★Rating Schedule Reference

VA Diagnostic Code Lookup

Every 38 CFR Part 4 diagnostic code, searchable. Detailed rating tiers for the most common conditions; full eCFR links for the rest.

How VA assigns a diagnostic code

Every service-connected disability is assigned a four-digit Diagnostic Code (DC) from the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) at 38 CFR Part 4. The DC tells you which criteria VA uses to assign a percentage rating (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 100%).

Where no exact code exists, VA rates "by analogy" under the closest matching code. Rating criteria change — see the CFR Part 4 change tracker for current amendments.

New to diagnostic codes? How to read your diagnostic code · Rated under the wrong diagnostic code? · Rating by analogy · The pyramiding rule

Detail:

Read on eCFR Search BVA decisions

DC 5238 — Spinal Stenosis

38 CFR § 4.71a

Musculoskeletal

Detailed

10%Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 60–85° (or cervical 30–40°), or combined ROM 120–235°.

20%Forward flexion 30–60° (thoracolumbar) or combined ROM ≤120°, or muscle spasm/guarding severe enough to cause abnormal gait or spinal contour.

40%Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine ≤30°, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

50%Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

100%Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

Rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, like DC 5237. Where intervertebral disc syndrome is also present, rate under whichever formula yields a higher evaluation. Associated radiculopathy is rated separately under DC 8520-series.

Read on eCFR Search BVA decisions

DC 5239 — Spondylolisthesis or segmental instability

38 CFR § 4.71a

Musculoskeletal

Reference

Rating criteria available in the official Code of Federal Regulations.

View full criteria on eCFR

DC 5240 — Ankylosing spondylitis

38 CFR § 4.71a

Musculoskeletal

Reference

Rating criteria available in the official Code of Federal Regulations.

View full criteria on eCFR

DC 5241 — Spinal fusion

38 CFR § 4.71a

Musculoskeletal

Reference

Rating criteria available in the official Code of Federal Regulations.

View full criteria on eCFR

DC 5242 — Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine

38 CFR § 4.71a

Musculoskeletal

Detailed

10%Forward flexion 60–85° (thoracolumbar) / 30–40° (cervical), or combined ROM 235–335° / 170–335°.

20%Forward flexion 30–60° / 15–30°, or combined ROM ≤120° / ≤170°, or muscle spasm causing abnormal gait or spinal contour.

40%Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine ≤30° (or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine); 30% for cervical at this level.

50%Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

100%Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

Also see DC 5003 (degenerative arthritis, general). When X-ray confirms degenerative arthritis but limitation of motion is non-compensable, a 10%/20% rating may apply under DC 5003 based on number of major joint groups involved.

Read on eCFR Search BVA decisions

DC 5243 — Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)

38 CFR § 4.71a

Musculoskeletal

Detailed

10%Incapacitating episodes totaling at least 1 week but less than 2 weeks in past 12 months.

38 CFR § 4.71a

Musculoskeletal

Detailed

38 CFR § 4.85 / 4.86

Hearing & Ear

Detailed

Respiratory

Detailed

0%Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing.

DC 7346 — Hiatal Hernia (rating analog for GERD)

38 CFR § 4.114

Digestive

Detailed

Detailed

10%Manageable by restricted diet only.

20%Requires insulin and restricted diet, or oral hypoglycemic and restricted diet.

38 CFR § 4.124a

Neurological

Detailed

0%No facet at level 0; total facets at 0.

10%Highest facet level = 1.

40%Highest facet level = 2.

70%Highest facet level = 3.

100%Highest facet level = Total.

Rated by 10 cognitive/behavioral 'facets' — assign the highest single facet level; do NOT add facets together. Subjective symptoms can be rated separately if not duplicative.

Read on eCFR Search BVA decisions

DC 8046 — Cerebral arteriosclerosis

38 CFR § 4.124a

Neurological

Reference

Rating criteria available in the official Code of Federal Regulations.

View full criteria on eCFR

DC 8100 — Migraine Headaches

38 CFR § 4.124a

Neurological

Detailed

0%Less frequent attacks (no characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once in 2 months over the last several months).

Disclaimer: Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No specific outcome, rating, or approval can be guaranteed — results depend on the individual facts of each case and applicable law.

Last updated: May 12, 2026