Search VA regulations and diagnostic codes

Schedule of ratings—musculoskeletal system.

| | Rating | | --- | --- | | 5256 Knee, ankylosis of: | | | Extremely unfavorable, in flexion at an angle of 45° or more | 60 | | In flexion between 20° and 45° | 50 | | In flexion between 10° and 20° | 40 | | Favorable angle in full extension, or in slight flexion between 0° and 10° | 30 |…

Claims for disability benefits.

(2) With respect to service-connected disability compensation, an issue for purposes of paragraph (c)(1) of this section is defined as entitlement to compensation for a particular disability. For example, if a decision adjudicates service-connected disability compensation for both a knee condition…

The joints.

§ 4.45. The joints. As regards the joints the factors of disability reside in reductions of their normal excursion of movements in different planes. Inquiry will be directed to these considerations: (a) Less movement than normal (due to ankylosis, limitation or blocking, adhesions, tendon-tie-up…

Special monthly compensation ratings.

(iv) Blindness in both eyes having only light perception; (v) Blindness in both eyes leaving the veteran so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. (2) Natural elbow or knee action. In determining whether there is natural elbow or knee action with prosthesis in place, consideration…

Schedule of ratings—muscle injuries.

The Pelvic Girdle and Thigh | | Rating | | --- | --- | | 5313 Group XIII. Function: Extension of hip and flexion of knee; outward and inward rotation of flexed knee; acting with rectus femoris and sartorius (see XIV, 1, 2) synchronizing simultaneous flexion of hip and knee and extension of hip…

Amputation rule.

§ 4.68. Amputation rule. The combined rating for disabilities of an extremity shall not exceed the rating for the amputation at the elective level, were amputation to be performed. For example, the combined evaluations for disabilities below the knee shall not exceed the 40 percent evaluation…

Loss of use of hand or foot.

§ 4.63. Loss of use of hand or foot. Loss of use of a hand or a foot, for the purpose of special monthly compensation, will be held to exist when no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation stump at the site of election below elbow or knee…

Schedule of ratings—infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies.

| 6312 Nontuberculosis mycobacterium infection: | | | As active disease | 100 | | Note 1: Continue the rating of 100 percent for the duration of treatment for active disease followed by a mandatory VA exam. If there is no relapse, rate on residuals. Any change in evaluation based upon that or any…

Schedule of ratings—neurological conditions and convulsive disorders.

| | Rating | | --- | --- | | Sciatic nerve | | | 8520 Paralysis of: | | | Complete; the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost | 80 | | Incomplete: | | | Severe, with marked muscular atrophy | 60 | | Moderately…

Disabilities that are proximately due to, or aggravated by, service-connected disease or injury.

§ 3.310. Disabilities that are proximately due to, or aggravated by, service-connected disease or injury. (a) General. Except as provided in § 3.300(c), disability which is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury shall be service connected. When service…

Principles of combined ratings for muscle injuries.

§ 4.55. Principles of combined ratings for muscle injuries. (a) A muscle injury rating will not be combined with a peripheral nerve paralysis rating of the same body part, unless the injuries affect entirely different functions. (b) For rating purposes, the skeletal muscles of the body are…

Painful motion.

§ 4.59. Painful motion. With any form of arthritis, painful motion is an important factor of disability, the facial expression, wincing, etc., on pressure or manipulation, should be carefully noted and definitely related to affected joints. Muscle spasm will greatly assist the identification…

Pelvic bones.

§ 4.67. Pelvic bones. The variability of residuals following these fractures necessitates rating on specific residuals, faulty posture, limitation of motion, muscle injury, painful motion of the lumbar spine, manifest by muscle spasm, mild to moderate sciatic neuritis, peripheral nerve injury, or…

The bones.

§ 4.44. The bones. The osseous abnormalities incident to trauma or disease, such as malunion with deformity throwing abnormal stress upon, and causing malalignment of joint surfaces, should be depicted from study and observation of all available data, beginning with inception of injury or…

Circulatory disturbances.

§ 4.62. Circulatory disturbances. The circulatory disturbances, especially of the lower extremity following injury in the popliteal space, must not be overlooked, and require rating generally as phlebitis.

Functional loss.

§ 4.40. Functional loss. Disability of the musculoskeletal system is primarily the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform the normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and endurance. It is essential that the…

Static foot deformities.

§ 4.57. Static foot deformities. It is essential to make an initial distinction between bilateral flatfoot as a congenital or as an acquired condition. The congenital condition, with depression of the arch, but no evidence of abnormal callosities, areas of pressure, strain or demonstrable…

Stabilization of disability evaluations.

§ 3.344. Stabilization of disability evaluations. (a)

Sacroiliac joint.

§ 4.66. Sacroiliac joint. The common cause of disability in this region is arthritis, to be identified in the usual manner. The lumbosacral and sacroiliac joints should be considered as one anatomical segment for rating purposes. X-ray changes from arthritis in this location are decrease or…

Accurate measurement.

§ 4.46. Accurate measurement. Accurate measurement of the length of stumps, excursion of joints, dimensions and location of scars with respect to landmarks, should be insisted on. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within…