VA Diagnostic Code 8021Spinal cord, new growths of: Malignant
Rated from 30% to 100% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 100%
Malignant
- 30%
Minimum rating
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: The rating in code 8021 will be continued for 2 years following cessation of surgical, chemotherapeutic or other treatment modality. At this point, if the residuals have stabilized, the rating will be made on neurological residuals according to symptomatology.
- 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.
Spinal Cord, New Growths of: Malignant (VA Diagnostic Code 8021)
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders — 38 CFR § 4.124a
Understanding This Condition
Diagnostic Code 8021 covers malignant (cancerous) new growths of the spinal cord. Because these growths affect the spinal cord, they fall under the VA's rating rules for neurological conditions.
The way the VA rates this condition depends on where you are in the treatment and recovery process. An active malignant condition is rated differently than the lasting effects that may remain after treatment ends.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability rating for this condition at one of the following levels:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Malignant |
| 30% | Minimum rating |
What the VA Looks For
During and after active treatment. The 100% rating for a malignant spinal cord growth continues for 2 years following the end of surgical, chemotherapeutic, or other treatment. At that point, if the residuals have stabilized, the VA re-evaluates the condition and rates it based on the neurological residuals according to your symptoms.
Ascertainable residuals are required. To qualify for the minimum ratings for residuals under this group of diagnostic codes (8000–8025), there must be ascertainable residuals. When residuals cannot be objectively verified — such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigability — the VA approaches the determination based on the recorded diagnosis. Subjective residuals are accepted when they are consistent with the disease and not more likely attributable to another disease or to no disease at all.
Citing the basis of evaluation. When a rating higher than the prescribed minimum is assigned, it is considered exceptionally important that the diagnostic codes used as the basis of evaluation be cited, in addition to the codes identifying the diagnoses.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a for Diagnostic Code 8021. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8021. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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