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Topic hub · 38 CFR Part 4

VA rating criteria, organized so you can actually use them.

Every VA disability percentage traces to a written criterion in the rating schedule, 38 CFR Part 4. This hub organizes the Desk's coverage of that schedule: plain language guides by body system, the diagnostic code index, the combined ratings math, and the primary sources behind each number.

What this hub covers

Rating guides
70
Plain language criteria guides by body system
Condition pages
479
Condition library entries with criteria summaries
Calculators
14
Transparent math tools, from combined ratings to SMC
Primary source
Part 4
38 CFR, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities

The criteria

Start with the guide for the body system, then verify against the diagnostic code and the condition page.

The math

Ratings do not simply add. These tools compute the schedule's actual arithmetic and show their work.

Reference

The vocabulary and the primary sources every page on this hub relies on.

The controlling text is always the regulation itself: 38 CFR Part 4 on eCFR. Desk guides state which sections they rely on and when they were last reviewed. See how we review for the process.

This is an educational estimate and not a guarantee of benefits, ratings, or back pay. VA makes all final determinations. We are not a law firm, VSO, accredited claims agent, or VA representative. We provide educational information only and encourage veterans to seek accredited help for individual claim advice. The Veteran Benefit Desk™ is a veteran founded independent digital publication and education platform that helps veterans understand VA disability claims, ratings, evidence, and appeals using clear explanations, original research, and cited public sources.
Printed from The Veteran Benefit Desk, https://veteranbenefitdesk.com/va-disability-rating-criteria. Figures reflect this page as published. Rates change each December; confirm current amounts at veteranbenefitdesk.com before relying on them.
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