---
title: "DC 8020 - Brain, abscess of"
diagnostic_code: "8020"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8020-brain-abscess-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:08:06.994911Z"
---

# DC 8020 - Brain, abscess of

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | As active disease |
| 10% | Rate residuals, minimum |

## 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.

# Brain Abscess (VA Diagnostic Code 8020)

## Understanding Your VA Rating for Brain Abscess

If you're a veteran living with a brain abscess or its lasting effects, understanding how the VA evaluates this condition can help you know what to expect. Below is a plain-language overview based on the VA's rating schedule.

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## What Is This Condition?

A **brain abscess** is a neurological condition rated by the VA under **§ 4.124a**, within the body system covering **Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders** (Diagnostic Code 8020).

The VA looks at this condition in two distinct phases: while the disease is **active**, and afterward, when it evaluates any **residuals** — the lasting effects that remain after the active illness has passed.

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## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of the following disability ratings for this condition:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **100%** | As active disease |
| **10%** | Rate residuals, minimum |

- A **100% rating** applies while the brain abscess is present as **active disease**.
- A **10% rating** represents the **minimum** rating for **residuals** once the active disease phase has ended.

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## What the VA Looks For

When rating residuals, the VA requires that there be **ascertainable residuals**. Here's what that means in practice:

- **Objective evidence matters.** Determinations about residuals must be approached on the basis of the diagnosis on record.
- **Subjective residuals can count too.** Residuals that aren't capable of objective verification — such as **headaches, dizziness, and fatigability** — will be accepted when they are **consistent with the disease** and **not more likely attributable to another disease or to no disease at all**.
- **Ratings above the minimum require specific citations.** When a rating higher than the prescribed minimum is assigned, the VA considers it exceptionally important that the diagnostic codes used as the basis for the evaluation be cited, in addition to the codes identifying the diagnoses.

> **Note:** This requirement — that there be ascertainable residuals for the minimum ratings — applies to residuals rated under Diagnostic Codes 8000–8025.

---

*This overview is based on the VA rating schedule under § 4.124a for Diagnostic Code 8020 and is intended for general informational purposes.*

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