VA Rating Codes and How They Work
🇺🇸 Diagnostic Codes · 2026

VA Rating Codes and How They Work

Diagnostic Codes (DCs) decoded — the four-digit numbers that determine your rating, your evidence requirements, and your maximum percentage.

📅 Published May 9, 2026 ⏱ 8 min read ✍️ VA Claims US Editorial Team
38 CFRPart 4
700+Diagnostic Codes
14Body Systems
DC4-Digit ID

Every condition the VA rates has a four-digit number — a Diagnostic Code (DC). These codes are how the VA categorizes your disability, applies rating criteria, and tracks every claim. If you know your codes, you know exactly which rating criteria the VA used and whether they applied them correctly.

This guide explains how the VA's code system works, the most common codes veterans encounter, and how to use code knowledge to strengthen your claim.

💡Codes Define Your RatingEvery VA disability has a code in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4). The code determines which rating criteria apply, what evidence is needed, and what percentage levels are possible. If your rating decision shows the wrong code, your rating may be wrong.

01
What Are VA Rating Codes?

VA Diagnostic Codes are four-digit identifiers that map every recognized disability to specific rating criteria. They appear on every Rating Decision letter — usually next to the condition name. For example: "Tinnitus (DC 6260)" or "Lumbosacral or cervical strain (DC 5237)".

The codes are organized into 14 body systems in the rating schedule:

  • Musculoskeletal (5000–5399)
  • Organs of special sense — eyes, ears (6000–6299)
  • Respiratory (6500–6899)
  • Cardiovascular (7000–7199)
  • Digestive (7200–7399)
  • Genitourinary (7500–7799)
  • Skin (7800–7899)
  • Mental Disorders (9200–9499)
  • And several others

02
How Codes Are Structured

Each four-digit code points to a specific section of 38 CFR Part 4. Within that section you'll find:

📋
Condition Name
The official VA name for the condition — sometimes different from your medical diagnosis.
📊
Rating Levels
The percentage levels available (e.g., 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 100%) and what's required for each.
📝
Specific Criteria
Measurable criteria — range of motion in degrees, audiogram thresholds, treatment requirements, etc.

03
Most Common VA Rating Codes

Some codes appear in millions of veteran files. Knowing the top ones helps you decode your own rating decision.

CodeConditionRange
6260Tinnitus10% (fixed)
6100Hearing Loss0%–100%
5237Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain10%–100%
5260/5261Limitation of Knee Flexion/Extension0%–50%
6847Sleep Apnea Syndromes0%, 30%, 50%, 100%
9411PTSD0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%
9434Major Depressive Disorder0%–100%
7101Hypertensive Vascular Disease10%–60%
7346GERD / Hiatal Hernia0%–60%
8045Residuals of TBI0%–100%
8100Migraine Headaches0%, 10%, 30%, 50%

04
Analogous Ratings — When No Code Fits Exactly

Sometimes a veteran's condition doesn't fit any specific code. The VA uses analogous ratings in these cases — applying the criteria of a similar code that closely matches the symptoms or functional impact.

Analogous codes are written as "DC XXXX-YYYY" where the first number identifies the actual condition and the second is the analogous code being applied. Example: "DC 8730-8520" for a peripheral nerve condition rated under sciatic nerve criteria.

ℹ️Why Analogous Codes MatterIf your condition is rated analogously, the VA may have undervalued it. A condition you might think is unique could actually be rated higher under a different analogous code. Always check whether the chosen analogous code makes sense for your symptoms.

05
When Multiple Codes Apply — Pyramiding Rules

The VA generally cannot rate the same disability twice — a rule called pyramiding (38 CFR § 4.14). However, separate disabilities affecting the same body part can be rated separately if their effects are distinct.

Examples:

  • Limited knee flexion (DC 5260) and instability (DC 5257) can be rated separately
  • Cervical strain (DC 5237) and radicular neuropathy from the same injury can be rated separately
  • PTSD (DC 9411) and Major Depression (DC 9434) generally cannot — both are rated under the same general formula
📋
Math
Read: How Combined Ratings Are Calculated
→

06
How to Find Your VA Rating Codes

Your codes appear on every Rating Decision letter. To find them:

1

Locate Your Rating Decision

Available through VA.gov under 'Documents and Records' or in your physical mail file.

2

Find the Rating Schedule Section

Look for the section listing each service-connected condition with its rating percentage.

3

Identify the DC Number

The four-digit code appears next to or below each condition name. Sometimes shown as 'Diagnostic Code 9411' or simply 'DC 9411'.

4

Cross-Reference 38 CFR Part 4

Look up the code at ecfr.gov to read the exact rating criteria the VA applied to your condition.

If your rating seems too low, comparing your medical evidence to the criteria in 38 CFR Part 4 may reveal the VA used the wrong code or applied criteria incorrectly. This is grounds for a Higher-Level Review.

🇺🇸 Free VA Claims Assistance

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A wrong diagnostic code can cost you thousands. Get a free review of your Rating Decision and find out if your codes are correct.

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07
Frequently Asked Questions

38 CFR Part 4 — accessible free at ecfr.gov. Search for the diagnostic code or condition name to find the exact criteria.
Yes. If new evidence shows your condition is better classified under a different code, the VA can re-evaluate. This can raise or lower your rating depending on the criteria.
The VA assigns an analogous code — using the criteria of a similar condition. Always verify the analogous code makes sense for your symptoms.
Yes. PTSD (9411) goes up to 100%; tinnitus (6260) is fixed at 10%. The maximum rating depends entirely on the code assigned.
Indirectly. File for an increase or appeal arguing your condition fits a different code with higher rating potential. The VA must consider all relevant codes.
VA Claims US Editorial Team
VA Claims US Editorial Team
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The VA Claims US editorial team is dedicated to helping veterans and their families understand and navigate the VA disability system. Our content is reviewed for accuracy against current VA regulations and updated whenever rates or policies change. Have a question? Contact us here.