VA Diagnostic Code 8004Paralysis agitans
A single 30% rating under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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- 30%
Minimum rating
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: It is required for the minimum ratings for residuals under diagnostic codes 8000-8025, that there be ascertainable residuals. Determinations as to the presence of residuals not capable of objective verification, i.e., headaches, dizziness, fatigability, must be approached on the basis of the diagnosis recorded; subjective residuals will be accepted when consistent with the disease and not more likely attributable to other disease or no disease. It is of exceptional importance that when ratings in excess of the prescribed minimum ratings are assigned, the diagnostic codes utilized as bases of evaluation be cited, in addition to the codes identifying the diagnoses.
Paralysis Agitans (Parkinson's Disease) — VA Diagnostic Code 8004
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders · 38 CFR § 4.124a
Understanding This Rating
Paralysis agitans is rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 8004, part of the neurological conditions and convulsive disorders group in § 4.124a.
Available Rating Level
Under Diagnostic Code 8004, the VA assigns a single defined level:
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 30% | Minimum rating |
The 30% figure is the prescribed minimum rating. When the VA assigns a rating in excess of this minimum, it does so by citing the additional diagnostic codes used as the basis for that higher evaluation, alongside the code identifying the diagnosis itself.
What the VA Looks For
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Ascertainable residuals. For the minimum ratings under diagnostic codes 8000–8025, there must be ascertainable residuals. This is a required condition for the rating.
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How residuals are assessed. Determinations about residuals that cannot be objectively verified — such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigability — are approached on the basis of the diagnosis recorded. Subjective residuals are accepted when they are consistent with the disease and are not more likely attributable to another disease or to no disease.
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Citing the basis for higher ratings. The notes emphasize that it is of exceptional importance that, when ratings in excess of the prescribed minimum are assigned, the diagnostic codes used as the bases of evaluation are cited in addition to the codes identifying the diagnosis.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8004 under 38 CFR § 4.124a. Individual ratings depend on the evidence and residuals documented in each case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8004. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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