophthalmology exams documenting visual acuity, visual field loss, and functional limitations.

Brain disease due to trauma: Traumatic brain injury–related brain disease refers to persistent cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments after head trauma, such as memory problems, slowed processing, headaches, dizziness, mood changes, and sleep disruption. Symptoms can overlap with PTSD and depression, and VA claims are strengthened by documented injury history, neurocognitive findings, and real-world functional impact.

Cancer: Cancer is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can invade nearby tissues and spread (metastasize), producing symptoms that vary by type and location such as pain, weight loss, fatigue, bleeding, or organ dysfunction. Diagnosis and severity are guided by pathology and staging, and VA documentation typically tracks treatment course, residuals, and long-term functional complications.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness/tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, hand weakness, nocturnal symptoms, and reduced grip strength. It’s often confirmed by nerve conduction studies, and VA evidence usually highlights sensory deficits, functional limits (typing, tools), and response to splinting, injections, or surgery.

Chronic Conjunctivitis: Chronic conjunctivitis is persistent inflammation of the conjunctiva leading to redness, irritation, burning, tearing, light sensitivity, and discharge that can recur despite treatment. Causes include allergies, irritants, dry eye, or infection, and VA documentation generally focuses on duration, objective eye findings, and how symptoms affect reading, screens, and daily comfort.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disabling condition marked by profound fatigue lasting at least six months that is not improved by rest and is worsened after physical or mental exertion (post-exertional malaise). It often includes unrefreshing sleep, cognitive “fog,” headaches, and muscle/joint pain; VA records typically emphasize symptom patterns, exclusion of other causes, and functional impairment.

Chronic headaches requiring protracted treatment: Chronic headaches are recurrent, persistent headache syndromes that require ongoing medical management and can interfere with concentration, work attendance, and daily functioning. Documentation is strongest when it captures frequency, duration, severity, triggers, treatment trials, and “down time” (missed work/lying down) over months.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP): CIDP is an immune-mediated disorder that damages peripheral nerve myelin, causing progressive or relapsing weakness, numbness, tingling, balance problems, and reduced reflexes. Diagnosis is supported by nerve conduction studies and sometimes spinal fluid testing, and VA evidence typically addresses functional mobility limits, falls risk, and need for immunotherapy.

Chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C: Chronic hepatitis C can lead to long-term liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and complications like portal hypertension, varices, ascites, and liver failure. Even after viral cure, residual liver damage may persist; VA documentation commonly includes viral history, labs, imaging, fibrosis staging, symptoms, and treatment residuals.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is progressive airflow limitation (chronic bronchitis/emphysema) causing chronic cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, wheezing, and reduced exercise tolerance. It’s evaluated with pulmonary function testing and imaging, and VA evidence generally tracks exacerbations, oxygen need, medication burden, and functional limits with exertion.

Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis is long-standing pancreatic inflammation that causes recurring upper abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, and digestive problems due to reduced enzyme production, sometimes leading to diabetes. Documentation often includes imaging findings, enzyme replacement therapy, hospitalization history, and how symptoms impair nutrition and daily function.

Chronic renal failure requiring regular dialysis: End-stage kidney disease results in severe loss of kidney function requiring dialysis to remove toxins and manage fluids/electrolytes, often causing fatigue, anemia, itching, swelling, blood pressure issues, and strict treatment schedules. VA documentation typically includes dialysis frequency, labs, complications, and the major impact on work capacity and daily life.

Chronic skin conditions (e.g., Psoriasis): Chronic skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis cause recurring inflammation with redness, itching, scaling, cracking, and sometimes pain or infection. Severity often fluctuates with flare-ups, and VA evidence is strongest with dermatology notes describing body surface area, flare frequency, treatment type (topicals vs systemic), and functional impact.

Chronic venous insufficiency: Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg vein valves fail, leading to pooling of blood, leg swelling, heaviness, aching, skin discoloration, varicose veins, and sometimes ulcers. Symptoms worsen with prolonged standing and improve with elevation/compression; VA documentation often includes exam findings, ulcer history, and functional endurance limits.

Cirrhosis of the liver: Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver from chronic injury (viral hepatitis, alcohol, fatty liver disease), which impairs liver function and can cause ascites, jaundice, easy bruising, encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding. VA records typically focus on objective staging, complications, required procedures, and ongoing symptom burden.

Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine: Degenerative spinal arthritis (spondylosis/facet arthropathy) involves wear of spinal joints causing chronic neck or back pain, stiffness, limited motion, and sometimes nerve irritation. Symptoms often flare with activity and prolonged positions, and VA documentation relies on imaging plus functional limitations, especially during flare-ups and repetitive use.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): DDD is breakdown of intervertebral discs that can cause axial back/neck pain, stiffness, reduced flexibility, and episodic flare-ups, sometimes with disc bulges or herniation. Imaging helps confirm structural changes, and VA evidence typically highlights pain patterns, functional restrictions, and any associated neurologic symptoms.

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD): DJD (osteoarthritis) is progressive cartilage degeneration leading to joint pain, swelling, stiffness, crepitus, and reduced range of motion, commonly affecting knees, hips, hands, and shoulders. Functional loss is often worse with weight-bearing or repetitive motion, and VA documentation is strongest with imaging, exams, and real-world activity limits.

Diabetes Type 2: Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose, which can lead to fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, and long-term complications affecting nerves, kidneys, eyes, and cardiovascular health. Management may include diet, oral meds, and insulin, and VA evidence often focuses on treatment intensity, complications, and functional effects.

Eczema: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition causing itchy, red, dry, and sometimes oozing patches that can crack, bleed, or become infected. Flares may be triggered by irritants, stress, or allergens, and VA documentation commonly addresses flare frequency, body areas involved, and treatment requirements.

Erectile Dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction is persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity, often related to vascular disease, diabetes, hormonal issues, medications, or psychological factors. It can significantly affect relationships and mental health, and VA documentation typically includes medical evaluation, contributing conditions, and treatment attempts.

Excessive tearing of the eye: Excess tearing (epiphora) occurs when tear production is increased or drainage is blocked, leading to watery eyes, irritation, blurred vision, and skin breakdown around the eyelids. Causes include dry eye reflex tearing, eyelid malposition, or nasolacrimal obstruction, and VA evidence usually relies on eye exams and documented functional impact.

Female sexual arousal disorder: Female sexual arousal disorder involves persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining sexual arousal, lubrication, or genital sensation, causing distress and relationship impact. It may be influenced by hormonal changes, medications, pain conditions, or mental health factors, and clinical documentation often focuses on underlying causes, chronicity, and functional distress.

Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive difficulties (“fibro fog”). Symptoms often fluctuate and worsen with stress or exertion, and VA documentation is typically strongest when it shows consistent diagnosis, longitudinal treatment, and clear functional impairment.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is chronic backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, chronic cough, hoarseness, or throat irritation. It can disrupt sleep and diet and may lead to esophagitis; VA evidence often includes medication dependence, persistence despite treatment, and any complications on testing.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: GAD is persistent, excessive worry across multiple domains that is difficult to control and is often accompanied by restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance, and concentration problems. It can significantly impair work performance and relationships, and VA documentation typically emphasizes symptom duration, treatment history, and occupational/social impairment.

Gulf War Syndrome (undiagnosed multi-symptom illness): Gulf War–related chronic multi-symptom illness can involve fatigue, joint/muscle pain, headaches, GI issues, sleep disturbance, and cognitive problems without a clear single medical cause. Symptoms are often chronic and functionally limiting, and VA claims generally hinge on consistent symptom history, exclusion of other causes, and documented impact on daily life.

Hearing Loss: Hearing loss is reduced ability to detect or understand sounds, often causing difficulty with conversations, especially in noise, and can contribute to social withdrawal and safety risks. It is measured objectively by audiology testing, and VA documentation typically focuses on test results and functional communication impact.

Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen rectal or anal veins that can cause itching, pain, bleeding, and discomfort with bowel movements, sometimes with prolapse. Symptoms may flare with constipation or straining, and VA records usually document chronicity, treatment, bleeding frequency, and any complications such as anemia.

Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, often contributing to reflux symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, and swallowing issues. It may worsen with large meals or lying down, and VA documentation often includes imaging/endoscopy findings and symptom persistence despite treatment.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Hypertension is persistently elevated blood pressure that increases risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vascular damage, often without noticeable symptoms. Management usually requires long-term medication and monitoring, and VA evidence typically relies on serial readings, medication needs, and any end-organ effects.

Hypertensive vascular disease: Hypertensive vascular disease refers to blood vessel damage from chronic high blood pressure, which can contribute to heart enlargement, kidney impairment, and increased stroke risk. It is documented through cardiovascular and renal evaluations, and VA records often emphasize complications, treatment intensity, and functional consequences.

Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is overproduction of thyroid hormones, causing weight loss, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, tremors, anxiety, insomnia, and sometimes eye symptoms. Diagnosis is supported by thyroid labs and imaging, and documentation typically covers symptom severity, treatment (meds, ablation, surgery), and ongoing effects.

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is underproduction of thyroid hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, depression, and slowed thinking. It’s confirmed by thyroid lab testing and treated with hormone replacement, and VA documentation often focuses on persistent symptoms, medication stability, and functional impact.

Impaired vision – one or both eyes: Visual impairment is reduced visual acuity, visual fields, or visual processing that affects reading, driving, depth perception, and daily tasks. Causes range from eye disease to neurologic injury, and VA evidence typically relies on ophthalmology/optometry measurements and documented functional limitations.

Inflammation of a nerve or nerve group: Neuritis involves inflammation or irritation of a nerve causing pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and sometimes weakness in the distribution of that nerve. It may be due to trauma, compression, autoimmune disease, or infection, and VA documentation is strongest with objective sensory/motor findings and functional effects.

Intervertebral disc syndrome: Intervertebral disc syndrome (often used in VA context for disc pathology with neurologic involvement) involves disc degeneration or herniation that can cause back pain plus radiating nerve pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness into an arm or leg. Documentation typically focuses on imaging, neurologic findings, flare severity, and incapacitating episodes when applicable.

Iron deficiency anemia: Iron deficiency anemia results from inadequate iron stores, often due to blood loss or poor absorption, leading to fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and reduced stamina. Lab testing shows low ferritin/iron indices, and VA evidence commonly documents etiology, treatment response, and functional endurance limits.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a functional gut disorder causing recurrent abdominal pain with altered bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or mixed), often with bloating and urgency. Symptoms can be triggered by stress or certain foods and may be chronic and disruptive; VA documentation typically emphasizes symptom frequency, severity, and impact on daily activities.

Ischemic Heart Disease: Ischemic heart disease is reduced blood supply to the heart muscle, usually from coronary artery disease, causing angina, shortness of breath, fatigue, and increased risk of myocardial infarction. Diagnosis may involve stress testing or imaging, and VA documentation often tracks functional capacity, interventions, and medication requirements.

Labyrinthitis: Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the inner ear structures affecting balance and hearing, causing vertigo, nausea, vomiting, imbalance, and sometimes hearing changes or tinnitus. Episodes can be debilitating and increase fall risk, and documentation typically includes ENT evaluation, duration/frequency of attacks, and functional limitations.

Limitation of Flexion of the Knee: Limited knee flexion is reduced ability to bend the knee, which affects squatting, kneeling, stairs, running, and prolonged walking. It may result from arthritis, meniscal injury, ligament damage, or post-surgical stiffness, and VA evidence often focuses on measured range of motion, pain with motion, and functional loss over time.

Limitation of Motion of the Arm: Limited arm motion (shoulder, elbow, or wrist) reduces ability to reach, lift, carry, push/pull, and perform overhead tasks, often affecting work and self-care. Causes include rotator cuff injury, arthritis, fractures, or nerve issues, and VA documentation relies on measured range of motion and functional restrictions.

Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle: Reduced ankle motion can impair walking mechanics, balance, stairs, running, and standing tolerance, often causing pain and swelling with activity. It may follow sprains, fractures, arthritis, or tendon injury, and VA evidence typically includes measured range of motion, instability findings, and functional impact.

Limited Motion of the Jaw (Temporomandibular Disorder): TMD can cause jaw pain, popping/clicking, headaches, and reduced ability to open the mouth, which affects chewing, speaking, and sometimes sleep. Symptoms may flare with stress or bruxism, and documentation often includes measured inter-incisal opening, treatment history, and functional limitations.

Loss of 1 eye; vision 20/40 in other: Loss of one eye combined with reduced vision in the remaining eye significantly impacts depth perception, peripheral awareness, driving safety, and many daily tasks. VA documentation typically includes objective visual acuity/field testing, adaptation needs, and functional limitations across work and home environments.

Loss of sense of smell (anosmia) or taste (ageusia): Anosmia or ageusia is partial or complete loss of smell or taste, often due to head trauma, sinus disease, infections, or neurologic issues, and it can affect appetite, nutrition, and safety (smoke/gas detection). Documentation usually includes ENT evaluation, duration, and functional consequences.

Loss of teeth: Tooth loss can impair chewing, speech, nutrition, and appearance, and may result from trauma, periodontal disease, or jaw pathology. VA documentation generally focuses on cause, residual functional impairment, and any related jaw or oral conditions that affect mastication or require ongoing prosthodontic care.

Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain: Cervical or lumbosacral strain is injury to muscles/ligaments of the neck or low back causing pain, stiffness, spasms, and limited motion, often worsened by activity or prolonged posture. Chronic cases can interfere with lifting, sitting, and sleep, and VA evidence usually emphasizes range of motion, flare-ups, and functional loss.

Lyme disease: Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection that can cause fever, fatigue, headache, rash, joint pain, and—if untreated—neurologic or cardiac complications. Some individuals have prolonged symptoms after treatment, and documentation typically includes exposure history, testing, treatment course, and any lasting functional limitations.

Major Depressive Disorder: MDD involves persistent depressed mood and/or loss of interest with associated symptoms like sleep changes, appetite changes, low energy, poor concentration, feelings of worthlessness, and sometimes suicidal ideation. It can significantly impair occupational and social functioning, and VA documentation focuses on symptom severity, duration, treatment history, and functional impairment.

Malaria: Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes that causes cycles of fever, chills, sweats, headaches, and fatigue, and can lead to serious complications depending on species and treatment timing. Documentation usually includes diagnostic testing, treatment records, recurrence history, and any chronic residuals such as anemia or organ effects.

Malignant growths of genitourinary system: Genitourinary malignancies include cancers of the prostate, bladder, kidney, testes, and related structures, often causing urinary changes, blood in urine, pain, weight loss, or systemic symptoms. VA documentation typically tracks staging, treatments, residual urinary/sexual dysfunction, and long-term monitoring needs.

Malunion of lower jaw: Mandibular malunion is improper healing of a jaw fracture that can lead to misalignment, bite problems, facial asymmetry, pain, and difficulty chewing or speaking. Documentation often includes imaging, dental/oral surgery evaluation, measured functional impairment, and any corrective procedures or ongoing limitations.

Meniere’s Syndrome: Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder causing recurrent vertigo attacks, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of ear fullness. Episodes can be unpredictable and disabling, and documentation typically includes ENT evaluation, audiology testing, attack frequency/duration, and functional impact such as falls or work disruption.

Migraines (Headaches): Migraines are recurrent headaches often characterized by throbbing pain with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, sometimes preceded by aura. They can require lying down in a dark room and cause missed work, and documentation is strongest when it records frequency, duration, severity, and response to preventive and abortive treatments.

Multiple sclerosis (MS): MS is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system causing demyelination and neurologic symptoms such as weakness, numbness, vision changes, balance problems, spasticity, fatigue, and cognitive issues. It often follows relapsing or progressive patterns, and documentation typically includes MRI findings, neurologic exams, and functional decline.

Muscle spasms: Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions that can cause sudden pain, tightness, and restricted movement, commonly related to strain, nerve irritation, dehydration, or chronic spine issues. Frequent spasms can disrupt sleep and activity, and VA documentation often notes triggers, frequency, objective tenderness, and functional limits.

Myasthenia gravis: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder causing fluctuating muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest, often affecting eyelids, facial muscles, swallowing, and limb strength. Diagnosis may involve antibody testing and specialized studies, and documentation focuses on fatigability, treatment response, and functional impairment.

Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones): Kidney stones are mineral deposits in the urinary tract that can cause sudden severe flank pain, nausea, blood in urine, and urinary urgency, with risk of obstruction and infection. Documentation often includes imaging, recurrence frequency, interventions (lithotripsy/stents), and functional disruption during episodes.

Neuralgia of a nerve or nerve group: Neuralgia is chronic nerve pain described as sharp, shooting, burning, or electric, sometimes triggered by touch or movement, and it can be highly function-limiting. Causes include compression, trauma, or neuropathy, and VA documentation typically highlights distribution, severity, treatment attempts, and impact on sleep and function.

Neurogenic bladder: Neurogenic bladder is impaired bladder control from nerve damage (spinal injury, MS, diabetes, etc.), leading to urgency, incontinence, retention, recurrent UTIs, and sometimes kidney complications. Management may require medications, catheterization, or procedures, and documentation focuses on objective urology findings and daily functional burden.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is cancer of lymphocytes that can present with enlarged lymph nodes, fevers, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and organ involvement depending on subtype. Diagnosis requires biopsy and staging, and documentation typically tracks treatment course, remission status, and residual functional effects.

Paralysis of the anterior crural nerve: Femoral (anterior crural) nerve paralysis can cause weakness of hip flexion and knee extension, reduced reflexes, sensory loss in the front/inner thigh, and difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Documentation usually includes neurologic exams and functional mobility impacts such as instability or need for assistive devices.

Paralysis of the median nerve: Median nerve paralysis affects sensation and strength in the hand, often causing loss of thumb opposition, grip weakness, numbness, and reduced fine motor control. It can result from severe compression or injury, and documentation focuses on objective motor/sensory deficits and functional limitations with daily tasks.

Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica): Sciatic nerve impairment typically causes radiating pain from the low back/buttock down the leg, with numbness, tingling, and possible weakness affecting walking and standing tolerance. Causes include disc herniation or spinal stenosis, and documentation often includes neurologic findings, imaging correlation, and functional impact.

Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness), balance impairment, and non-motor symptoms like constipation, sleep issues, depression, and cognitive changes. Functional decline can affect gait, handwriting, and daily living, and documentation typically includes neurologic evaluation and progression over time.

Penile deformity (loss of erectile power): Penile deformity with erectile dysfunction (often seen with conditions like Peyronie’s disease) involves curvature or structural changes that can make erections painful, difficult, or insufficient for intercourse. Documentation usually includes urology evaluation, symptom chronicity, functional sexual impairment, and response to treatments.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD): PAD is narrowing of leg arteries that reduces blood flow, causing exertional leg pain (claudication), numbness, slow wound healing, and in severe cases tissue loss. It’s evaluated with vascular studies, and documentation typically highlights walking tolerance, objective circulation measures, and any complications or procedures.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is damage to peripheral nerves causing numbness, tingling, burning pain, decreased sensation, and sometimes weakness, often starting in the feet/hands. Causes include diabetes, toxins, trauma, or vitamin deficiencies, and VA documentation often emphasizes objective sensory loss, reflex changes, and functional impact on balance and gait.

Pes Planus (Flat Feet): Flat feet involve reduced arch height that can cause foot pain, fatigue with standing/walking, ankle instability, and altered gait, sometimes leading to knee/hip/back strain. Symptoms vary by severity, and documentation often includes exam findings, orthotic needs, and functional endurance limitations.

Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation/degeneration of the plantar fascia causing heel pain that is often worst with first steps in the morning or after rest. It can limit walking, running, and prolonged standing, and documentation typically covers tenderness, treatment (stretching, orthotics, injections), and activity restrictions.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD follows exposure to traumatic events and involves intrusive memories or nightmares, avoidance, negative mood/cognition changes, and hyperarousal (irritability, vigilance, sleep disturbance). Symptoms can severely affect work and relationships, and VA documentation centers on diagnosis, stressor linkage, longitudinal treatment, and occupational/social impairment.

Prostate Gland Injuries: Prostate injuries or trauma can lead to urinary symptoms (frequency, urgency, pain), inflammation, infection, and sexual dysfunction depending on severity and complications. Documentation typically includes urology evaluations, imaging/labs when relevant, treatment history, and functional impact on urination and intimacy.

Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy is nerve root irritation/compression from the spine causing radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in an arm or leg, often worsened by certain movements or positions. Objective findings may include sensory loss, decreased reflexes, or strength deficits, and documentation is strongest when it links symptoms to exam and imaging.

Residuals of foot injury: Residuals of a foot injury include ongoing pain, stiffness, swelling, instability, limited motion, or altered gait after fractures, sprains, tendon injuries, or surgeries. These issues can reduce standing and walking tolerance, and VA documentation typically emphasizes chronicity, objective findings, and functional restrictions.

Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease causing granulomas in organs—most commonly lungs—leading to cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue, and sometimes skin or eye involvement. Severity ranges widely, and documentation often includes imaging, pulmonary testing, systemic involvement, and treatment needs like steroids.

Scars, burns (2nd degree): Second-degree burn scars can cause pain, sensitivity, itching, pigment changes, and in some cases restricted motion if the scar crosses joints or forms contractures. Documentation typically includes location/size, tenderness, stability (breakdown), and any functional limitation or disfigurement.

Scars, General: Scars from injury or surgery can be symptomatic (painful, tender, itchy), unstable (recurrent breakdown), adherent, or functionally limiting if they restrict movement or affect joints. VA documentation often focuses on measurements, characteristics, objective tenderness, and impact on function and appearance.

Seizure disorders: Seizure disorders involve recurrent abnormal electrical activity in the brain causing episodes that may include convulsions, altered awareness, staring spells, or loss of consciousness. They can restrict driving, work safety, and independence, and documentation is strongest with neurology records, EEG/imaging, medication history, and seizure frequency.

Sinusitis: Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinuses causing facial pressure/pain, congestion, thick drainage, reduced smell, headaches, and fatigue, sometimes with recurrent or chronic patterns. Documentation typically includes frequency of episodes, antibiotic courses, imaging if obtained, and persistent symptoms despite treatment.

Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea involves repeated breathing pauses during sleep (obstructive or central) leading to non-restorative sleep, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and increased cardiovascular risk. Diagnosis requires a sleep study, and documentation typically centers on AHI severity, treatment (CPAP/oral appliance), adherence, and functional daytime impairment.

Somatic Symptom Disorder (Chronic Pain Syndrome): Somatic symptom disorder involves distressing physical symptoms—often pain—paired with excessive health-related anxiety or preoccupation that significantly disrupts daily functioning. Symptoms are real and burdensome regardless of clear medical explanation, and documentation often focuses on functional impairment, treatment history, and impact on work and relationships.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): SLE is an autoimmune disease that can affect joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, and other organs, causing fatigue, joint pain/swelling, rashes, fevers, and flares with variable severity. Documentation typically includes rheumatology evaluation, labs, organ involvement, flare patterns, and treatment effects.

Thigh condition, general: Thigh conditions can involve muscle strains, tendon injuries, nerve problems, or referred pain from the hip or spine, leading to pain, weakness, and reduced walking or stair tolerance. Documentation is strongest when it identifies the underlying diagnosis, objective deficits, and functional restrictions.

Thyroid cancer: Thyroid cancer is malignant growth in the thyroid gland that may present as a neck mass, swallowing difficulty, voice changes, or be found incidentally on imaging. Treatment may include surgery and radioactive iodine, and documentation typically tracks staging, treatment residuals, hormone replacement needs, and functional effects.

Tinnitus: Tinnitus is perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears without external sound, often associated with noise exposure, hearing loss, or ear injury. It can impair sleep, concentration, and mood, and documentation typically includes symptom persistence, audiology findings, and functional impact.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBI is brain dysfunction caused by external force, ranging from mild concussion to severe injury, with potential long-term effects on cognition, mood, headaches, balance, sleep, and sensory processing. Symptoms can be persistent and overlapping with mental health conditions, and documentation is strongest with injury history, objective findings, and functional limitations.

Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence is involuntary leakage of urine that may be stress-related (cough/lift), urgency-related, overflow, or mixed, and it can significantly affect daily activities and confidence. Documentation typically includes urology evaluation, frequency/pad use, underlying causes, and impact on work and social functioning.

Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted superficial veins—usually in the legs—causing aching, heaviness, swelling, itching, and sometimes skin changes or ulcers. Symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing, and documentation typically focuses on exam findings, complications, compression therapy, and functional endurance limits.

Vertigo: Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or motion, often accompanied by nausea, imbalance, and falls risk, commonly due to inner ear disorders or neurologic causes. Episodes can be intermittent or persistent and highly disruptive, and documentation is strongest with clinical evaluation, trigger patterns, and functional impact on mobility and safety.

Source Data and Methodology

Here is the source data and methodology we used to create this high-value blog content:

• First, we used the FY 2024 VA Report on Disability Compensation to decipher the Top 10 Most Common VA Claims.

• Second, we relied upon our experience helping over 25,000 disabled veterans since 2016 to round out the next 30 best VA disability claims, which brought us to a total of 40.

• Finally, we compared the top VA claims by body system (there are 15 total body systems that make up the VA disability compensation system) to come up with the last 60 of the top 100 service connected VA claims.

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