On November 12, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs released proposed updates to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) covering neurological conditions and convulsive disorders. These changes represent one of the most significant revisions to the Central Nervous System rating criteria in decades.
For veterans, this update is critical. Neurological conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and peripheral nerves often resulting in long-term functional impairment, loss of independence, and secondary disabilities.
In this in-depth guide, VA disability expert Brian Reese breaks down what’s changing, why it matters, and how veterans should prepare as these proposed rules move toward potential implementation.
“Neurological ratings have lagged behind medical science for years,” Reese explains.
“These updates finally bring the VA closer to how these conditions are actually treated and evaluated today.”
Why the VA Is Updating Neurological Disability Ratings?
The neurological section of 38 CFR Part 4 has not undergone comprehensive modernization for decades. Since then, advances in neurology, imaging, and disease classification have fundamentally changed how conditions are diagnosed and managed.
Primary Goals of the Update
- Align ratings with modern medical science
- Replace outdated and vague terminology
- Improve consistency and transparency in evaluations
- Reduce redundant or obsolete diagnostic codes
- Clarify when minimum ratings apply
“Veterans have been evaluated under terminology that modern neurologists don’t even use anymore,” says a VA-accredited medical consultant.
“That creates confusion and inconsistent ratings.”
Overview: Key Objectives of the Proposed Changes
| Area of Change | What’s Being Updated |
|---|---|
| Medical Terminology | Replacing outdated terms like “neuritis” |
| Evaluation Criteria | Adding objective functional measurements |
| New Conditions | Adding dystonia, essential tremor, PLS |
| Diagnostic Codes | Removing obsolete or redundant codes |
| Minimum Ratings | Clarifying unconditional vs conditional minimums |
Public Comment Window: Why Veteran Input Matters
The VA has opened a public comment period for these proposed changes through January 13, 2025.
“Public comments absolutely influence final rulemaking,” notes a veterans’ law attorney.
“Veterans who live with these conditions should speak up now.”
Once finalized, these rules could shape neurological disability ratings for decades.
Movement Disorders: A New VA Rating Framework
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of a dedicated rating system for movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremors.
Two Rating Pathways
The VA proposes evaluating movement disorders using either:
1. Hoehn–Yahr Scale (Disease Progression Model)
| Stage | VA Rating |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 0% |
| Stage 2 | 10% |
| Stage 3 | 30% |
| Stages 4–5 | 100% |
2. Functional Limitations Model
| Functional Impact | VA Rating |
|---|---|
| Daily assistance required | 100% |
| Daily use of assistive devices | 60% |
| Periodic assistive device use | 30% |
| Mild motor impairments | 10% |
“This dual-track approach is a big win,” Brian Reese says.
“It recognizes that not all neurological conditions progress the same way.”
Updated Diagnostic Codes for the Central Nervous System
DC 8000 – Encephalitis, Infectious
- Expanded to include viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic causes
- 100% rating during active disease and three months afterward
- Minimum 10% if residuals exist
“This change acknowledges how devastating post-infectious neurological damage can be,” notes a neurologist familiar with VA claims.
DC 8002 – Malignant Brain Tumors
- 100% rating during active disease or treatment and for two years after
- Minimum 30% if residuals are present
DC 8003 – Benign Brain Tumors
- 60% rating during active disease or treatment
- Minimum 10% for residuals
DC 8004 – Parkinson’s Disease
- Updated terminology (formerly “paralysis agitans”)
- Evaluated under the new General Rating Formula (GRF)
- Minimum rating increased to 30%, regardless of exam findings
“This minimum rating change alone could significantly increase compensation for many veterans,” Reese explains.
DC 8007 – Stroke (All Types Combined)
- Consolidates ischemic, hemorrhagic, and thrombotic strokes
- 100% rating during active stroke and six months after
- Minimum 10% for residuals
“Stroke survivors almost always have lasting impairments,” says a rehabilitation specialist.
“This update reflects that reality.”
DC 8018 – Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
- Expanded to include NMOSD and MOGAD
- Minimum 30% rating with ascertainable residuals
DC 8021 & 8022 – Spinal Cord Tumors
| Code | Condition | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 8021 | Malignant | 100% active, 30% minimum after |
| 8022 | Benign | 60% active, 10% minimum residual |
New Diagnostic Codes Added
DC 8026 – Parkinson’s Plus / Secondary Parkinsonism
- Covers Parkinson’s-like syndromes caused by stroke, infection, or medications
- Rated under GRF
DC 8027 – Essential Tremor
- Newly recognized condition
- Rated under GRF
“Essential tremor has long been under-recognized by the VA,” notes a movement-disorder specialist.
DC 8028 – Dystonia
- Covers involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal postures
- Rated under GRF
DC 8036 – Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
- Progressive upper motor neuron disease
- Minimum 10% with residuals
DC 8103 – Hemifacial Spasm
- Clarified and renamed from “convulsive tic”
- Ratings:
- 30% severe
- 10% moderate
- 0% mild
DC 8910 & 8911 – Epilepsy
- Updated terminology:
- DC 8910: Tonic-clonic seizures
- DC 8911: Absence seizures
- No change to rating percentages
“Terminology changes here are about clarity not reduction,” says a VA neurologic examiner.
Why These Proposed Changes Matter for Veterans?
These updates could:
- Increase minimum ratings for serious neurological diseases
- Improve consistency across VA exams
- Reduce arbitrary interpretations
- Better reflect real-world functional loss
However, implementation details especially effective dates will determine how pending and future claims are handled.
“This isn’t just a regulatory update it’s a structural shift,” Brian Reese emphasizes.
“Veterans need to understand what’s coming so they can protect their benefits.”
Final Thought
The proposed VA rating changes for neurological conditions and convulsive disorders represent one of the most important disability updates in years. For many veterans, these revisions could mean fairer evaluations, clearer criteria, and improved compensation outcomes.
Staying informed and proactive now can make a lasting difference.
“This is the kind of change veterans should pay attention to,” Reese concludes.
“Because once it’s finalized, it shapes everything that comes after.”
FAQs
Are these VA neurological rating changes official yet?
No. They are proposed and not final.
When could these changes take effect?
After the public comment period and final rulemaking possibly late 2025 or 2026.
Will existing ratings be reduced?
Generally no, absent evidence of improvement.
Do these changes affect pending claims?
That depends on the final effective-date language.
Can veterans submit comments?
Yes, during the open comment period.
