Common VA Disability Conditions

Tinnitus and hearing loss

The FY 2025 report lists tinnitus first among the most prevalent service-connected disabilities of new compensation recipients: 287,138 newly rated disabilities. Tinnitus is generally rated at 10% under the schedule, including when the sound is perceived in one or both ears. Hearing loss is evaluated using audiology test results and rating tables; some service-connected hearing loss receives a 0% rating.

VA: Annual Benefits Report, Fiscal Year 2025 · eCFR: 38 CFR § 4.87, Ear ratings

PTSD and other mental health conditions

VA evaluates PTSD and other mental health conditions under the mental-disorders schedule, focusing on the frequency and severity of symptoms and their effects on work and social functioning. A PTSD diagnosis alone does not set the percentage. Include treatment records and specific examples of how symptoms affect daily activities and employment.

eCFR: 38 CFR § 4.130, Mental disorder ratings

Back and knee conditions

Lumbosacral strain and other back conditions may be evaluated using range of motion, functional loss, flare-ups, ankylosis, or intervertebral-disc criteria, depending on the diagnosis and evidence. Knee conditions may be rated under criteria for limited flexion or extension, instability, and certain other findings. The same symptoms cannot simply be counted twice under overlapping codes.

eCFR: 38 CFR Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities

Migraines

Migraine ratings depend on the frequency and severity of attacks and their functional impact, including whether attacks are prostrating and how often they occur. A symptom log that records frequency, duration, treatment, missed work, and recovery can help describe the pattern. VA applies the wording of the current diagnostic code, not a self-selected percentage.

eCFR: 38 CFR § 4.124a, Neurological ratings

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is evaluated under the respiratory rating schedule. The current diagnostic code distinguishes documented sleep-disordered breathing, persistent daytime hypersomnolence, use of a breathing-assistance device such as CPAP, and severe respiratory complications. The rating depends on the code and evidence in effect when VA decides the claim.

eCFR: 38 CFR § 4.97, Respiratory ratings

Scars and limitation of motion

Scar evaluations can depend on location, size, pain, instability, disfigurement, or underlying tissue damage. Limitation-of-motion ratings depend on the affected joint, measured movement, painful motion, and functional loss. A diagnosis name by itself does not show which rating criteria are met.

eCFR: 38 CFR Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities

Conditions often claimed together

Each condition still needs its own service-connection basis and evidence. If one condition is claimed as secondary to another, explain the medical connection rather than assuming the relationship is automatic.

• Tinnitus and hearing loss
• PTSD and other mental health conditions
• Lumbosacral strain and radiculopathy
• Knee limitation of flexion or extension and instability
• Migraines and sleep apnea
• Scars and limitation of motion

Secondary service-connected conditions · Evidence for a VA claim · How ratings work

Filing tips and decision deadlines

Name every condition you want VA to decide, connect it to the evidence, and keep a copy of the submission. If VA denies a condition or assigns a rating you disagree with, note the date on the decision letter. For most compensation decisions, request a Higher-Level Review or Board Appeal within one year if you want to preserve continuous pursuit; a Supplemental Claim can generally be filed later, but the effective date may be affected.

Filing a VA claim · VA appeals and deadlines