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📋 CFR 38 Part 4 · 2026 Rates · Updated

VA Disability
Rating Schedule 2026

Complete listing of ratable conditions, percentages, qualifying criteria, and secondary conditions. Compensation calculator with dependents, spouse Aid and Attendance, children, and parents — based on 2026 VA pay tables.

Jump to Category
🦴 Musculoskeletal — Back, Joints & Bones 🧠 Mental Health ⚡ Neurological 🫁 Respiratory / Pulmonary ❤️ Cardiovascular 🫃 Digestive / GI 🫘 Genitourinary / Kidney 🩹 Skin Conditions 👂 Hearing & Vision 🩸 Endocrine / Metabolic 🦠 Infectious, Immune & Toxic Exposure 🦷 Dental & Oral 🔥 Burn Pit & PACT Act
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💰 Calculator Rating Guide Benefits Calc Claim Checklist
⚠️ For informational purposes only. Rating criteria is based on CFR 38 Part 4. Actual VA ratings are determined case-by-case. Consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for your specific situation.
Rating Basis: Primarily range of motion (ROM) measured with a goniometer. Painful motion = minimum 10%. The general rating formula uses forward flexion and other ROM measurements.
Lumbar Spine (Low Back)
10%20%40%50%100%
10%Painful motion
20%Forward flexion 30–60°
40%Forward flexion <30°, or favorable ankylosis
50%Unfavorable ankylosis in thoracolumbar
100%Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine
Cervical Spine (Neck)
10%20%30%40%50%100%
10%Painful motion
20%Forward flexion 15–30°
30%Forward flexion <15°
40%Favorable ankylosis
50%Unfavorable ankylosis
100%Unfavorable ankylosis entire spine
Knee (Limitation of Flexion)
0%10%20%30%
0%Flexion ≥ 60°
10%Flexion 45–60°
20%Flexion 30–45°
30%Flexion <30°. Rate whichever formula (extension or flexion) gives highest rating
Knee (Limitation of Extension)
10%20%30%
10%Extension limited to 5°
20%Extension limited to 10°
30%Extension limited to 15°
Knee (Instability)
10%20%30%
10%Slight (ACL/MCL laxity grade 1)
20%Moderate
30%Severe instability
Shoulder (Limitation of Motion)
10%20%30%40%
10%Forward flexion 91–170°
20%Forward flexion 61–90°
30%Forward flexion 31–60°
40%Forward flexion ≤ 30°
Hip (Limitation of Motion)
10%20%40%
10%Flexion 30–45° or extension 0°
20%Flexion ≤ 30°
40%Favorable ankylosis
Ankle (Limitation of Motion)
0%10%20%
0%Dorsiflexion 15–29°
10%Dorsiflexion 0–14°
20%Plantar flexion <30° or favorable ankylosis
Plantar Fasciitis / Pes Planus
0%10%20%30%
0%Mild
10%Moderate (bilateral mild–moderate)
20%Marked (pronounced unilateral)
30%Marked bilateral
Radiculopathy (Sciatic Nerve)
10%20%40%60%
10%Mild (intermittent pain/numbness)
20%Moderate (constant incomplete paralysis)
40%Moderately severe (incomplete paralysis)
60%Complete sciatic paralysis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
10%20%30%40%
10%Mild (occasional symptoms)
20%Moderate (weakness of grip)
30%Moderately severe
40%Severe (complete paralysis of median nerve)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
20%40%60%100%
20%One or two exacerbations/year
40%Weight loss, anemia, or characteristic exacerbations
60%Constitutional manifestations
100%Totally incapacitating
Osteoarthritis (multiple joints)
10%20%40%

Rated on affected joint limitation of motion. Each affected joint rated separately.

Fibromyalgia
10%20%40%
10%Symptoms controlled by continuous medication
20%Symptoms not fully controlled or refractory
40%Constant/near-constant incapacitating symptoms
Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
10%20%40%60%
10%1–2 episodes/year
20%At least 2 weeks/year incapacitating
40%4–6 weeks/year
60%>6 weeks/year
General Rating Formula: All mental health conditions use the same formula (38 CFR 4.130). Rating depends on occupational and social impairment severity, not diagnosis alone.
PTSD
10%30%50%70%100%
10%Mild/transient symptoms, no occupational impairment
30%Occasional work/social impairment
50%Reduced reliability/productivity
70%Deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family, judgment)
100%Total social/occupational impairment
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
10%30%50%70%100%

Same General Rating Formula as PTSD. Criteria include: episodes, duration, severity, impact on work and relationships, suicidal ideation, cognitive symptoms.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
10%30%50%70%100%

Same General Rating Formula. GAD often secondary to PTSD or MST.

Bipolar Disorder
10%30%50%70%100%

Rated on frequency/severity of manic and depressive episodes and their functional impact. Mania-induced behaviors that cause occupational impairment weighted heavily.

Schizophrenia
10%30%50%70%100%

70–100% most common given chronic nature. Rated on severity of positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (social withdrawal, flat affect).

TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) — Mental Health
0%10%40%70%100%
0%Symptoms resolve
10%1 mild symptom. 40–
40%Multiple symptoms with occupational impact
Sleep Apnea
0%30%50%100%
0%Asymptomatic
30%Persistent daytime hypersomnia (requires CPAP)
50%Requires use of breathing assistance device (CPAP/BPAP)
100%Chronic respiratory failure or cor pulmonale
Insomnia (Sleep Disorder)
0%10%30%

Often rated as secondary to PTSD, depression, or chronic pain. Standalone rating uses sleep disorder criteria — 30% if significant functional impairment.

Adjustment Disorder
10%30%50%

Same General Rating Formula but generally lower ratings as condition is expected to resolve. If chronic, reclassified to persistent depressive disorder or anxiety.

Migraine Headaches
0%10%30%50%
0%Less frequent attacks
10%Characteristic prostrating attacks ≤ once in 2 months
30%Prostrating attacks occurring once monthly on average
50%Characteristic prostrating attacks >once monthly, with all productive activity prohibited during attacks
Seizure Disorder (Epilepsy)
10%20%40%60%80%100%
10%1 major seizure in 2 years or 2 minor in 6 months
20%1 major/4 months or 5 minor/6 months
40%1 major/3 months or 9 minor/6 months
60%1 major/month or 30 minor/6 months
80%Average 1 major/week
100%Status epilepticus or seizures affecting all daily activities
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
30%60%80%100%
30%Minimum rating
60%Acute exacerbations >3 times/year, or slow progression
80%Attacks >3 times/year or worse progressive
100%Objective neurological deficits, constant symptoms, significant functional impairment
Peripheral Neuropathy
10%20%40%60%

Rated as mild (10%), moderate (20%), moderately severe incomplete paralysis (40%), or severe complete paralysis (60%) based on nerve root affected. Each limb rated separately.

Tinnitus
10%
10%Single rating for bilateral or unilateral tinnitus. Maximum 10% regardless of severity — one of the most commonly rated conditions. Recurrent tinnitus qualifies
Stroke / Cerebrovascular Accident
10%30%60%100%

Rated during acute phase (100%), then on residuals at 6 months post-stroke. Residuals include hemiplegia, cognitive deficits, aphasia — each rated separately using appropriate body system criteria.

Chronic Pain Syndrome
10%20%40%

Often rated under the General Rating Formula for mental disorders (somatic symptom disorder) or under the musculoskeletal system for the underlying condition. 10% minimum if diagnosed and documented.

Rating Basis: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) — FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC ratio, DLCO — and exercise tolerance (METs). Get full spirometry results for your C&P exam.
Asthma
10%30%60%100%
10%FEV-1 71–80% or daily inhaled bronchodilator use
30%FEV-1 56–70% or daily use of systemic steroids/oral bronchodilators
60%FEV-1 40–55% or daily oral steroid use >12 months
100%FEV-1 <40% or FEV-1/FVC <40% or chronic hospitalization
COPD / Chronic Bronchitis / Emphysema
10%30%60%100%
10%FEV-1 71–80%
30%FEV-1 56–70%
60%FEV-1 40–55%
100%FEV-1 <40% or requiring supplemental oxygen
Sinusitis (Rhinitis / Chronic)
0%10%30%50%
0%Symptom-free (post-surgery)
10%1–2 incapacitating episodes/year or 3+ non-incapacitating
30%3+ incapacitating or 6+ non-incapacitating
50%Near-constant headaches, sinus pain, chronic purulent discharge
Constrictive Bronchiolitis (Burn Pit)
30%60%100%

PACT Act (2022) created presumptive for constrictive bronchiolitis for veterans who served in Southwest Asia 8/2/1990 or later. Rated as a respiratory condition on FEV-1/FVC. Minimum 30% if diagnosis confirmed.

Pulmonary Hypertension
60%100%
60%Moderate — reduced exercise tolerance, right ventricular hypertrophy
100%Severe — cor pulmonale, ascites, right heart failure, or requiring supplemental oxygen
Pleural Effusion / Pleuritis
10%30%50%

Rated on FEV-1 and exercise tolerance. Often secondary to other pulmonary or cardiac conditions.

Rating Basis: METs (Metabolic Equivalents), ejection fraction, diastolic/systolic dysfunction, and requirement for cardiac intervention.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
0%10%20%40%60%
0%BP controlled on medication
10%Diastolic ≥ 100 or systolic ≥ 160 (or requires 2+ medications)
20%Diastolic 110+ or systolic 200+
40%Diastolic 120+ constantly
60%Diastolic 130+ constantly
Coronary Artery Disease (Ischemic Heart Disease)
10%30%60%100%
10%METs > 5 or no symptoms with treatment
30%METs 4–5 or workload causing dyspnea
60%METs 1–3, or left ventricular dysfunction with EF 30–50%
100%Chronic congestive heart failure or workload <3 METs, or EF <30%
Atrial Fibrillation
10%30%60%100%
10%Paroxysmal AFib, in remission, asymptomatic
30%Continuous AFib controlled by medication
60%Paroxysmal AFib or other dysrhythmia requiring anticoagulation
100%Chronic cardiac failure
Heart Failure (CHF)
30%60%100%
30%METs 5 or less
60%Workload >3 but ≤5 METs causing dyspnea, fatigue
100%EF <30% or NYHA Class III–IV with breathlessness at minimal activity
Peripheral Artery Disease / Arteriosclerosis
10%20%40%70%
10%Claudication after 25 blocks
20%Claudication after 10–25 blocks
40%Claudication after <10 blocks
70%Rest pain or ulceration
Hemorrhoids
0%10%20%
0%Mild — no bleeding, no prolapse
10%Mild/moderate with bleeding or prolapse
20%Large hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding or prolapse
GERD (Acid Reflux / Hiatal Hernia)
10%30%60%
10%Requires continuous medication
30%Frequent episodes despite medication, weight loss
60%Severe symptoms, stricture, Barrett's esophagus, severe weight loss
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
10%30%
10%Moderate with frequent episodes
30%Severe, near-constant, with 4+ stools/day or alternating diarrhea/constipation significantly affecting activity
Crohn's Disease / Ulcerative Colitis
10%30%60%100%
10%Mild symptoms, minimal episodes
30%Moderate — 4–6 stools/day, pain
60%Severe — daily debilitating symptoms or requiring frequent hospitalizations
100%Severe plus systemic complications (anemia, fever, weight loss)
Peptic Ulcer Disease
10%20%40%60%
10%Mild symptoms with continuous medication
20%Moderate with recurrent episodes
40%Severe with hemorrhage or frequent incapacitating episodes
60%Severe, recurrent, requiring surgery or hospitalization
Liver Disease / Hepatitis C
10%20%40%70%100%

Rated on functional impairment, liver function tests, presence of cirrhosis, ascites, encephalopathy. Hepatitis C: 10% with positive serology, no symptoms. Higher ratings for cirrhosis sequelae.

Erectile Dysfunction
0%

ED itself is rated 0% but qualifies for a Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) = $123.04/month (2026). File for it separately in addition to any SMC filing. Often secondary to PTSD, TBI, hypertension medications, low back injury, pelvic trauma.

Kidney Disease / CKD
30%60%80%100%
30%eGFR 30–59, moderate CKD
60%eGFR 15–29, severe CKD
80%eGFR <15 or on dialysis (pre-transplant)
100%Requiring hemodialysis or renal transplant
Urinary Incontinence / Neurogenic Bladder
20%40%60%
20%Moderate leakage with physical activity
40%Frequent leakage requiring pads/protective devices
60%Constant dribbling requiring diaper/catheter. Often secondary to lumbar spine injury, MS, prostate conditions, pelvic trauma
Prostate Conditions (BPH / Prostatitis)
0%20%40%60%
0%Voiding dysfunction requiring continuous medication
20%Moderately severe symptoms
40%Obstructive symptoms requiring catheterization or constant urge incontinence
Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis
0%10%30%60%
0%Controlled on topical treatment
10%Affects <5% BSA, requires systemic therapy
30%Affects 5–20% BSA or requires systemic immunosuppression
60%Affects >40% BSA or constant treatment with steroids
Psoriasis
0%10%30%60%

Same BSA criteria as eczema. Psoriatic arthritis can be rated separately under musculoskeletal.

Scar / Burn (Residual)
0%10%20%30%
0%Superficial without limited motion
10%Limits function or is painful
20%Unstable/painful scar over 6 sq in
30%Unstable scars over 12 sq in or deep scars causing underlying tissue damage. Facial disfigurement has separate criteria
Folliculitis / Pseudofolliculitis (Razor Bumps)
0%10%30%
0%Requires systemic medication
10%Severe, disfiguring, requiring constant systemic treatment. Document all treatments prescribed during service
Acne (Residuals)
0%10%30%
0%Less than 40%
10%More than 40% of the face
Hearing Loss: VA uses Tables VI and VII of CFR 38 Part 4 mapping pure tone average and speech discrimination to a Roman numeral category. Each ear rated separately, then combined using Table VII.
Hearing Loss (SNHL)
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
0%Borderline thresholds
10%Mild loss affecting high frequencies. Higher ratings require progressive loss in multiple frequencies and reduced speech discrimination scores. Must have audiogram performed by VA audiologist
Tinnitus
10%

10% maximum — rated separately from hearing loss. One of the most commonly claimed conditions. Recurrent tinnitus sufficient for rating.

Visual Impairment
0%10%20%30%100%
0%5/200 vision or worse in both eyes. Each eye rated separately
Glaucoma
10%30%60%
10%Controlled on medication, normal fields
30%Progressive field loss
60%Significant visual field loss, poor control. Also rate on visual impairment tables
Cataracts (Residual)
0%10%30%

Rated on visual acuity loss. Common after eye trauma, steroid use, or radiation exposure. Post-surgical residuals rated on remaining visual impairment.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
10%20%40%60%100%
10%Controlled by oral medications only
20%Controlled by insulin or oral medication plus dietary restriction
40%Insulin-dependent with 1+ hospital admissions/year or progressive symptoms
60%Insulin-dependent, plus peripheral neuropathy, visual problems, or CVD complications
100%Plus severe manifestations — frequent hospitalizations, episodes of ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia with cognitive deficits
Hypothyroidism
0%10%30%60%100%
0%Well controlled on replacement therapy
10%Requires continuous medication
30%Cold intolerance, sluggishness, non-pitting edema
60%Mental sluggishness, weight gain, hair loss, significant functional impairment
100%Myxedema — massive edema, neurological changes, severe bradycardia
Hyperthyroidism
10%30%60%80%100%

Rated on severity: palpitations, tremor, sweating, weight loss, ophthalmopathy, atrial fibrillation.

Obesity-Related Conditions

Obesity itself is not a ratable condition. However, conditions secondary to obesity (sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, joint pain, back conditions) are all independently ratable if the obesity was caused or worsened by service-connected disability (e.g., inability to exercise due to service-connected knee/back injury).

Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism)
0%10%

Often secondary to TBI, PTSD-related HPA axis dysregulation, opioid use for service-connected pain, or pituitary trauma. Service connection via secondary nexus is the pathway — file as secondary to existing SC condition.

PACT Act (2022): Veterans who served in covered locations after 8/2/1990 now have presumptive eligibility for 60+ conditions including all cancers. File now — your effective date goes back to the filing date.
Agent Orange Presumptives

Veterans who served in Vietnam, Korean DMZ 4/1/68–8/31/71, or were exposed to tactical herbicides: AL amyloidosis, bladder cancer, chronic B-cell leukemia, chloracne, diabetes type 2, Hodgkin's/Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, ischemic heart disease, multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, porphyria cutanea tarda, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, soft tissue sarcoma.

Burn Pit / Southwest Asia Presumptives (PACT Act)

Veterans who served after 8/2/1990 in covered areas (Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Southwest Asia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Djibouti): All cancers not on the exclusion list; constrictive bronchiolitis; constrictive pericarditis; and others. File for any cancer diagnosed after service.

Gulf War Syndrome (Undiagnosed Illness)
10%20%40%60%80%100%

Veterans who served in Southwest Asia after 8/2/1990 with chronic multisymptom illness (fatigue, rashes, headache, joint pain, neurological symptoms). Must be at least 10% disabling and present for ≥6 months. Does not require a specific diagnosis.

Lyme Disease (Residuals)
10%20%40%

Service-connected if diagnosed during or after field/outdoor service. Residuals include arthritis (musculoskeletal ratings), neurological (neuropathy ratings), and cardiac (arrhythmia ratings) — all rated separately.

TMJ / Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
10%20%40%50%
10%Inter-incisal distance 31–40mm
20%Inter-incisal distance 21–30mm
40%Inter-incisal distance 11–20mm
50%Inter-incisal distance 0–10mm (barely able to open mouth)
Loss of Teeth (Traumatic)
0%10%20%10%20%30%

Only traumatic tooth loss (blast injury, combat injury, accident) is ratable. Dental decay is NOT ratable. Rating based on number of opposing pairs lost and chewing impairment.

File Now: The PACT Act created presumptives for veterans who served in Southwest Asia after 8/2/1990. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen — your disability pay goes back to your filing date.
All Cancers (except exclusions)

Prostate, bladder, respiratory, GI, blood, lymphoma, melanoma, thyroid, breast — all presumptive if service in covered area. Exceptions: cancers caused by tobacco use that began before service, certain in-situ cancers.

🧮 Compensation Calculator — With Dependents

2026 VA Compensation Rates Based on the actual VA pay tables effective December 1, 2025. Includes all dependent categories per 38 CFR 3.4.

Enter your individual service-connected ratings, then your dependent status for an accurate monthly compensation estimate.

Your Service-Connected Ratings
40%
20%
10%
Combined Rating (VA Method)
Estimated Monthly Compensation

💰 2026 Monthly Compensation Rates

2026 COLA — Effective December 1, 2025 Rates increased 2.5%. Rates at 10–20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent rates begin at 30%.
Rating Veteran Alone + Spouse + Spouse (A&A) + Child Only + Spouse + Child
10%$175.51$175.51$175.51$175.51$175.51
20%$346.95$346.95$346.95$346.95$346.95
30%$537.42$601.74$663.28$571.57$638.46
40%$774.16$856.50$942.10$814.92$905.72
50%$1,102.04$1,214.03$1,331.37$1,154.19$1,277.96
60%$1,395.93$1,530.23$1,686.00$1,451.91$1,607.66
70%$1,759.19$1,924.00$2,080.68$1,820.31$2,015.93
80%$2,044.89$2,230.70$2,406.98$2,110.33$2,336.13
90%$2,297.96$2,504.77$2,703.71$2,366.97$2,623.70
100%$3,831.30$4,046.25$4,290.80$3,992.96$4,186.35

Per-child additions at 30%+ (beyond first child): $32.51/mo per child under 18 · $105.33/mo per school-age child (18–23). Dependent parent additions: $35.96–$124.87/mo depending on rating. SMC (Special Monthly Compensation) not included above.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — 2026

LevelQualifying Condition2026 Monthly
SMC-KLoss of use of creative organ (erectile dysfunction), loss of hand/foot, blindness in one eye+$123.04
SMC-LLoss of use of both arms, both legs, or both eyes; or requires Aid and Attendance$4,296.42
SMC-SHousebound — 100% plus additional 60% SC disability, or single 100% confining to home$4,667.17
SMC-TNeed for regular Aid and Attendance due to TBI residuals$9,680.62
TDIUTotal Disability Individual Unemployability — paid at 100% rate. Apply via VA Form 21-8940 if 60–70%+ combined and unable to hold substantially gainful employment.$3,831.30+
Always Apply for SMC-K If you have erectile dysfunction secondary to any service-connected condition, you qualify for SMC-K — an additional $123.04/month. The VA will not automatically grant it. File using buddy statements and a nexus letter.