Claim Raven explanation
What this means
When a condition has no listed diagnostic code, VA may evaluate it using a closely related disease or injury. The comparison should address the functions affected, the location in the body, and the symptoms.
An analogous rating is a structured comparison, not permission to choose whichever code pays more. The rule warns against speculative comparisons and using uncertain or unsupported diagnoses as the basis for an analogy.
How this helps your claim
This helps you understand why a decision uses a code with a different condition name. Check the explanation for why that code fits the actual disability and which findings support the comparison.
What to check in your records
Use your decision, examination reports, and relevant records to check the following points.
- Identify the diagnosed condition and the code VA selected by analogy.
- Compare the affected functions, body area, and symptoms with the chosen code.
- Look for an explanation of the code choice in the decision or examination report.
Check the reason for the chosen comparison
An analogous code should resemble the unlisted condition in the functions affected, location and symptoms. Read the decision for that comparison. A shared word in two diagnoses may not explain why their functional effects are comparable.
Keep the actual diagnosis intact when discussing an analogy. You do not need to pretend to have the listed disease. The question is whether the chosen code appropriately describes the documented disability under this rule and any other applicable restrictions.
Can I choose a code just because it has a higher percentage?
No. The analogy must be medically and functionally appropriate, not selected only for its payment level. Identify the relevant similarities and differences using the records. A speculative comparison or uncertain diagnosis cannot be made reliable simply by attaching a favorable rating table.
Official regulatory text
38 CFR § 4.20
eCFR snapshot: September 3, 2026. Layout and spacing are adapted for reading. The full section and its tables are included below.
§ 4.20 Analogous ratings.
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.
Related references
- 38 CFR § 4.1: What a VA disability rating measures
- 38 CFR § 3.159: VA duty to assist: records and examinations
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