---
title: "DC 8018 - Multiple sclerosis"
diagnostic_code: "8018"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8018-multiple-sclerosis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:07:28.555203Z"
---

# DC 8018 - Multiple sclerosis

Rated under § 4.124a. Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | Minimum rating |

## Notes

- 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.

# Multiple Sclerosis (VA Diagnostic Code 8018)

## Understanding Your VA Disability Rating for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition rated by the VA under **Diagnostic Code 8018**, found in **§ 4.124a** — the section of the rating schedule covering **Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders**.

### Rating Levels

Under Diagnostic Code 8018, the VA assigns a **minimum rating of 30%** for multiple sclerosis.

| Rating | Criteria |
| ------ | -------- |
| 30% | Minimum rating |

Ratings **higher than the minimum** may be assigned based on the residuals of the condition. When a rating in excess of the prescribed minimum is assigned, the VA is required to cite the diagnostic codes used as the basis of evaluation, in addition to the codes identifying the diagnosis.

### What the VA Looks For

For the minimum rating and for residuals rated under diagnostic codes 8000–8025, the VA requires that there be **ascertainable residuals** of the disease. Specifically:

- Residuals that are **not capable of objective verification** — such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigability — are approached on the basis of the recorded diagnosis.
- **Subjective residuals will be accepted** when they are consistent with the disease and not more likely attributable to another disease or to no disease.
- When ratings **above the minimum** are assigned, it is considered of exceptional importance that the diagnostic codes used as the basis for evaluation are cited, along with the codes identifying the diagnoses.

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8018 under § 4.124a and is provided for general educational purposes.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a