38 CFRUpdated
Regulation text
§ 4.20Analogous ratings.

How does VA rate a condition that isn't listed in the rating schedule?

The full text of this section from 38 CFR.

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Full text of § 4.2081 words

When an unlisted condition is encountered it will be permissible to rate under a closely related disease or injury in which not only the functions affected, but the anatomical localization and symptomatology are closely analogous. Conjectural analogies will be avoided, as will the use of analogous ratings for conditions of doubtful diagnosis, or for those not fully supported by clinical and laboratory findings. Nor will ratings assigned to organic diseases and injuries be assigned by analogy to conditions of functional origin.

End of § 4.20
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Using this section

A regulation only helps if you point at it. Here is how to put this one to work.

  1. Cite it by number

    Write § 4.20 into your statement and quote the sentence you are relying on. A rater reading a claim that names the rule spends less time guessing what you meant.

  2. Find the rest of the rule

    Sections cross-reference each other constantly. Search 38 CFR and M-21-1 for any reference this one sends you to.

  3. Check the percentages

    Procedure is one half of a claim; the rating criteria are the other. Browse the rating schedule for the diagnostic code that covers your condition.

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