The Top 20 Most Common VA Disability Claims Revealed! 

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The official VA disability list contains more than 900 VA-ratable conditions.

It’s no secret that these VA disabilities can impact your daily life in a variety of ways—from chronic pain and sleep disorders to mental health struggles. 

Some of these conditions, however, are much more common than others.

In this post, we explore the top 20 most common VA disability claims, offering insights into each condition and the potential VA rating you may qualify for. 

You risked your life serving your country, and if you developed a health condition as a result, you deserve all of your VA disability compensation and benefits.

Let’s get to it!

Summary of Key Points

• Some of the most common VA disability claims include tinnitus, hearing loss, sciatica, knee limitation, and mental health conditions. 

• The VA assigns disability ratings ranging from 0% to 100% for various conditions, considering factors like severity, frequency, and how much the condition affects daily life. 

• Veterans can qualify for additional VA disability benefits for secondary conditions, which may increase their overall disability rating.

Top 20 Most Common VA Claims

1. Tinnitus

Have you wondered, “What is the most approved VA disability?” Hint, it’s this one!  

One of the easiest things to claim for VA disability is tinnitus, which typically requires only a current medical diagnosis and a link to your military service. (Although, nothing is guaranteed until you receive your decision letter!) 

Most veterans describe tinnitus as a ringing in the ears, even though no external sound is present.  

However, tinnitus can also cause other types of phantom noises in your ears, including: 

• Buzzing 

• Roaring 

• Clicking 

• Hissing 

• Humming 

The VA rates tinnitus under diagnostic code (DC) 6260, and it carries a single VA disability rating of 10%.  

Note: No evidence of hearing loss should NOT be a factor for denying a tinnitus claim because hearing loss and tinnitus are separate claims. 

See More: 7 Best Tinnitus VA Rating Tips 

2. Limitation of Flexion of the Knee

Knee pain is a common issue among veterans, often caused by injuries like ligament tears or conditions such as arthritis, gout, and infections.  

The VA rates knee conditions under DC 5257, with ratings for limitation of flexion ranging from 0% to 30%. Severe cases, such as knee ankylosis, can be rated up to 60% under DC 5256. 

You may qualify for a higher VA disability rating if your knee pain causes instability or requires assistive devices. 

In addition, if your knee pain requires surgery, you may receive a temporary VA rating of 100% post-op. 

Under the “painful motion” principle, veterans experiencing pain during knee movement are entitled to at least a 10% rating.  

See More: Understanding the VA Knee Rating Chart 

3. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. 

It is often caused by a herniated disc, a bone spur on the spine, or spinal stenosis—conditions that pressure the nerve. 

This compression leads to inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness or tingling in the affected leg. 

The VA rates sciatica under DC 8520 for paralysis of the sciatic nerve. VA disability ratings range from 10% to 80%, depending on the severity of paralysis and how much the condition affects knee movement and flexibility. 

See More: VA Rating for Sciatica 

4. Hearing Loss

One of the most common VA claims is hearing loss, affecting over 1 million veterans.  

Several medical conditions can cause hearing loss, including Otosclerosis and Meniere’s disease.  

Causes of service-connected hearing loss include: 

• Regular exposure to explosions, gunfire, and blast weaponry 

• Prolonged exposure to noise from specialties such as aviation 

• A single acute blast injury event 

• Contact with ototoxic chemicals 

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

The VA rates hearing loss under DC 6100 (Schedule of ratings – ear) with ratings ranging from 0% to 100%, depending on the severity of your hearing loss as measured by speech discrimination and pure tone audiometry results.  

Note: Hearing aids don’t necessarily impact your VA rating; the VA rates the level of your hearing loss without hearing aids. 

See More: Hearing Loss VA Disability Ratings 

5. Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain

Lumbosacral or cervical strain (neck pain) is a common VA disability claim amongst veterans. 

Poor posture, carrying heavy objects, deployments, leaning over a computer, and other activities can strain neck muscles. 

The VA rates lumbosacral or cervical strain under DC 5237 with ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 100%.  

VA ratings for neck pain depend upon the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms, including limitation of range of motion (ROM) and painful motion. 

For example, you may qualify for a 100% VA rating for neck pain if you have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. 

See More: How to Get a Neck Pain VA Rating 

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, which the VA calls a “stressor event.”  

According to the VA, at some point in their life, 29% of Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and
Enduring Freedom (OEF)-era Veterans will have PTSD.

Associated symptoms of PTSD include: 

• Flashbacks 

• Nightmares 

• Severe anxiety  

• Depression 

• Uncontrollable thoughts about the event. 

The VA rates PTSD at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% under diagnostic code 9411, § 4.130 Schedule of ratings—Mental disorders. Your VA disability rating for PTSD will depend on the severity of symptoms and the resulting level of social and occupational impairment.  

See More: How to File a VA Claim for PTSD 

7. Limitation of Motion of the Arm

“Limitation of Motion of the Arm” refers to the reduced ability to move the arm due to injury, pain, or stiffness, often caused by conditions like arthritis, rotator cuff tears, or joint damage. 

In the VA disability system, this limitation is measured by how far the arm can be lifted away from the body, specifically concerning the shoulder. 

The VA rates arm conditions under DC 5201 (Arm, Limitation of Range of Motion) at 10%, 20%, or 30%, depending on the degree of motion limitation in the shoulder joint and whether it affects the dominant (major) or non-dominant (minor) arm. 

See More: VA Disability Rating for Shoulder and Arm Conditions 

8. Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle

Your ankle is a complex structure of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles designed to support your body weight and facilitate movement.  

Still, it is also susceptible to injury and pain, especially from military service. 

Frequently, the VA rates ankle conditions under DC 5271 (Ankle, Limited Motion) with 10% or 20% ratings. 

See More: Ankle VA Disability Ratings (Ultimate Guide) 

9. Migraines

Migraines are headaches causing severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head but sometimes both. 

Additional symptoms of migraines include: 

• Nausea 

• Vomiting 

• Extreme sensitivity to light and sound 

• Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body 

If you suffer from migraines, you know they can last for hours or even days with severe pain that interferes with daily life. However, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits if your migraines are due to military service. 

The VA rates migraines under DC 8100 with ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%, depending on the frequency of migraines and the impact on your ability to work.  

See More: 6 Tips to Increase Your VA Rating for Migraines 

10. Scars

You may qualify for a service connection for scars resulting from an injury sustained during active duty or surgery related to a service-connected condition. 

The VA rates scars under diagnostic codes 7800 – 7805, § 4.118 Schedule of ratings—skin with VA ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 80%. 

Your VA rating for scars will depend on the size, location on the body, depth, and level of pain and disfigurement. 

For example, under DC 7800, you may be eligible for a 10% VA disability rating for scars if it has one characteristic of disfigurement. 

See More: VA Rating for Scars 

10. Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine

Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease (DDD), is a common condition among veterans.  

It occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness in the spine.  

The VA rates degenerative arthritis of the spine under DC 5242, with ratings ranging from 10% to 100%, depending on the severity of the condition and its impact on the spine’s range of motion.  

A 100% VA rating is awarded when the entire spine is frozen in an unfavorable position. 

See More: VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease 

11. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, often leading to loud snoring and excessive daytime fatigue.  

The three types of sleep apnea are: 

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, OSA, occurs when throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway and causing breathing interruptions. 

• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Unlike OSA, CSA is caused by the brain failing to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, leading to pauses in airflow. 

• Mixed Sleep Apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea, this condition starts with brain signal disruptions (CSA) and progresses to airway blockages (OSA). 

The VA rates sleep apnea under DC 6847, with ratings of 0%, 30%, 50%, or 100%.  

If you require a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, you may qualify for a 50% rating. In comparison, those experiencing chronic respiratory failure or requiring a tracheostomy may be eligible for a 100% rating. 

Note: To qualify for a sleep apnea VA rating, you must attend a sleep study. 

See More: Winning Your VA Claim for Sleep Apnea 

12. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious condition that occurs when a sudden jolt or blow to the head disrupts normal brain function.  

Veterans are particularly at risk due to combat exposure, training accidents, and other service-related incidents.  

TBI can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments, including memory loss, mood swings, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. 

The VA rates TBI from 0% to 100% under DC 8045 based on residual symptoms, including judgment, social interaction, and orientation.  

See More: VA Rating Scale for TBI 

13. Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (Depression) is a common VA disability among veterans, often resulting from the stress and trauma experienced during military service.  

In addition, veterans may face challenges transitioning back to civilian life, and the trauma from combat or other service-related experiences can exacerbate feelings of isolation and hopelessness. 

Mental health symptoms may include persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm.  

The VA rates depression under DC 9434 and 9435 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.  

VA ratings for depression range from 0% to 100%, with an average rating of 70%, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning. 

See More: Qualifying for a VA Rating for Major Depression (Up to 100%) 

14. Respiratory Conditions

Respiratory conditions are common among veterans due to exposure to environmental hazards such as burn pits, asbestos, chemical agents, and airborne toxins during military service.  

These conditions can include chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory cancers, all of which can significantly impact your ability to breathe and perform daily activities. 

The VA rates respiratory conditions under 38 CFR § 4.97 using various diagnostic codes depending on the specific illness. For example, asthma is rated under DC 6602 with ratings of 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100%.  

Ratings are generally based on pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV) and Diffusion Capacity (DLCO), which measure lung efficiency.  

Higher ratings are given to those who require oxygen therapy, experience severe airflow obstruction, or have significant respiratory failure.  

Note: If your respiratory condition is listed as presumptive, the VA automatically assumes your military service caused it. 

See More: Qualifying for an Asthma VA Rating (Up to 100%!) 

15. Diabetes

Roughly 25% of veterans suffer from diabetes, a chronic disease in which the body can’t produce or properly use insulin.  

It can cause damage to blood vessels and organs, and common symptoms include blurry vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, hunger, and weight loss.  

In addition, if you served during Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides, your service connection for diabetes will likely be presumed. However, you must still apply for VA disability benefits. 

The VA rates diabetes under DC 7913 (diabetes mellitus) at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 100%, depending on the necessity of insulin, dietary changes, and regulation of activities.  

For example, you may qualify for a 10% VA rating for diabetes if it’s manageable by a restricted diet, while a 100% VA rating is awarded to those requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. 

See More: VA Rating for Diabetes 

16. Cancer

There are various causes of cancer in the military service, with many being presumptive conditions. Three of the most common types of cancer among veterans are lung, colon, and prostate.  

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and have a proven service connection, you should automatically receive a 100% rating. 

This rating will continue so long as your cancer is active and you are receiving treatment, as well as 6 months after successful treatment or surgery.  

Six months after you stop treatment, you’ll receive the appropriate disability rating determined by a mandatory VA examination.  

The VA rates cancer under various diagnostic codes depending on the type of cancer you have. For example, breast cancer is rated under DC 7630, while you can find the VA rating for skin cancer under DC 7818.  

See More: VA Disability for Cancer: Understanding Ratings, Benefits, and Presumptive Conditions 

17. Anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder is another prevalent mental health issue among veterans, often stemming from the stress and trauma associated with military service.  

It can manifest in various forms, such as excessive worry, panic attacks, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. 

Symptoms of anxiety include feeling restless or jumpy, excessive worrying, difficulty concentrating, trembling, muscle tension, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and/or difficulty breathing.  

The VA rates anxiety at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% under diagnostic codes 9400-9410 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.  

A 0% rating reflects mild symptoms that don’t hinder daily activities, while a 100% rating indicates severe anxiety that causes total occupational and social impairment. 

Your VA rating for anxiety will be based on its severity and the degree to which it affects your daily life. 

See More: How to Increase Your Anxiety VA Rating (Up to 100%) 

18. Pes Planus (Flat Feet)

Flat feet are a relatively common condition among veterans caused by the loss of the medial, longitudinal arch of the foot. 

Due to the demanding physical nature of military service, flat feet often develop or worsen during a veteran’s years in service.  

Flat feet can range from mild to severe, and the condition may worsen without treatment. They can lead to symptoms such as lower body aches or pain, difficulty moving, foot swelling, arthritis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and more. 

The VA rates flat feet under diagnostic code 5276, with ratings ranging from 0% to 50%, depending on the severity of symptoms and whether they affect one or both feet.  

See More: What to Expect from the VA for Flat Feet 

19. Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when a nerve in the spine becomes compressed or irritated. It often causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. 

Veterans may develop radiculopathy due to injuries sustained during their service, such as trauma, heavy lifting, or repetitive strain. 

Radiculopathy is most often rated under Diseases of the Peripheral Nerves, with diagnostic codes varying by the affected nerve group (e.g., 8510, 8610, and 8710 for upper extremities, and 8520 for the sciatic nerve). 

 VA ratings for radiculopathy range from 0% to 90%, depending on the affected nerve and the severity of paralysis (mild, moderate, severe, or complete). 

See More: VA Disability Rating for Radiculopathy 

20. Secondary Conditions to Other VA Disabilities

Secondary conditions develop because of service-connected conditions. For example, if you have a service-connected condition for flat feet and develop degenerative disc disease, you may be eligible for additional compensation for the secondary condition. 

These can arise from side effects of medications, mental health issues, or physical problems. The good news is a secondary service connection may make you eligible for VA benefits. 

Filing a secondary claim can potentially increase your disability rating, sometimes up to 100%.  

See More: What are VA Secondary Conditions? 

Service-Connecting Common VA Claims

To receive VA disability compensation, you must service-connect your condition.  

To prove service connection, you must provide evidence of: 

1. A current medical diagnosis 

2. An in-service injury, illness, or event 

3. A medical nexus (a link connecting your condition to your military service). 

Note: For presumptive conditions, the VA presumes your military service caused your condition, and you only need to provide proof of your current medical diagnosis and service records linking you to the condition. 

How to File a VA Disability Claim

Online is the quickest way to file a VA disability claim. However, you can also download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it in one of the following ways:  

• By Mail  

• Via Fax  

• In person at a VA regional office  

You can strengthen your VA disability claim by providing these documents:  

• VA medical records and hospital records  

• Private medical records and hospital reports 

• Supporting statements 

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