VA Disability Rating Guides — by Condition

8 most-claimed service-connected conditions with structured rating tiers (0%-100%), 38 CFR diagnostic-code references, evidence checklists, and common filing mistakes. PTSD, tinnitus, hearing loss, sleep apnea, migraines, lower-back pain, knee conditions, depression/anxiety.

8 pages in this category

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  Top-claimed mental health condition. Rated 0/10/30/50/70/100% under 38 CFR 4.130 General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
• Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
  Most-claimed VA disability condition (~3 million veterans). Capped at 10% rating regardless of severity.
• Hearing Loss
  Sensorineural hearing loss is rated 0% to 100% based on speech-discrimination scores + pure-tone thresholds.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
  Rated 0/30/50/100% under DC 6847. CPAP-required = automatic 50%; persistent symptoms despite treatment can reach 100%.
• Migraine Headaches
  Rated 0/10/30/50% under DC 8100. Rating depends on frequency of "prostrating attacks" (must lie down, can't function).
• Lower Back Pain (Lumbosacral Strain)
  Rated 10-100% under DC 5237 + 5242 based on range of motion measurements OR incapacitating-episode frequency.
• Knee Conditions (Limited Motion / Instability / Arthritis)
  Each knee rated separately. DC 5260 (limited flexion), 5261 (limited extension), 5257 (instability), 5003 (arthritis).
• Depression / Anxiety / Adjustment Disorder
  All mental-health conditions (except eating disorders) rated under the SAME formula as PTSD: 0/10/30/50/70/100% under 38 CFR 4.130.

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