---
title: "DC 8023 - Progressive muscular atrophy"
diagnostic_code: "8023"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8023-progressive-muscular-atrophy"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T05:09:02.211223Z"
---

# DC 8023 - Progressive muscular atrophy

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.

# Progressive Muscular Atrophy (VA Diagnostic Code 8023)

**Understanding how the VA rates Progressive Muscular Atrophy under 38 CFR § 4.124a.**

## What This Condition Is

Progressive muscular atrophy is evaluated by the VA as part of the **Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders** body system. It is rated under **Diagnostic Code 8023** in the VA's rating schedule at **§ 4.124a**.

## Available Rating Level

The VA rating schedule provides the following level for this condition:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **30%** | Minimum rating |

This 30% figure represents the **minimum rating** established for the condition. Higher evaluations may be assigned based on residuals, as explained below.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating conditions under diagnostic codes 8000–8025, the VA applies the following important guidance:

- **Ascertainable residuals are required** for the minimum rating. There must be identifiable residuals of the condition to support the minimum evaluation.

- **Residuals that cannot be objectively verified** — 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 are not more likely attributable to another disease or to no disease at all.

- **When a rating higher than the prescribed minimum is assigned**, it is of exceptional importance 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 (38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8023) and is provided for general informational purposes only.*

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