VA Disability Ratings Resource
Explore VA Ratings by Condition (A-Z List)
If you know the condition you’re claiming, this page directs you to the right rating guide. Each section links to a dedicated page covering the VA diagnostic code, rating criteria, and what you need to build a strong claim.
Learn how the VA rating system works overall, including combined ratings, rating thresholds, and the three paths to 100%.
Summary of Key Points
| ✓ PTSD, sleep apnea, and tinnitus are among the most commonly claimed conditions, and each follows its own rating criteria, diagnostic code, and claim strategy. |
| ✓ Most conditions are rated in 10% increments from 0% to 100% based on how much they impact your ability to function, not just the diagnosis. |
| ✓ A condition doesn’t have to be primary to count. Secondary service connection allows you to claim conditions caused or worsened by an already service-connected disability. |
| ✓ Rating criteria are specific to each condition. What supports a PTSD claim won’t match what supports a sleep apnea or back claim. Use the guides below to see what the VA is actually looking for. |
| ✓ If your condition isn’t listed here, use the VA Disability Master Conditions List to find its diagnostic code and determine whether a dedicated guide exists. |
Table of Contents
VA Disability Ratings by Condition
Use Ctrl + F to search this growing list—we update it regularly to provide you with the most up-to-date information possible.
Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions are some of the most common and most underrated service-connected disabilities. The VA evaluates most under a single General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders based on occupational and social impairment, with ratings from 10% to 100%.
Reaching 70% or higher requires documented deficiencies in most areas of life, so how your symptoms are documented matters as much as the current diagnosis.
→ VA Mental Health Ratings — Full Overview
PTSD
PTSD is one of the most frequently claimed VA conditions, but it’s often evaluated lower than the evidence supports. The VA rates PTSD under Diagnostic Code 9411 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders
The difference between 50% and 70% comes down to the level of impairment. Many claims get stuck at 50% when the record shows a broader, more severe functional impact that meets the 70% criteria.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are rated under the same rating formula as PTSD, and the VA typically assigns a single combined rating for all mental health conditions.
They also commonly develop as secondary conditions, especially in connection with chronic pain, PTSD, or sleep apnea.
→ VA Rating for Major Depression
MST and TBI
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) isn’t a condition the VA rates on its own. It’s a stressor that can support a PTSD or mental health claim, and the VA allows alternative forms of evidence to prove it.
A traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is rated under a separate system, based on different types of symptoms. TBI and PTSD often occur together, and each should be rated separately.
All Mental Health Condition VA Rating Guides
• Adjustment Disorder VA Ratings
• Depression (Major) VA Rating
• Depression with Suicidal Ideation VA Rating
• Depression Secondary to Chronic Pain
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST) VA Rating
• PTSD with Alcohol Use Disorder VA Rating
• Schizoaffective Disorder VA Rating
• TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) VA Rating
• TBI with Migraines VA Rating
• Alzheimer’s Disease VA Rating
• Neurobehavioral Effects VA Rating
Sleep and Neurological Conditions
Sleep conditions, especially obstructive sleep apnea, are often underrated. The VA rates sleep apnea under Diagnostic Code 6847, with 30% for use of a CPAP and higher ratings for more severe symptoms.
Secondary conditions like hypertension, depression, and cognitive issues are often overlooked but can significantly increase your combined rating. Neurological conditions such as epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, and Parkinson’s are rated under separate diagnostic codes and systems.
→ How to Connect Sleep Apnea to Military Service
→ Sleep Apnea Secondary Conditions
All Sleep & Neurological Condition VA Rating Guides
• Central Sleep Apnea VA Rating
• Insomnia Secondary to Back Pain VA Rating
• Sleep Disturbances VA Rating
• Restless Leg Syndrome VA Rating
• Epilepsy & Seizure Disorder VA Rating
• Parkinson’s Disease VA Rating
• Peripheral Neuropathy VA Rating
• Neuropathy in Hands and Feet VA Rating
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome VA Rating
• Chronic Pain Syndrome VA Rating
Hearing Conditions
Tinnitus
Tinnitus, which causes ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, is the most commonly claimed VA disability. Under Diagnostic Code 6260, it is capped at a single 10% rating, no matter how severe it is.
Because of that limit, secondary conditions are key. Insomnia, depression, anxiety, migraines, and vertigo can all be claimed separately if they are linked to tinnitus.
→ VA Secondary Conditions to Tinnitus
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is rated using two tests: puretone averages and Maryland CNC word recognition scores. Each ear is assigned a level of impairment, and those levels are combined into a final rating.
Tinnitus and hearing loss are rated separately under different diagnostic codes, so you need to claim each one individually.
→ VA Hearing Loss Compensation and Ratings
→ Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Claiming Both
All Hearing Condition VA Rating Guides
• Hearing Loss and Tinnitus — Claiming Both
• Auditory Processing Disorder VA Rating
Migraines and Headaches
The VA rates migraines under Diagnostic Code 8100 based on how often they occur and how severe they are, especially whether they are prostrating, meaning they force you to stop what you’re doing and lie down.
Higher ratings depend on frequent, severe attacks that impact your ability to work. Many claims are underrated because episodes aren’t clearly documented, so tracking frequency and duration is critical.
Migraines also commonly develop as secondary conditions to TBI, PTSD, or tinnitus.
→ VA Rating for Migraines — The Definitive Guide
→ 100% VA Disability Rating for Migraines
All Migraine & Headache VA Rating Guides
• Migraines VA Rating — The Definitive Guide
• 100% VA Disability Rating for Migraines
• Occipital Neuralgia VA Rating
Musculoskeletal and Physical Conditions
Musculoskeletal conditions, including back, knee, shoulder, and foot issues, are some of the most commonly claimed VA disabilities. The VA rates them mainly based on range of motion and overall functional loss.
These ratings come from measurements taken during your C&P exam, so how the exam is performed and whether pain and flare-ups are documented can directly affect your rating. Back conditions focus on forward flexion, while other joints are rated based on their specific range of motion.
→ VA Disability Ratings for Back Pain — The Definitive Guide
→ VA Rating for Orthopedic Conditions — Overview
All Musculoskeletal & Physical Condition VA Rating Guides
• Back Pain VA Rating — The Definitive Guide
• Lumbosacral Strain VA Rating
• Degenerative Disc Disease VA Rating
• Ankylosing Spondylitis VA Rating
• Bilateral Heel Spurs VA Rating
• Piriformis Syndrome VA Rating
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome VA Rating
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis VA Rating
• Rheumatoid Arthritis VA Rating
• Compartment Syndrome VA Rating
Cardiovascular Conditions
Cardiovascular conditions are rated mainly on objective test results, including blood pressure for hypertension, METs for heart disease, and EKG findings for rhythm issues.
Hypertension is the most commonly claimed cardiovascular condition and is often secondary to sleep apnea or PTSD. Make sure your C&P exam includes up to date cardiac testing, since outdated results can lead to a lower rating.
→ VA Disability Rating for Hypertension
→ VA Rating for Heart Disease — The Ultimate Guide
All Cardiovascular Condition VA Rating Guides
• Hypertensive Vascular Disease VA Rating
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) VA Rating
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) VA Rating
• Arteriosclerosis / Atherosclerosis VA Rating
• Raynaud’s Syndrome VA Rating
• Pulmonary Embolism VA Rating
• VA Presumptive Heart Conditions
Respiratory Conditions
Respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung disease are rated mainly on pulmonary function test results, especially FEV-1 and FVC, along with how often you need medication or treatment.
Burn pit and toxic exposures are now more widely recognized as causes, and the PACT Act added presumptive service connection for several respiratory conditions. Make sure your C&P exam includes current pulmonary function testing, not just a basic evaluation.
→ VA Respiratory Ratings — Overview
All Respiratory Condition VA Rating Guides
• VA Respiratory Ratings — Overview
• Interstitial Lung Disease VA Rating
• Pulmonary Fibrosis VA Rating
• Granulomatous Disease VA Rating
Skin and Dermatological Conditions
Skin conditions are rated based on how much of your body is affected and how often you need treatment. Scars are also evaluated based on their size, location, and specific characteristics.
Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa are rated largely on treatment, especially the need for systemic medications and how much of the body is involved. Document every flare up, treatment, and prescription, since your rating is tied more to treatment burden than appearance.
→ VA Disability Rating for Skin Conditions — Overview
All Skin & Dermatological Condition VA Rating Guides
• VA Disability Rating for Skin Conditions Guide
• Seborrheic Dermatitis VA Rating
• Scar Ratings and Service Connection
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa VA Rating
• Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (Shaving Profile) VA Rating
• Basal Cell Carcinoma VA Rating
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma VA Rating
Digestive and Gastrointestinal Conditions
Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions are rated based on how often symptoms occur, how severe they are, what diet changes are required, and the level of treatment needed. GERD, IBS, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis are among the most commonly claimed GI conditions.
Many GI conditions develop secondary to PTSD, medication side effects, or service-related diet changes. Document your symptoms, dietary limits, and treatment in detail, since ratings are based on functional impact, not just the diagnosis.
→ New VA Disability Rating for Digestive System
All Digestive & GI Condition VA Rating Guides
• Ulcerative Colitis VA Rating
• Barrett’s Esophagus VA Rating
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis VA Rating
• Functional GI Disorders VA Rating
Eyes and Vision Conditions
Vision conditions are rated based on visual acuity and visual field loss. Each eye is evaluated separately, then combined into a final rating.
Conditions like glaucoma and conjunctivitis are often secondary to other service-connected conditions, especially toxic exposures. If direct service connection is difficult to prove, secondary service connection may be a stronger path.
→ VA Eye Disability Ratings — Overview
All Eye & Vision Condition VA Rating Guides
• VA Eye Disability Ratings — Overview
Genitourinary, Reproductive, and Cancer Conditions
Genitourinary conditions are rated based on how often symptoms occur, how severe they are, and how much they affect function. Cancers are typically rated at 100% during active treatment, with a reevaluation about six months after treatment ends based on any residual symptoms.
Reproductive conditions follow separate diagnostic codes. Many cancers are presumptive under Agent Orange exposure or the PACT Act, which could remove the need for a nexus letter if you served in a qualifying location.
→ Genitourinary System VA Ratings — Overview
→ VA Disability Rating for Cancer in Remission
All Genitourinary, Reproductive & Cancer VA Rating Guides
• Genitourinary System VA Ratings — Overview
• Erectile Dysfunction (ED) VA Rating
• Urinary Incontinence VA Rating
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction VA Rating
• Cancer in Remission VA Rating
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) VA Rating
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma VA Rating
Endocrine and Immune Conditions
Endocrine conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders are rated based on the level of treatment required, such as diet, medication, or insulin, and any resulting complications. Diabetes is one of the most common presumptive conditions linked to Agent Orange exposure.
Immune conditions like lupus and other autoimmune diseases are rated based on how often flare ups occur and how much of the body is affected. Many of these conditions lead to secondary issues, such as neuropathy or hypertension, which should be claimed separately.
All Endocrine & Immune Condition VA Rating Guides
• Autoimmune Disease VA Rating
• Vitamin D Deficiency VA Rating
Toxic Exposure Conditions
Toxic exposure claims, including burn pits, Agent Orange exposure, contaminated water, and radiation, follow a different path than standard service connection. Many are presumptive, meaning the VA accepts the link to service without a nexus letter if you served in the right place and time and have a qualifying condition.
The PACT Act expanded the list of covered conditions and locations. For a full breakdown of burn pit claims, Agent Orange benefits, Gulf War illness, and Camp Lejeune water contamination, see the complete guide on Toxic Exposure.
→ PACT Act VA Disability Benefits
→ Burn Pit Exposure and VA Claims
→ Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
→ Gulf War Presumptive Conditions
All Toxic Exposure Condition VA Rating Guides
• Burn Pit Exposure and VA Claims
• Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
• Gulf War Presumptive Conditions
• PACT Act VA Disability Benefits
• Toxic Exposure Guide — All Exposure Categories
Reaching a 100% Rating
A 100% VA rating can be reached in three different ways, and knowing which path applies to you is more effective than just stacking conditions. The schedular path requires your combined ratings to reach 100% under the VA’s formula.
TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate if your conditions prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if your combined rating is lower. Permanent and Total status applies when you’re already rated at 100%, and your conditions aren’t expected to improve.
→ 100% VA Disability — Schedular, TDIU, and Permanent & Total
→ TDIU — Total Disability Individual Unemployability
Don’t See Your Condition Here?
The VA rates more than 900 conditions under 38 CFR Part 4, each with its own diagnostic code and criteria. Not every condition has a dedicated guide here yet, but most are still clearly defined within the rating schedule.
If your condition isn’t linked above, the VA Disability Master Conditions List provides a full A to Z index of ratable conditions. The Top 50 VA Disability Percentages by Condition can also give you a quick sense of where your condition typically falls within the rating system.
→ VA Disability Master Conditions List — Full A-Z Index
→ Top 50 VA Disability Percentages by Condition
Visit our main blog page to explore hundreds of additional VA disability guides, how-to articles, and expert VA disability tips!
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be rated for more than one condition at the same time?
Yes. The VA rates each service-connected condition separately, then combines them using the “whole person” formula. There’s no limit to how many conditions you can have, but each additional rating increases your overall percentage by a smaller amount.
What’s the difference between a primary and a secondary service-connected condition?
A primary condition is directly caused by your service. A secondary condition is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability. Secondary claims are often overlooked but can significantly increase your combined rating.
What does a diagnostic code tell me?
A diagnostic code (DC) identifies how the VA rates your condition under 38 CFR Part 4. Each code outlines the criteria for different rating levels, allowing you to compare your symptoms directly to the VA’s standards.
My condition isn’t listed in the VA rating schedule. Can I still get rated?
Yes. The VA assigns an analogous diagnostic code based on the closest match to your symptoms and functional impairment. The chosen code matters, so it’s important to confirm it gives you the most favorable rating criteria.
YOU SERVED. Get the Rating YOU DESERVE.
Understanding your condition’s rating criteria is the first step. Building the right evidence and making sure it’s accurately reflected during your C&P exam is what drives your rating.
If you’re unsure where your claim stands or what it takes to reach the next level, start with the guides linked throughout this page.
→ VA Ratings System — How Ratings Work
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