Veterans who have served in the U.S. military may experience lasting health issues that directly result from their service. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a wide range of benefits to assist these veterans, with one of the most significant being disability compensation. VA disability claims, which are filed by veterans to seek compensation for service-related injuries or illnesses, are evaluated through a structured process that includes the use of specific diagnostic codes.
These diagnostic codes are a part of the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities, which is a system used to determine the severity of a veteran’s condition and assign a corresponding percentage of disability. This percentage directly impacts the amount of compensation a veteran will receive. In this article, we will explore the importance of VA disability claims and offer a deep dive into the diagnostic codes that are used to evaluate a wide array of conditions, ranging from common ailments to rare diseases.
What are VA Disability Claims?
A VA disability claim is a request for compensation made by veterans who believe their health issues are related to their military service. These claims can be filed for both physical injuries and mental health conditions, and they are used to assess the degree of impairment or suffering caused by these conditions. Veterans can submit their claims either while they are still in service or after they have separated from the military.
Once a claim is filed, it goes through a thorough evaluation process by the VA to determine whether the condition is indeed service-connected, and if so, to what extent. If a veteran’s condition is deemed service-connected, they are assigned a disability rating in increments of 10%, with a maximum rating of 100%. The percentage indicates the severity of the disability and is used to calculate the monthly compensation the veteran will receive.
The Role of Diagnostic Codes in VA Disability Claims
Diagnostic codes are the backbone of the VA’s disability evaluation system. These codes are part of the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities, a comprehensive list of medical conditions that can be used to determine compensation levels. Each condition has a unique code, and the severity of that condition is measured in a systematic manner using these codes. The diagnostic code system helps standardize the evaluation of disabilities, ensuring that veterans with similar health conditions are treated equitably.
Each condition in the VA’s rating schedule is assigned a code that corresponds to its nature. These codes help the VA determine not only whether the condition is service-connected but also how severe it is. The rating assigned to the condition (i.e., 10%, 30%, 50%, etc.) is based on how much the condition impairs the veteran’s ability to work, engage in everyday activities, or lead a normal life.
Key Sections of Diagnostic Codes
Below, we explore some key diagnostic codes that veterans may encounter when filing for disability claims.
| MASTER VA Disability Claims List | Diagnostic Code (DC) |
|---|---|
| Abscess: | |
| Anorectal | 7335 |
| Brain | 8020 |
| Kidney | 7501 |
| Liver | 7350 |
| Lung | 6824 |
| Acne | 7828 |
| Acromegaly | 7908 |
| Actinomycosis | 6822 |
| Addison’s disease | 7911 |
| Agranulocytosis, acquired | 7702 |
| AL amyloidosis | 7717 |
| Alopecia areata | 7831 |
| Amebiasis | 7321 |
| Amputation: | |
| Arm: | |
| Complete amputation, upper extremity | 5120 |
| Above insertion of deltoid | 5121 |
| Below insertion of deltoid | 5122 |
| Digits, five of one hand | 5126 |
| Digits, four of one hand: | |
| Thumb, index, long and ring | 5127 |
| Thumb, index, long and little | 5128 |
| Thumb, index, ring and little | 5129 |
| Thumb, long, ring and little | 5130 |
| Index, long, ring and little | 5131 |
| Digits, three of one hand: | |
| Thumb, index and long | 5132 |
| Thumb, index and ring | 5133 |
| Thumb, index and little | 5134 |
| Thumb, long and ring | 5135 |
| Thumb, long and little | 5136 |
| Thumb, ring and little | 5137 |
| Index, long and ring | 5138 |
| Index, long and little | 5139 |
| Index, ring and little | 5140 |
| Long, ring and little | 5141 |
| Digits, two of one hand: | |
| Thumb and index | 5142 |
| Thumb and long | 5143 |
| Thumb and ring | 5144 |
| Thumb and little | 5145 |
| Index and long | 5146 |
| Index and ring | 5147 |
| Index and little | 5148 |
| Long and ring | 5149 |
| Long and little | 5150 |
| Ring and little | 5151 |
| Single finger: | |
| Thumb | 5152 |
| Index finger | 5153 |
| Long finger | 5154 |
| Ring finger | 5155 |
| Little finger | 5156 |
| Forearm: | |
| Above insertion of pronator teres | 5123 |
| Below insertion of pronator teres | 5124 |
| Leg: | |
| With defective stump | 5163 |
| Not improvable by prosthesis controlled by natural knee action | 5164 |
| At lower level, permitting prosthesis | 5165 |
| Forefoot, proximal to metatarsal bones | 5166 |
| Toes, all, amputation of, without metatarsal loss or transmetatarsal, amputation of, with up to half of metatarsal loss | 5170 |
| Toe, great | 5171 |
| Toe, other than great, with removal metatarsal head | 5172 |
| Toes, three or more, without metatarsal involvement | 5173 |
| Thigh: | |
| Complete amputation, lower extremity | 5160 |
| Upper third | 5161 |
| Middle or lower thirds | 5162 |
| Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | 8017 |
| Anatomical loss of: | |
| Both eyes | 6061 |
| One eye, with visual acuity of other eye: | |
| 5/200 (1.5/60) | 6063 |
| 10/200 (3/60); 15/200 (4.5/60); 20/200 (6/60) | 6064 |
| 20/100 (6/30); 20/70 (6/21); 20/50 (6/15) | 6065 |
| 20/40 (6/12) | 6066 |
| Both feet | 5107 |
| Both hands | 5106 |
| One hand and one foot | 5108 |
| One foot and loss of use of one hand | 5105 |
| One hand and loss of use of one foot | 5104 |
| Anemia: | |
| Acquired hemolytic anemia | 7723 |
| Folic acid deficiency | 7721 |
| Iron deficiency anemia | 7720 |
| Pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia | 7722 |
| Aneurysm: | |
| Aortic: ascending, thoracic, abdominal | 7110 |
| Large artery | 7111 |
| Small artery | 7118 |
| Ankylosis: | |
| Ankle | 5270 |
| Digits, individual: | |
| Thumb | 5224 |
| Index finger | 5225 |
| Long finger | 5226 |
| Ring or little finger | 5227 |
| Elbow | 5205 |
| Hand | |
| Favorable: | |
| Five digits of one hand | 5220 |
| Four digits of one hand | 5221 |
| Three digits of one hand | 5222 |
| Two digits of one hand | 5223 |
| Unfavorable: | |
| Five digits of one hand | 5216 |
| Four digits of one hand | 5217 |
| Three digits of one hand | 5218 |
| Two digits of one hand | 5219 |
| Hip | 5250 |
| Knee | 5256 |
| Scapulohumeral articulation | 5200 |
| Subastragalar or tarsal joint | 5272 |
| Wrist | 5214 |
| Ankylosing spondylitis | 5240 |
| Aphakia | 6029 |
| Aphonia, organic | 6519 |
| Aplastic anemia | 7716 |
| Arteriosclerotic heart disease | 7005 |
| Arteriovenous fistula | 7113 |
| Arthritis: | |
| Degenerative, other than post-traumatic | 5003 |
| Gonorrheal | 5004 |
| Other specified forms (excluding gout) | 5009 |
| Pneumococcic | 5005 |
| Post-traumatic | 5010 |
| Multi-joint (except post-traumatic and gout) | 5002 |
| Streptococcic | 5008 |
| Syphilitic | 5007 |
| Typhoid | 5006 |
| Arthropathy | 5009 |
| Asbestosis | 6833 |
| Aspergillosis | 6838 |
| Asthma, bronchial | 6602 |
| Astragalectomy | 5274 |
| Atherosclerotic renal disease | 7534 |
| Athetosis | 8107 |
| Atrioventricular block | 7015 |
| Avitaminosis | 6313 |
| Bartonellosis | 6306 |
| Beriberi | 6314 |
| Bladder: | |
| Calculus in | 7515 |
| Diverticulum of | 7545 |
| Fistula in | 7516 |
| Injury of | 7517 |
| Neurogenic | 7542 |
| Blastomycosis | 6836 |
| Blindness: see also Vision and Anatomical Loss | |
| Both eyes, only light perception | 6062 |
| One eye, only light perception and other eye: | |
| 5/200 (1.5/60) | 6067 |
| 10/200 (3/60); 15/200 (4.5/60); 20/200 (6/60) | 6068 |
| 20/100 (6/30); 20/70 (6/21); 20/50 (6/15) | 6069 |
| 20/40 (6/12) | 6070 |
| Bones: | |
| Neoplasm, benign | 5015 |
| Neoplasm, malignant, primary or secondary | 5012 |
| Shortening of the lower extremity | 5275 |
| Bradycardia (Bradyarrhythmia), symptomatic, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation | 7009 |
| Brain: | |
| Abscess | 8020 |
| Breast surgery | 7626 |
| Bronchiectasis | 6601 |
| Bronchitis | 6600 |
| Brucellosis | 6316 |
| Buerger’s disease | 7115 |
| Bulbar palsy | 8005 |
| Bullous disorders | 7815 |
| Bursitis | 5019 |
| Campylobacter jejuni infection | 6330 |
| Cardiac: | |
| Pacemakers, implantable | 7018 |
| Transplantation | 7019 |
| Cardiomyopathy | 7020 |
| C-cell hyperplasia, thyroid | 7919 |
| Cataract: | |
| Senile and others | 6028 |
| Traumatic | 6027 |
| Cerebral arteriosclerosis | 8046 |
| Cervical strain | 5237 |
| Cervix disease or injury | 7612 |
| Chorea: | |
| Huntington’s | 8106 |
| Sydenham’s | 8105 |
| Chloracne | 7829 |
| Cholangitis, chronic | 7314 |
| Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), complications of (such as strictures and biliary leaks) | 7318 |
| Cholecystitis, chronic | 7314 |
| Cholelithiasis, chronic | 7315 |
| Choroiditis | 6005 |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) | 6354 |
| Chronic lung abscess | 6824 |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 6604 |
| Coccidioidomycosis | 6835 |
| Cold injury residuals | 7122 |
| Colitis, ulcerative | 7323 |
| Compartment syndrome | 5331 |
| Complete or incomplete pelvic organ prolapse due to injury or disease or surgical complications of pregnancy, including uterine or vaginal vault prolapse, cystocele, urethrocele, rectocele, enterocele, or combination | 7621 |
| Conjunctivitis: | |
| Trachomatous | 6017 |
| Other | 6018 |
| Coronary bypass surgery | 7017 |
| Coxiella burnetii infection (Q Fever) | 6331 |
| Cryptococcosis | 6837 |
| Cushing’s syndrome | 7907 |
| Cutaneous manifestations of collagen-vascular diseases not listed elsewhere | 7821 |
| Cyclitis | 6004 |
| Cystitis, chronic | 7512 |
| Dacryocystitis | 6031 |
| Decompression illness | 5011 |
| Dermatitis or eczema | 7806 |
| Dermatophytosis | 7813 |
| Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis | 6826 |
| Diabetes: | |
| Insipidus | 7909 |
| Mellitus | 7913 |
| Diaphragm: | |
| Paralysis or paresis | 6840 |
| Rupture | 5324 |
| Diplopia | 6090 |
| Diplopia, limited muscle function, eye | 6092 |
| Disease: | |
| Addison’s | 7911 |
| Buerger’s | 7115 |
| Celiac | 7355 |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 6604 |
| Crohn’s | 7326 |
| Gallbladder and biliary tract, chronic | 7314 |
| Hodgkin’s | 7709 |
| Inflammatory bowel | 7326 |
| Leprosy (Hansen’s) | 6302 |
| Lyme | 6319 |
| Morton’s | 5279 |
| Parasitic | 6320 |
| Disfigurement of, head, face or neck | 7800 |
| Dislocated: | |
| Cartilage, semilunar | 5258 |
| Lens, crystalline | 6033 |
| Disseminated intravascular coagulation | 7540 |
| Distomiasis, intestinal or hepatic | 7324 |
| Diverticulitis and diverticulosis | 7327 |
| Dysentery, bacillary | 7322 |
| Ectropion | 6020 |
| Embolism, brain | 8007 |
| Emphysema, pulmonary | 6603 |
| Encephalitis, epidemic, chronic | 8000 |
| Endocarditis | 7001 |
| Endometriosis | 7629 |
| Enteritis, chronic | 7325 |
| Enterocolitis, chronic | 7326 |
| Entropion | 6021 |
| Eosinophilic granuloma of lung | 6828 |
| Epilepsies: | |
| Diencephalic | 8913 |
| Grand mal | 8910 |
| Jacksonian and focal motor or sensory | 8912 |
| Petit mal | 8911 |
| Psychomotor | 8914 |
| Epiphora | 6025 |
| Erythema multiforme | 7827 |
| Erythroderma | 7817 |
| Erythromelalgia | 7119 |
| Esophagus: | |
| Barrett’s | 7207 |
| Diverticulum | 7205 |
| Motility disorder | 7204 |
| Spasm | 7204 |
| Stricture | 7203 |
| Fallopian tube | 7614 |
| Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) | 7632 |
| Fever: | |
| Relapsing | 6308 |
| Rheumatic | 6309 |
| Fibrosis of lung, diffuse interstitial | 6825 |
| Fibromyalgia | 5025 |
| Fistula in ano | 7335 |
| Fistula: | |
| Rectovaginal | 7624 |
| Urethrovaginal | 7625 |
| Flatfoot, acquired | 5276 |
| Gastritis, chronic | 7307 |
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease | 7206 |
| Genu recurvatum | 5263 |
| Glaucoma: | |
| Congestive or inflammatory | 6012 |
| Simple, primary, noncongestive | 6013 |
| Glomerulonephritis | 7536 |
| Gout | 5017 |
| Graves’ disease | 7900 |
| Hallux: | |
| Rigidus | 5281 |
| Valgus | 5280 |
| Hammer toe | 5282 |
| Heart valve replacement | 7016 |
| Hematologic: | |
| Essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis | 7718 |
| Immune thrombocytopenia | 7705 |
| Multiple myeloma | 7712 |
| Myelodysplastic syndromes | 7725 |
| Solitary plasmacytoma | 7724 |
| Hematomyelia | 8012 |
| Hemorrhage: | |
| Brain | 8009 |
| Intra-ocular | 6007 |
| Hemorrhagic fevers, including dengue, yellow fever, and others | 6329 |
| Hemorrhoids | 7336 |
| Hepatitis C | 7354 |
| Hernia: | |
| Femoral, inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and other | 7338 |
| Hiatal and parasophageal | 7346 |
| Muscle | 5326 |
| Heterotopic ossification | 5023 |
| Hip: | |
| Flail joint | 5254 |
| Histoplasmosis | 6834 |
| HIV-Related Illness | 6351 |
| Hodgkin’s disease | 7709 |
| Hodgkin’s lymphoma | 7709 |
| Hydronephrosis | 7509 |
| Hyperaldosteronism | 7917 |
| Hyperhidrosis | 7832 |
| Hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated strongyloidiasis | 6325 |
| Hyperparathyroidism | 7904 |
| Hyperpituitarism | 7916 |
| Hypersensitivity | 6831 |
| Hypertensive: | |
| Heart disease | 7007 |
| Vascular disease | 7101 |
| Hyperthyroid heart disease | 7008 |
| Hyperthyroidism | 7900 |
| Hypoparathyroidism | 7905 |
| Hypothyroidism | 7903 |
| Impairment of: | |
| Humerus | 5202 |
| Clavicle or scapula | 5203 |
| Elbow | 5209 |
| Thigh | 5253 |
| Femur | 5255 |
| Knee, other | 5257 |
| Field vision | 6080 |
| Tibia and fibula | 5262 |
| Rectum & anus | 7332 |
| Ulna | 5211 |
| Implantable cardiac pacemakers | 7018 |
| Infections of the skin | 7820 |
| Injury: | |
| Bladder | 7517 |
| Breast | 7631 |
| Eye, unhealed | 6009 |
| Foot | 5284 |
| Gallbladder | 7317 |
| Lips | 7201 |
| Liver, residuals | 7311 |
| Mouth, soft tissue | 7200 |
| Muscle: | |
| Facial | 5325 |
| Group I Function: Upward rotation of scapula | 5301 |
| Group II Function: Depression of arm | 5302 |
| Group III Function: Elevation and abduction of arm | 5303 |
| Group IV Function: Stabilization of shoulder | 5304 |
| Group V Function: Elbow supination | 5305 |
| Group VI Function: Extension of elbow | 5306 |
| Group VII Function: Flexion of wrist and fingers | 5307 |
| Group VIII Function: Extension of wrist, fingers, thumb | 5308 |
| Group IX Function: Forearm muscles | 5309 |
| Group X Function: Movement of forefoot and toes | 5310 |
| Group XI Function: Propulsion of foot | 5311 |
| Group XII Function: Dorsiflexion | 5312 |
| Group XIII Function: Extension of hip and flexion of knee | 5313 |
| Group XIV Function: Extension of knee | 5314 |
| Group XV Function: Adduction of hip | 5315 |
| Group XVI Function: Flexion of hip | 5316 |
| Group XVII Function: Extension of hip | 5317 |
| Group XVIII Function: Outward rotation of thigh | 5318 |
| Group XIX Function: Abdominal wall and lower thorax | 5319 |
| Group XX Function: Postural support of body | 5320 |
| Group XXI Function: Respiration | 5321 |
| Group XXII Function: Rotary and forward movements, head | 5322 |
| Group XXIII Function: Movements of head | 5323 |
| Pharynx | 6521 |
| Sacroiliac | 5236 |
| Spinal cord | 6841 |
| Stomach, residuals of | 7310 |
| Iritis | 6003 |
| Interstitial nephritis, including gouty nephropathy, disorders of calcium metabolism | 7537 |
| Intervertebral disc syndrome | 5243 |
| Intestine: | |
| Fistulous disease, external | 7330 |
| Large, resection of | 7329 |
| Small, resection of | 7328 |
| Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | 7319 |
| Keratinization, diseases of | 7824 |
| Keratitis | 6001 |
| Keratoconus | 6035 |
| Kidney: | |
| Abscess | 7501 |
| Cystic diseases | 7533 |
| Removal | 7500 |
| Transplant | 7531 |
| Tuberculosis | 7505 |
| Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum / carinatum | 6842 |
| Lagophthalmos | 6022 |
| Laryngectomy | 6518 |
| Laryngitis: | |
| Tuberculous | 6515 |
| Chronic | 6516 |
| Larynx, stenosis of | 6520 |
| Leishmaniasis: | |
| American (New World) | 7807 |
| Old World | 7808 |
| Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) | 6302 |
| Leukemia: | |
| Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) (chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic granulocytic leukemia) | 7719 |
| Leukemia | 7703 |
| Limitation of extension: | |
| Forearm | 5207 |
| Leg | 5261 |
| Radius | 5212 |
| Supination and pronation | 5213 |
| Thigh | 5251 |
| Limitation of extension and flexion: | |
| Forearm | 5208 |
| Limitation of flexion: | |
| Forearm | 5206 |
| Leg | 5260 |
| Thigh | 5252 |
| Limitation of motion: | |
| Ankle | 5271 |
| Arm | 5201 |
| Index or long finger | 5229 |
| Ring or little finger | 5230 |
| Temporomandibular | 9905 |
| Thumb | 5228 |
| Wrist, limitation of motion | 5215 |
| Liver: | |
| Disease, chronic, without cirrhosis | 7345 |
| Transplant | 7351 |
| Cirrhosis | 7312 |
| Loss of: | |
| Auricle | 6207 |
| Condyloid process | 9908 |
| Coronoid process | 9909 |
| Eyebrows | 6023 |
| Eyelashes | 6024 |
| Eyelids | 6032 |
| Palate, hard | 9911 |
| Mandible: | |
| Including ramus, unilaterally or bilaterally | 9902 |
| Maxilla: | |
| More than half | 9914 |
| Less than half | 9915 |
| Nose, part of, or scars | 6504 |
| Skull, part of | 5296 |
| Smell, sense of | 6275 |
| Taste, sense of | 6276 |
| Teeth, loss of | 9913 |
| Tongue, loss of whole or part | 7202 |
| Loss of use of: | |
| Both feet | 5110 |
| Both hands | 5109 |
| Foot | 5167 |
| Hand | 5125 |
| One hand and one foot | 5111 |
| Lumbosacral strain | 5237 |
| Lupus: | |
| Erythematosus | 6350 |
| Erythematosus, discoid | 7809 |
| Lyme disease | 6319 |
| Lymphatic filariasis, to include elephantiasis | 6305 |
| Malaria | 6304 |
| Malignant melanoma | 7833 |
| Malunion: | |
| Mandible | 9904 |
| Os calcis or astragalus | 5273 |
| Maxilla, malunion or nonunion | 9916 |
| Maxilla or mandible, chronic osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis, or osteoradionecrosis of | 9900 |
| Melioidosis | 6318 |
| Meniere’s syndrome | 6205 |
| Meningitis, cerebrospinal, epidemic | 8019 |
| Mental disorders: | |
| Anorexia nervosa | 9520 |
| Bipolar disorder | 9432 |
| Bulimia nervosa | 9521 |
| Chronic adjustment disorder | 9440 |
| Conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder). | 9424 |
| Cyclothymic disorder | 9431 |
| Delirium | 9300 |
| Delusional disorder | 9208 |
| Depersonalization/derealization disorder | 9417 |
| Dissociative amnesia; dissociative identity disorder | 9416 |
| Generalized anxiety disorder | 9400 |
| Illness anxiety disorder | 9425 |
| Major depressive disorder | 9434 |
| Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer’s disease | 9312 |
| Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to another medical condition or substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder | 9326 |
| Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to HIV or other infections | 9301 |
| Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic brain injury | 9304 |
| Major or mild vascular neurocognitive disorder | 9305 |
| Obsessive compulsive disorder | 9404 |
| Other specified and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders | 9210 |
| Other specified anxiety disorder | 9410 |
| Other specified somatic symptom and related disorder | 9422 |
| Panic disorder and/or agoraphobia | 9412 |
| Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) | 9433 |
| Posttraumatic stress disorder | 9411 |
| Schizoaffective disorder | 9211 |
| Schizophrenia | 9201 |
| Somatic symptom disorder | 9421 |
| Specific phobia; social anxiety disorder (social phobia) | 9403 |
| Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder | 9423 |
| Unspecified anxiety disorder | 9413 |
| Unspecified depressive disorder | 9435 |
| Unspecified neurocognitive disorder | 9310 |
| Metatarsalgia | 5279 |
| Migraine | 8100 |
| Morton’s disease | 5279 |
| Mucormycosis | 6839 |
| Multiple sclerosis | 8018 |
| Myasthenia gravis | 8025 |
| Myelitis | 8010 |
| Myocardial infarction | 7006 |
| Myositis | 5021 |
| Narcolepsy | 8108 |
| Neoplasms: | |
| Benign: | |
| Breast | 7631 |
| Digestive system | 7344 |
| Ear | 6209 |
| Endocrine | 7915 |
| Genitourinary | 7529 |
| Gynecological | 7628 |
| Hard and soft tissue | 9917 |
| Muscle | 5328 |
| Respiratory | 6820 |
| Skin | 7819 |
| Malignant: | |
| Breast | 7630 |
| Digestive system | 7343 |
| Ear | 6208 |
| Endocrine | 7914 |
| Genitourinary | 7528 |
| Gynecological | 7627 |
| Hard and soft tissue | 9918 |
| Muscle | 5327 |
| Respiratory | 6819 |
| Skin | 7818 |
| Nephritis, chronic | 7502 |
| Nephrolithiasis/Ureterolithiasis/Nephrocalcinosis | 7508 |
| Nephrosclerosis, arteriolar | 7507 |
| Neuralgia: | |
| Cranial Nerves | |
| Fifth (trigeminal) | 8405 |
| Seventh (facial) | 8407 |
| Ninth (glossopharyngeal) | 8409 |
| Tenth (pneumogastric, vagus) | 8410 |
| Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) | 8411 |
| Twelfth (hypoglossal) | 8412 |
| Peripheral Nerves | |
| Upper radicular group | 8710 |
| Middle radicular group | 8711 |
| Lower radicular group | 8712 |
| All radicular groups | 8713 |
| Musculospiral (radial) | 8714 |
| Median | 8715 |
| Ulnar | 8716 |
| Musculocutaneous | 8717 |
| Circumflex | 8718 |
| Long thoracic | 8719 |
| Sciatic | 8720 |
| External popliteal (common peroneal) | 8721 |
| Musculocutaneous (superficial peroneal) | 8722 |
| Anterior tibial (deep peroneal) | 8723 |
| Internal popliteal (tibial) | 8724 |
| Posterior tibial | 8725 |
| Anterior crural (femoral) | 8726 |
| Internal saphenous | 8727 |
| Obturator | 8728 |
| External cutaneous nerve of thigh | 8729 |
| Ilio-inguinal | 8730 |
| Neuritis: | |
| Cranial nerves | |
| Fifth (trigeminal) | 8305 |
| Seventh (facial) | 8307 |
| Ninth (glossopharyngeal) | 8309 |
| Tenth (pneumogastric, vagus) | 8310 |
| Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) | 8311 |
| Twelfth (hypoglossal) | 8312 |
| Optic | 6026 |
| Peripheral Nerves | |
| Upper radicular group | 8610 |
| Middle radicular group | 8611 |
| Lower radicular group | 8612 |
| All radicular groups | 8613 |
| Musculospiral (radial) | 8614 |
| Median | 8615 |
| Ulnar | 8616 |
| Musculocutaneous | 8617 |
| Circumflex | 8618 |
| Long thoracic | 8619 |
| Sciatic | 8620 |
| External popliteal (common peroneal) | 8621 |
| Musculocutaneous (superficial peroneal) | 8622 |
| Anterior tibial (deep peroneal) | 8623 |
| Internal popliteal (tibial) | 8624 |
| Posterior tibial | 8625 |
| Anterior crural (femoral) | 8626 |
| Internal saphenous | 8627 |
| Obturator | 8628 |
| External cutaneous nerve of thigh | 8629 |
| Ilio-inguinal | 8630 |
| Neurogenic bladder | 7542 |
| New growths: | |
| Benign | |
| Bones | 5015 |
| Brain | 8003 |
| Eye, orbit, and adnexa | 6015 |
| Spinal cord | 8022 |
| Malignant | |
| Bones | 5012 |
| Brain | 8002 |
| Eye, orbit, and adnexa | 6014 |
| Spinal cord | 8021 |
| Nocardiosis | 6823 |
| Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma | 7715 |
| Nontuberculosis mycobacterium infection | 6312 |
| Nontyphoid salmonella infection | 6333 |
| Nonunion: | |
| Mandible, confirmed by diagnostic imaging studies | 9903 |
| Radius and ulna | 5210 |
| Nystagmus, central | 6016 |
| Osteitis deformans | 5016 |
| Osteomalacia, residuals of | 5014 |
| Osteomyelitis | 5000 |
| Osteoporosis, residuals of | 5013 |
| Otitis media: | |
| Externa | 6210 |
| Nonsuppurative | 6201 |
| Suppurative | 6200 |
| Otosclerosis | 6202 |
| Ovaries, atrophy of both | 7620 |
| Ovary: | |
| Disease or injury | 7615 |
| Removal | 7619 |
| Palsy, bulbar | 8005 |
| Pancreas: | |
| Chronic pancreatitis | 7347 |
| Post pancreatectomy syndrome | 7357 |
| Surgery, complications of | 7303 |
| Transplant | 7352 |
| Papillary necrosis | 7538 |
| Papulosquamous disorders | 7822 |
| Paralysis: | |
| Accommodation | 6030 |
| Agitans | 8004 |
| Complete, traumatic | 5244 |
| Paralysis, nerve: | |
| Cranial nerves | |
| Fifth (trigeminal) | 8205 |
| Seventh (facial) | 8207 |
| Ninth (glossopharyngeal) | 8209 |
| Tenth (pneumogastric, vagus) | 8210 |
| Eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) | 8211 |
| Twelfth (hypoglossal) | 8212 |
| Peripheral Nerves: | |
| Upper radicular group | 8510 |
| Middle radicular group | 8511 |
| Lower radicular group | 8512 |
| All radicular groups | 8513 |
| Musculospiral (radial) | 8514 |
| Median | 8515 |
| Ulnar | 8516 |
| Musculocutaneous | 8517 |
| Circumflex | 8518 |
| Long thoracic | 8519 |
| Sciatic | 8520 |
| External popliteal (common peroneal) | 8521 |
| Musculocutaneous (superficial peroneal) | 8522 |
| Anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal) | 8523 |
| Internal popliteal (tibial) | 8524 |
| Posterior tibial nerve | 8525 |
| Anterior crural nerve (femoral) | 8526 |
| Internal saphenous | 8527 |
| Obturator | 8528 |
| External cutaneous nerve of thigh | 8529 |
| Ilio-inguinal | 8530 |
| Paramyoclonus multiplex | 8104 |
| Parasitic disease | 6320 |
| Pellagra | 6315 |
| Penis | |
| Erectile dysfunction | 7522 |
| Removal of glans | 7521 |
| Removal of half or more | 7520 |
| Pericardial adhesions | 7003 |
| Pericarditis | 7002 |
| Peripheral arterial disease | 7114 |
| Peripheral vestibular disorders | 6204 |
| Peritoneum, adhesions | 7301 |
| Peritonitis | 7331 |
| Pes cavus (Claw foot) acquired | 5278 |
| Pheochromocytoma | 7918 |
| Plague | 6307 |
| Plantar fasciitis | 5269 |
| Pleural effusion or fibrosis | 6845 |
| Pluriglandular syndrome | 7912 |
| Pneumoconiosis | 6832 |
| Pneumonitis & fibrosis: | |
| Drug-induced | 6829 |
| Radiation-induced | 6830 |
| Poliomyelitis, anterior | 8011 |
| Polycythemia vera | 7704 |
| Polyglandular syndrome | 7912 |
| Post-chiasmal disorders | 6046 |
| Postgastrectomy syndromes | 7308 |
| Post-phlebitic syndrome | 7121 |
| Post-surgical residual | 6844 |
| Progressive muscular atrophy | 8023 |
| Prostate gland injuries, infections, hypertrophy, postoperative residuals, bladder outlet obstruction | 7527 |
| Prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis, orchitis (unilateral or bilateral), chronic only | 7525 |
| Prosthetic implants: | |
| Ankle replacement | 5056 |
| Elbow replacement | 5052 |
| Hip, resurfacing or replacement | 5054 |
| Knee, resurfacing or replacement | 5055 |
| Shoulder replacement | 5051 |
| Wrist replacement | 5053 |
| Psoriasis | 7816 |
| Pterygium | 6034 |
| Ptosis | 6019 |
| Pulmonary: | |
| Alveolar proteinosis | 6827 |
| Vascular disease | 6817 |
| Pruritus ani (anal itching) | 7337 |
| Pyelonephritis, chronic | 7504 |
| Raynaud’s disease (primary Raynaud’s) | 7124 |
| Raynaud’s syndrome (secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, secondary Raynaud’s) | 7117 |
| Rectum: | |
| Rectum & anus, stricture | 7333 |
| Prolapse | 7334 |
| Removal: | |
| Cartilage, semilunar | 5259 |
| Coccyx | 5298 |
| Gall bladder | 7318 |
| Kidney | 7500 |
| Penis glans | 7521 |
| Penis half or more | 7520 |
| Ribs | 5297 |
| Testis | 7524 |
| Ovary | 7619 |
| Uterus | 7618 |
| Uterus and both ovaries | 7617 |
| Renal: | |
| Amyloid disease | 7539 |
| Disease caused by viral infection such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C | 7544 |
| Disease, chronic | 7530 |
| Involvement in diabetes mellitus type I or II | 7541 |
| Tubular disorders | 7532 |
| Resection of intestine: | |
| Large | 7329 |
| Small | 7328 |
| Retina detachment of | 6008 |
| Retinal dystrophy (including retinitis pigmentosa, wet or dry macular degeneration, early-onset macular degeneration, rod and/or cone dystrophy) | 6042 |
| Retinopathy, diabetic | 6040 |
| Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified | 6006 |
| Rhabdomyolysis, residuals of | 5330 |
| Rhinitis: | |
| Allergic or vasomotor | 6522 |
| Bacterial | 6523 |
| Granulomatous | 6524 |
| Rickettsial, ehrlichia, and anaplasma Infections | 6317 |
| Sarcoidosis | 6846 |
| Scarring alopecia | 7830 |
| Scars: | |
| Burn scar(s) of the head, face, or neck; scar(s) of the head, face, or neck due to other causes; or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck | 7800 |
| Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage | 7801 |
| Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck that are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage | 7802 |
| Retina | 6011 |
| Scars, other; and other effects of scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7804 | 7805 |
| Unstable or painful | 7804 |
| Schistosomiasis | 6326 |
| Shigella infections | 6334 |
| Sinusitis: | |
| Ethmoid | 6511 |
| Frontal | 6512 |
| Maxillary | 6513 |
| Pansinusitis | 6510 |
| Sphenoid | 6514 |
| Sleep Apnea Syndrome | 6847 |
| Soft tissue sarcoma: | |
| Muscle, fat, or fibrous connected | 5329 |
| Neurogenic origin | 8540 |
| Vascular origin | 7123 |
| Spine: | |
| Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome | 5242 |
| Spinal fusion | 5241 |
| Spinal stenosis | 5238 |
| Spleen, injury of, healed | 7707 |
| Splenectomy | 7706 |
| Spondylolisthesis or segmental instability, spine | 5239 |
| Stomach: | |
| Postgastrectomy syndrome | 7308 |
| Stenosis of | 7309 |
| Surgery, complications of | 7303 |
| Supraventricular tachycardia | 7010 |
| Symblepharon | 6091 |
| Syndromes: | |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) | 6354 |
| Cushing’s | 7907 |
| Gastrointestinal dysmotility | 7356 |
| Meniere’s | 6205 |
| Postgastrectomy | 7308 |
| Post pancreatectomy | 7357 |
| Raynaud’s | 7117 |
| Sleep Apnea | 6847 |
| Syphilis | 6310 |
| Syphilis: | |
| Cerebrospinal | 8013 |
| Meningovascular | 8014 |
| Syphilitic heart disease | 7004 |
| Syringomyelia | 8024 |
| Tabes dorsalis | 8015 |
| Tarsal or metatarsal bones | 5283 |
| Tenosynovitis, tendinitis, tendinosis or tendinopathy | 5024 |
| Testis: | |
| Atrophy, complete | 7523 |
| Removal | 7524 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 7705 |
| Thrombosis, brain | 8008 |
| Thyroid gland: | |
| Nontoxic thyroid enlargement | 7902 |
| Toxic thyroid enlargement | 7901 |
| Thyroiditis | 7906 |
| Tic, convulsive | 8103 |
| Tinnitus, recurrent | 6260 |
| Toxic nephropathy | 7535 |
| Traumatic brain injury residuals | 8045 |
| Traumatic chest wall defect | 6843 |
| Tuberculosis: | |
| Adenitis | 7710 |
| Bones and joints | 5001 |
| Eye | 6010 |
| Kidney | 7505 |
| Luposa (lupus vulgaris) | 7811 |
| Miliary | 6311 |
| Pleurisy, active or inactive | 6732 |
| Pulmonary: | |
| Active, far advanced | 6701 |
| Active, moderately advanced | 6702 |
| Active, minimal | 6703 |
| Active, advancement unspecified | 6704 |
| Active, chronic | 6730 |
| Inactive, chronic | 6731 |
| Inactive, far advanced | 6721 |
| Inactive, moderately advanced | 6722 |
| Inactive, minimal | 6723 |
| Inactive, advancement unspecified | 6724 |
| Tuberculosis luposa (lupus vulgaris) | 7811 |
| Tympanic membrane | 6211 |
| Ulcer, peptic | 7304 |
| Ureter, stricture of | 7511 |
| Urethra | |
| Fistula | 7519 |
| Stricture | 7518 |
| Urticaria, chronic. | 7825 |
| Uterus: | |
| And both ovaries, removal | 7617 |
| Disease or injury | 7613 |
| Prolapse | 7621 |
| Removal | 7618 |
| Uveitis | 6000 |
| Vagina, disease or injury | 7611 |
| Vagotomy | 7348 |
| Valvular heart disease | 7000 |
| Varicocele/Hydrocele | 7543 |
| Varicose veins | 7120 |
| Vasculitis, primary cutaneous | 7826 |
| Ventricular arrhythmia | 7011 |
| Vertebral fracture or dislocation | 5235 |
| Vibriosis (Cholera, Non-cholera) | 6300 |
| Visceral Leishmaniasis | 6301 |
| Visceroptosis | 7342 |
| Vision: see also Blindness and Loss of | |
| One eye 5/200 (1.5/60), with visual acuity of other eye: | |
| 5/200 (1.5/60) | 6071 |
| 10/200 (3/60); 15/200 (4.5/60); 20/200 (6/60) | 6072 |
| 20/100 (6/30); 20/70 (6/21); 20/50 (6/15) | 6073 |
| 20/40 (6/12) | 6074 |
| One eye 10/200 (3/60), with visual acuity of other eye: | |
| 10/200 (3/60); 15/200 (4.5/60); 20/200 (6/60) | 6075 |
| 20/100 (6/30); 20/70 (6/21); 20/50 (6/15) | 6076 |
| 20/40 (6/12) | 6077 |
| One eye 15/200 (4.5/60), with visual acuity of other eye: | |
| 15/200 (4.5/60) or 20/200 (6/60) | 6075 |
| 20/100 (6/30); 20/70 (6/21); 20/50 (6/15) | 6076 |
| 20/40 (6/12) | 6077 |
| One eye 20/200 (6/60), with visual acuity of other eye: | |
| 20/200 (6/60) | 6075 |
| 20/100 (6/30); 20/70 (6/21); 20/50 (6/15) | 6076 |
| 20/40 (6/12) | 6077 |
| One eye 20/100 (6/30), with visual acuity of other eye: and other eye: | |
| 20/100 (6/30); 20/70 (6/21); 20/50 (6/15) | 6078 |
| 20/40 (6/12) | 6079 |
| One eye 20/70 (6/21), with visual acuity of other eye: | |
| 20/70 (6/21) or 20/50 (6/15) | 6078 |
| 20/40 (6/12) | 6079 |
| One eye 20/50 (6/15), with visual acuity of other eye: | |
| 20/50 (6/15) | 6078 |
| 20/40 (6/12) | 6079 |
| Each eye 20/40 (6/12) | 6079 |
| Vitiligo | 7823 |
| Vulva or clitoris, disease or injury of | 7610 |
| Weak foot | 5277 |
| West Nile virus infection | 6335 |
How to Use Diagnostic Codes in Your Claim?
When filing a VA disability claim, it is essential to understand which diagnostic codes correspond to your condition. A thorough understanding of the diagnostic codes not only helps ensure that your claim is filed correctly but also assists in providing the necessary medical evidence to support your claim.
Steps to Navigate the Process:
- Identify your condition: Determine which health condition or conditions you are seeking compensation for.
- Find the correct diagnostic code: Once you identify the condition, you need to match it to its corresponding diagnostic code in the VA’s rating schedule.
- Provide medical evidence: To support your claim, provide medical records, doctor’s reports, and test results that demonstrate the severity of your condition.
- Submit your claim: After gathering the necessary evidence, file your claim with the VA. This can be done online, by mail, or with the help of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
- Wait for the decision: The VA will evaluate your claim based on the diagnostic code and the provided medical evidence. If you disagree with the decision, you have the option to appeal.
Final Thought
Understanding VA disability claims and the diagnostic codes associated with various medical conditions is critical for veterans seeking compensation for service-related disabilities. These codes not only guide the evaluation process but also ensure that veterans receive fair and accurate disability ratings. By familiarizing yourself with these codes, you can navigate the claims process more effectively and work toward receiving the compensation you deserve.
Whether you are dealing with physical injuries, mental health conditions, or other health-related issues caused by military service, the diagnostic code system ensures that your condition is assessed with accuracy and consistency, making it easier to receive the benefits that can help improve your quality of life.
FAQs
What is a VA Disability Claim?
A VA disability claim is a request from veterans to receive compensation for health conditions related to their military service.
What are Diagnostic Codes?
Diagnostic codes are numbers assigned by the VA to categorize and evaluate medical conditions, determining the level of disability and compensation.
How are Disability Ratings Determined?
Ratings are based on the severity of the condition, ranging from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings resulting in greater compensation.
Can I File a Claim for Mental Health Issues?
Yes, conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression are eligible for VA disability benefits.
How Do I File a VA Disability Claim?
You can file online, with a Veterans Service Officer, or by mail, providing medical evidence to support your claim.
