VA Diagnostic Code 8024Syringomyelia
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.
Syringomyelia (VA Diagnostic Code 8024)
Understanding Your VA Disability Rating for Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia is a neurological condition rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 8024, part of the Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders body system. It is evaluated under 38 CFR § 4.124a.
Plain-Language Overview
Syringomyelia is a neurological condition. Because conditions like this can affect the body in different ways over time, the VA looks not only at the diagnosis itself but also at the residuals — the lingering effects the condition leaves behind.
Available Rating Level
The VA rating schedule lists the following level for Syringomyelia under Diagnostic Code 8024:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Minimum rating |
The 30% level is the minimum rating. When the VA assigns a rating higher than this prescribed minimum, it does so by evaluating the specific residuals of the condition. In those cases, the VA is required to cite the additional diagnostic codes used as the basis for the evaluation, along with the codes identifying the diagnoses.
What the VA Looks For
When rating Syringomyelia (and related conditions under Diagnostic Codes 8000–8025), the VA applies the following important principles:
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Ascertainable residuals are required for the minimum rating. There must be identifiable lingering effects of the condition.
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Subjective residuals may be accepted. Some residuals cannot be objectively verified — for example, headaches, dizziness, or fatigability. The VA approaches these on the basis of the recorded diagnosis. Such subjective residuals will be accepted when they are consistent with the disease and not more likely attributable to another disease or to no disease at all.
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Higher ratings require cited diagnostic codes. It is described as being of exceptional importance that, when a rating higher than the prescribed minimum is assigned, the VA cites the diagnostic codes used as the basis of evaluation in addition to the codes identifying the diagnoses.
This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8024. Individual evaluations depend on the specific residuals documented in your case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8024. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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