Not all VA disability claims carry the same level of difficulty. While the VA recognizes more than 900 ratable conditions, a relatively small group consistently results in faster approvals and stable ratings. These conditions are easier to win because they are common among veterans, well understood by VA raters, and supported by clear diagnostic rules.
Veterans who begin with these claims often build compensation momentum quickly, establishing service connection that later supports secondary claims and higher combined ratings.
“Veterans don’t need to start with the hardest claims. There are dozens of conditions the VA already understands well, and those are the smartest wins,” says Brian Reese, VA disability expert and veterans’ benefits educator.
Also Read
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What Makes a VA Disability Easy to Claim?
VA disabilities that are easier to win typically share several advantages. They are frequently documented in service records, rely on symptoms the VA can easily measure, or benefit from long-standing rating rules such as the painful motion principle.
Filing these claims first reduces delays, minimizes appeals, and often leads to higher lifetime compensation.
Overview: All 50 VA Disabilities That Are Easy to Claim and WIN
| List | Condition | Diagnostic Code | Common Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tinnitus | DC 6260 | 10% |
| 2 | Limitation of Knee Flexion | DC 5260 | 10% |
| 3 | Hearing Loss | DC 6100 | 0% |
| 4 | PTSD | DC 9411 | 70% |
| 5 | Cervical/Lumbar Strain | DC 5237 | 10% |
| 6 | Sciatica | DC 8520 | 20% |
| 7 | Scars | DC 7805 | 0% |
| 8 | Ankle Motion Limitation | DC 5271 | 10% |
| 9 | Arm Motion Limitation | DC 5201 | 10% |
| 10 | Migraines | DC 8100 | 30% |
| 11 | Degenerative Arthritis (Spine) | DC 5242 | 10% |
| 12 | Sleep Apnea | DC 6847 | 50% |
| 13 | Traumatic Brain Injury | DC 8045 | 30% |
| 14 | Major Depressive Disorder | DC 9434 | 70% |
| 15 | Asthma | DC 6602 | 10% |
| 16 | Diabetes Type 2 | DC 7913 | 20% |
| 17 | Cancer (Active) | Various | 100% |
| 18 | Generalized Anxiety Disorder | DC 9400 | 70% |
| 19 | Pes Planus (Flat Feet) | DC 5276 | 20% |
| 20 | Radiculopathy | DC 8520 | 20% |
| 21 | Adjustment Disorder | DC 9440 | 70% |
| 22 | Somatic Symptom Disorder | DC 9421 | 70% |
| 23 | GERD | DC 7206 | 30% |
| 24 | IBS | DC 7319 | 30% |
| 25 | Erectile Dysfunction | DC 7522 | 0% |
| 26 | Plantar Fasciitis | DC 5269 | 20% |
| 27 | Arthritis (General) | Various | 20% |
| 28 | Hypertension | DC 7101 | 10% |
| 29 | Degenerative Disc Disease | DC 5242 | 20% |
| 30 | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | DC 8515 | 10% |
| 31 | Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | DC 6354 | 20% |
| 32 | Fibromyalgia | DC 5025 | 20% |
| 33 | Eczema | DC 7806 | 10% |
| 34 | Allergic Rhinitis | DC 6522 | 10% |
| 35 | Sinusitis | DC 6510 | 30% |
| 36 | Meniere’s Syndrome | DC 6205 | 30% |
| 37 | Coronary Artery Disease | DC 7005 | 30% |
| 38 | Chronic Conjunctivitis | DC 6018 | 10% |
| 39 | TMJ Disorder | DC 9905 | 10% |
| 40 | Hiatal Hernia | DC 7346 | 30% |
| 41 | Hemorrhoids | DC 7336 | 0% |
| 42 | Varicose Veins | DC 7120 | 0% |
| 43 | Kidney Stones | DC 7508 | 10% |
| 44 | Hypothyroidism | DC 7903 | 30% |
| 45 | Anemia | Various | 10% |
| 46 | Peripheral Neuropathy | DC 8520 | 20% |
| 47 | Prostate Conditions | DC 7527 | 0% |
| 48 | Ischemic Heart Disease | DC 7005 | 30% |
| 49 | Vertigo | DC 6204 | 10% |
| 50 | Urinary Incontinence | DC 7542 | 10% |
Mental Health Conditions: Highest Ratings on the List
Mental health conditions make up a significant portion of the easiest VA wins because ratings are based on functional impairment rather than test results.
“Mental health ratings focus on how symptoms affect work and relationships, which often supports higher percentages,” explains Dr. Alan Morrison, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and VA evaluator.
Conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, and somatic symptom disorder frequently result in 70% ratings when properly documented.
Musculoskeletal Conditions: Pain Guarantees Minimum Ratings
Back, neck, knee, ankle, shoulder, and foot claims succeed because VA regulations require compensation for painful motion.
“If pain exists during movement, the VA must award at least 10 percent, even if range-of-motion tests look normal,” says James LaPorte, VA-accredited disability attorney.
Neurological Conditions: Strong Secondary Claims
Conditions like sciatica, radiculopathy, migraines, and peripheral neuropathy are often secondary to spine, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions making them easier to connect.
Respiratory, Digestive, and Skin Conditions
Sleep apnea, GERD, IBS, eczema, and sinusitis are frequently approved when veterans submit medical diagnoses and supporting records.
“Sleep apnea claims are rarely denied when a sleep study and nexus opinion are provided,” notes Laura Mitchell, former Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
VA Compensation: What These Ratings Pay
Monthly VA Compensation (2025 Estimates)
| Rating | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 10% | ~$171 |
| 30% | ~$524 |
| 50% | ~$1,075 |
| 70% | ~$1,716 |
| 100% | ~$3,737 |
All payments are tax-free and increase with dependents.
Why Starting with These 50 Claims Matters?
Beginning with easier claims helps veterans establish service connection, qualify for secondary disabilities, and avoid unnecessary appeals.
“VA compensation builds over time. One approved claim often leads to several more,” emphasizes Brian Reese.
Final Thought
Winning VA disability benefits is about strategy, not volume. Starting with conditions the VA already understands can lead to faster approvals, fewer denials, and stronger long-term compensation. One well-documented claim often opens the door to multiple secondary ratings so begin smart, document carefully, and build your benefits step by step.
FAQs
Are these guaranteed approvals?
No, but approval rates are significantly higher.
Can I file multiple claims at once?
Yes, and it’s often recommended.
Do I need Nexus Letters?
Often for secondary or delayed-onset claims.
Can older veterans still win these claims?
Yes, with medical evidence.
