Rating agencies must be thoroughly familiar with this manual to properly implement the directives in 4.125 through 4.129 and to apply the general rating formula for mental disorders in 4.130. Neuritis, external cutaneous nerve of thigh. 8529 External cutaneous nerve of thigh, paralysis. Nephrolithiasis/Ureterolithiasis/Nephrocalcinosis. 5209 Elbow, other impairment of flail joint. (vii) headaches (of a type, severity, or pattern that is different from headaches in the pre-morbid state). These parts all work together to keep the body in balance. [40 FR 42536, Sept. 15, 1975, as amended at 43 FR 45349, Oct. 2, 1978]. Moderately severely impaired. Minimum, if there is pain, photophobia, and glare sensitivity. Added October 1, 1961; criterion September 9, 1975; criterion March 10, 1976. If you are the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who has passed away, youre eligible 1. Evaluate each condition separately, as long as the same signs and symptoms are not used to support more than one evaluation, and combine under, Consider the need for special monthly compensation for such problems as loss of use of an extremity, certain sensory impairments, erectile dysfunction, the need for aid and attendance (including for protection from hazards or dangers incident to the daily environment due to cognitive impairment), being housebound, etc. 4.96 Special provisions regarding evaluation of respiratory conditions. For information on the availability of this information at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_publications.html. 8623 Neuritis, anterior tibial (deep peroneal) nerve. General Rating Formula for Restrictive Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6840 through 6845): Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment, Pulmonary involvement requiring systemic high dose (therapeutic) corticosteroids for control, Pulmonary involvement with persistent symptoms requiring chronic low dose (maintenance) or intermittent corticosteroids, Chronic hilar adenopathy or stable lung infiltrates without symptoms or physiologic impairment, Or rate active disease or residuals as chronic bronchitis (DC 6600) and extra-pulmonary involvement under specific body system involved. ), so that the level of evaluation would differ depending on which test result is used, use the test result that the examiner states most accurately reflects the level of disability. 5207 Forearm, limitation of extension of: 5208 Forearm, flexion limited to 100 and extension to 45, 5209 Elbow, other impairment of Flail joint, Joint fracture, with marked cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity or with ununited fracture of head of radius, 5210 Radius and ulna, nonunion of, with flail false joint. 7527 Prostate gland injuries, infections, hypertrophy, postoperative residuals, bladder outlet obstruction. Surface contour of scar elevated or depressed on palpation. One eye, only light perception and other eye: Neoplasm, malignant, primary or secondary, Bradycardia (Bradyarrhythmia), symptomatic, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation, Complete or incomplete pelvic organ prolapse due to injury or disease or surgical complications of pregnancy, including uterine or vaginal vault prolapse, cystocele, urethrocele, rectocele, enterocele, or combination, Cutaneous manifestations of collagen-vascular diseases not listed elsewhere, Essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis, Hemorrhagic fevers, including dengue, yellow fever, and others, Hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated strongyloidiasis, Group I Function: Upward rotation of scapula, Group III Function: Elevation and abduction of arm, Group IV Function: Stabilization of shoulder, Group VII Function: Flexion of wrist and fingers, Group VIII Function: Extension of wrist, fingers, thumb, Group X Function: Movement of forefoot and toes, Group XIII Function: Extension of hip and flexion of knee, Group XVIII Function: Outward rotation of thigh, Group XIX Function: Abdominal wall and lower thorax, Group XX Function: Postural support of body, Group XXII Function: Rotary and forward movements, head, Interstitial nephritis, including gouty nephropathy, disorders of calcium metabolism, Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum / carinatum, Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) (chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic granulocytic leukemia), Including ramus, unilaterally or bilaterally, Lymphatic filariasis, to include elephantiasis, Maxilla or mandible, chronic osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis, or osteoradionecrosis of, Dissociative amnesia; dissociative identity disorder, Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease, Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to another medical condition or substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder, Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to HIV or other infections, Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic brain injury, Major or mild vascular neurocognitive disorder, Other specified and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, Other specified somatic symptom and related disorder, Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), Specific phobia; social anxiety disorder (social phobia), Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder, Nephrolithiasis/Ureterolithiasis/Nephrocalcinosis, Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch), Mandible, confirmed by diagnostic imaging studies, Prostate gland injuries, infections, hypertrophy, postoperative residuals, bladder outlet obstruction, Prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis, orchitis (unilateral or bilateral), chronic only, Raynaud's syndrome (secondary Raynaud's phenomenon, secondary Raynaud's), Disease caused by viral infection such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, Involvement in diabetes mellitus type I or II, Retinal dystrophy (including retinitis pigmentosa, wet or dry macular degeneration, early-onset macular degeneration, rod and/or cone dystrophy), Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified, Rickettsial, ehrlichia, and anaplasma Infections, Burn scar(s) of the head, face, or neck; scar(s) of the head, face, or neck due to other causes; or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck, Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage, Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck that are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage, Scars, other; and other effects of scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7804, Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome, Spondylolisthesis or segmental instability, spine, Tenosynovitis, tendinitis, tendinosis or tendinopathy. WebReferences for Chronic Achilles Tendonitis or Achilles Bursitis. Severely impaired judgment. Note (2): When diabetes mellitus has been conclusively diagnosed, do not request a glucose tolerance test solely for rating purposes. The osseous abnormalities incident to trauma or disease, such as malunion with deformity throwing abnormal stress upon, and causing malalignment of joint surfaces, should be depicted from study and observation of all available data, beginning with inception of injury or disease, its nature, degree of prostration, treatment and duration of convalescence, and progress of recovery with development of permanent residuals. 8540 Soft-tissue sarcoma (Neurogenic origin). Rate under diagnostic code 7346, 5325 Muscle injury, facial muscles. They will continue for a 12-month period following discharge from service. If there is no replacement lens, evaluate based on aphakia (diagnostic code 6029). 9903 Mandible, nonunion of, confirmed by diagnostic imaging studies. Criterion July 6, 1950; evaluation March 10, 1976; evaluation January 12, 1998. 7630 Malignant neoplasms of the breast. 8311 Neuritis, eleventh cranial nerve. (b) A chronic mental disorder is not uncommon as an interseizure manifestation of psychomotor epilepsy and may include psychiatric disturbances extending from minimal anxiety to severe personality disorder (as distinguished from developmental) or almost complete personality disintegration (psychosis). 5011 Decompression illness: Rate manifestations under the appropriate diagnostic code within the affected body system, such as arthritis for musculoskeletal residuals; auditory system for vestibular residuals; respiratory system for pulmonary barotrauma residuals; and neurologic system for cerebrovascular accident residuals. Rate the vascular conditions under Codes 8007 through 8009, for 6 months. 2. L. 90-493 apply, the former evaluations are retained in this section. Added June 9, 1952; evaluation January 12, 1998; note, criterion, evaluation November 14, 2021. 4. Not all of these brain functions may be affected in a given individual with cognitive impairment, and some functions may be affected more severely than others. We use your disability rating to determine 7, 1994; 86 FR 54085, Sept. 30, 2021], [59 FR 2527, Jan. 18, 1994; 59 FR 14567, Mar. Pressing enter in the search box Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. 9902 Mandible loss of, including ramus, unilaterally or bilaterally. The examiner must document the results for at least 16 meridians 2212 degrees apart for each eye and indicate the Goldmann equivalent used. (3) In any case where the examiner reports that there is a difference equal to two or more scheduled steps between near and distance corrected vision, with the near vision being worse, the examination report must include at least two recordings of near and distance corrected vision and an explanation of the reason for the difference. Criterion October 23, 1995; criterion December 9, 2018. between the fingertip(s) and the proximal transverse crease of the palm, with the finger(s) flexed to the extent possible, evaluate as unfavorable ankylosis, (iv) If only the metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal joint is ankylosed, and there is a gap of two inches (5.1 cm.) (d) The combined evaluation of muscle groups acting upon a single unankylosed joint must be lower than the evaluation for unfavorable ankylosis of that joint, except in the case of muscle groups I and II acting upon the shoulder. 8612 Neuritis, lower radicular group. The VA Ratings Schedule for Rheumatoid Arthritis. (iii) Objective findings. Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as forgetting names, directions, recent events). A single evaluation will be assigned under the diagnostic code which reflects the predominant disability picture, with elevation to the next higher evaluation where the severity of the overall disability warrants such elevation. 7117 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, With two or more digital ulcers and history of characteristic attacks, Characteristic attacks occurring at least daily, Characteristic attacks occurring four to six times a week, Characteristic attacks occurring one to three times a week. VA Form 21-686c, also known as the VA form to add dependents or the Declaration of Status of Dependents, is a form for you to provide information to the VA about your dependents. Disability from lesions of peripheral portions of first, second, third, fourth, sixth, and eighth nerves will be rated under the Organs of Special Sense. Evaluation March 1, 1963; title, criteria, note February 7, 2021. Inquiry will be directed to these considerations: (a) Less movement than normal (due to ankylosis, limitation or blocking, adhesions, tendon-tie-up, contracted scars, etc.). Hip Labral Tear The labrum is a Added October 1, 1961; criterion March 10, 1976; criterion March 1, 1989. Conjectural analogies will be avoided, as will the use of analogous ratings for conditions of doubtful diagnosis, or for those not fully supported by clinical and laboratory findings. The diagnostic code numbers appearing opposite the listed ratable disabilities are arbitrary numbers for the purpose of showing the basis of the evaluation assigned and for statistical analysis in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and as will be observed, extend from 5000 to a possible 9999. Purely neurological disabilities, such as hemiplegia, cranial nerve paralysis, etc., due to cerebral arteriosclerosis will be rated under the diagnostic codes dealing with such specific disabilities, with citation of a hyphenated diagnostic code (e.g., 8046-8207). Where in the judgment of the rating board the veteran's unemployability is due to epilepsy and jurisdiction is not vested in that body by reason of schedular evaluations, the case should be submitted to the Compensation Service or the Director, Pension and Fiduciary Service. 4.17 Total disability ratings for pension based on unemployability and age of the individual. 7613 Uterus, disease, injury, or adhesions of. 7900 Hyperthyroidism, including, but not limited to, Graves disease. 5213 Supination and pronation, impairment. Noncompensable complications are considered part of the diabetic process under DC 7913. Your eye is the primary organ of the visual system because it takes what you see (e.g., faces, images, nature) and turns them into an electric signal, which moves from the optic nerve to the brain. Also, in the event that chronic renal disease has progressed to the point where regular dialysis is required, any coexisting hypertension or heart disease will be separately rated. 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual. That numeral will then be elevated to the next higher Roman numeral. Evaluate physical (including neurological) dysfunction based on the following list, under an appropriate diagnostic code: Motor and sensory dysfunction, including pain, of the extremities and face; visual impairment; hearing loss and tinnitus; loss of sense of smell and taste; seizures; gait, coordination, and balance problems; speech and other communication difficulties, including aphasia and related disorders, and dysarthria; neurogenic bladder; neurogenic bowel; cranial nerve dysfunctions; autonomic nerve dysfunctions; and endocrine dysfunctions. Neuritis, internal popliteal (tibial) nerve. The peripheral nervous system is made up of all the nerves that travel from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated strongyloidiasis. What are Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breasts for VA rating purposes? Note July 6, 1950; evaluation February 17, 1994, criterion September 8, 1994; criterion November 14, 2021. [41 FR 34258, Aug. 13, 1976, as amended at 59 FR 2527, Jan. 18, 1994]. When any change in evaluation is to be made, the rating agency should assure itself that there has been an actual change in the conditions, for better or worse, and not merely a difference in thoroughness of the examination or in use of descriptive terms. Displaying title 38, up to date as of 3/02/2023. In the acquired condition, it is to be remembered that depression of the longitudinal arch, or the degree of depression, is not the essential feature. As to frequency, competent, consistent lay testimony emphasizing convulsive and immediate post-convulsive characteristics may be accepted. Dont forget that to be eligible for VA disability compensation, you must first have: In this Ultimate Guide to the VA Disability Claims List, which is comprised of 834 disability conditions, youll discover each eligible condition arranged by body system and diagnostic code (lowest to highest) from CFR Title 38, Part 4, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. (3) Evaluation of ankylosis of the index, long, ring, and little fingers: (i) If both the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of a digit are ankylosed, and either is in extension or full flexion, or there is rotation or angulation of a bone, evaluate as amputation without metacarpal resection, at proximal interphalangeal joint or proximal thereto, (ii) If both the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of a digit are ankylosed, evaluate as unfavorable ankylosis, even if each joint is individually fixed in a favorable position, (iii) If only the metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal joint is ankylosed, and there is a gap of more than two inches (5.1 cm.) 6200 Chronic suppurative otitis media. With intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain or limitation of motion, rate by analogy to diagnostic code 5214. Apply the provisions of. Poor renal function: Rate as renal dysfunction. Limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months, With characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith 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. 5172 Toes, other than great, with removal of metatarsal head. in an area exceeding six square inches (39 sq. (5) When evaluating based on PFT's, use post-bronchodilator results in applying the evaluation criteria in the rating schedule unless the post-bronchodilator results were poorer than the pre-bronchodilator results. 9, 2018; 83 FR 15323, Apr. 7312 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), History of two or more episodes of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or hemorrhage from varices or portal gastropathy (erosive gastritis), but with periods of remission between attacks, History of one episode of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or hemorrhage from varices or portal gastropathy (erosive gastritis), Portal hypertension and splenomegaly, with weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, malaise, and at least minor weight loss, Symptoms such as weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, and malaise, Severe; frequent attacks of gall bladder colic, Moderate; gall bladder dyspepsia, confirmed by X-ray technique, and with infrequent attacks (not over two or three a year) of gall bladder colic, with or without jaundice. Department of Veterans Affairs examination is not required prior to assignment of prestabilization ratings; however, the fact that examination was accomplished will not preclude assignment of these benefits. 180 8 = 2212 average concentric contraction. This could be something like a shoulder dislocation that occurred during a training exercise. Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck that are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage. Record of consistent complaint of cardinal signs and symptoms of muscle disability as defined in paragraph (c) of this section, worse than those shown for moderately severe muscle injuries, and, if present, evidence of inability to keep up with work requirements. If you have a disability rating awarded by the VA for a The Skin is the largest of the bodys organs and its primary purpose is protection. Recurrent urinary tract infections secondary to obstruction. This means that you have a current shoulder condition caused or worsened by an event or injury during your military service. Dyspnea, tachycardia, nervousness, fatigability, etc., may result from many causes; some may be service connected, others, not. (2) In the case of an ankylosed shoulder, if muscle groups I and II are severely disabled, the evaluation of the shoulder joint under diagnostic code 5200 will be elevated to the level for unfavorable ankylosis, if not already assigned, but the muscle groups themselves will not be rated. If there are more than two disabilities, the disabilities will also be arranged in the exact order of their severity and the combined value for the first two will be found as previously described for two disabilities. Rating agencies will assure themselves that the recent report of physical examination presents an adequate picture of the claimant's condition. How old are you? Motor activity mildly decreased or with moderate slowing due to apraxia. 1. In view of the number of atypical instances it is not expected, especially with the more fully described grades of disabilities, that all cases will show all the findings specified. This adjusted level of corrected visual acuity, however, must not exceed a level of 5/200. 7533 Cystic diseases of the kidneys(renal artery stenosis, atheroembolic renal disease, or large vessel disease, unspecified, antheroembolic renal disease). 5230 Ring or little finger, limitation of motion: (For diagnostic codes 5235 to 5243 unless 5243 is evaluated under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes): With or without symptoms such as pain (whther or not it radiates), stiffness, or aching in the area of the spine affected by residuals of injury or disease, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis, Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or, muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or, vertebral body fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of the height, 5239 Spondylolisthesis or segmental instability, 5242 Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010). If a maximum exercise capacity test is not of record, evaluate based on alternative criteria. Most of the time, youll receive a musculoskeletal rating based on your shoulder range of motion if you were to lift your arm away from the side of your body. Evaluation September 22, 1978; criterion October 7, 1996. Intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) and personality disorders. Manifest differences in ulcers of the stomach or duodenum in comparison with those at an anastomotic stoma are sufficiently recognized as to warrant two separate graduated descriptions. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. user convenience only and is not intended to alter agency intent Note: Thereafter, if diabetes insipidus has subsided, rate residuals under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system. Criterion September 22, 1978; criterion February 17, 1994; title September 10, 2017. You may also be eligible for secondary service connection if you cant prove a direct link. Added October 15, 1991; criterion January 12, 1998. 5317 Group XVII Function: Extension of hip. Note (2): Separately evaluate eye involvement occurring as a manifestation of Graves' Disease as diplopia (DC 6090); impairment of central visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066); or under the most appropriate DCs in. This content is from the eCFR and may include recent changes applied to the CFR. 6019 Ptosis unilateral or bilateral. (b) Rating protected tuberculosis cases. Search & Navigation (a) Examination of visual acuity. Subjective symptoms that do not interfere with work; instrumental activities of daily living; or work, family, or other close relationships. 5321 Group XXI Function: Respiration. 4.129 Mental disorders due to traumatic stress. Regulation Y Neuritis, cranial or peripheral, characterized by loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and constant pain, at times excruciating, is to be rated on the scale provided for injury of the nerve involved, with a maximum equal to severe, incomplete, paralysis. Introduction paragraph revised March 10, 1976. 4.115a Ratings of the genitourinary system - dysfunctions. After the excitement of finally having the rating you deserve wears off, you start asking questions. A complaint of mild loss of memory (such as having difficulty following a conversation, recalling recent conversations, remembering names of new acquaintances, or finding words, or often misplacing items), attention, concentration, or executive functions, but without objective evidence on testing. 6329 Hemorrhagic fevers, including dengue, yellow fever, and others.
