Claim Raven explanation
What this means
A diagnostic code identifies the rating criteria VA used for a disability. The code can help you find the rule behind an evaluation, even when the medical diagnosis in your records uses different wording.
Unlisted conditions rated by analogy use a built-up code ending in 99. Hyphenated codes can show the underlying condition and the residual condition used for rating; the complete code should be read in context.
How this helps your claim
This helps you move from the rating sheet to the relevant schedule. A code is a reference to the basis of evaluation, not a separate medical diagnosis or proof that another condition should be claimed.
What to check in your records
Use your decision, examination reports, and relevant records to check the following points.
- Copy the full code, including any hyphen, from the rating sheet.
- Compare the medical diagnosis and the residuals VA identified.
- Read the corresponding schedule and any explanation of an analogous rating.
Use the code to find the right criteria
The diagnostic code on a rating sheet can help connect the medical label with the schedule used in the decision. Record the complete code, including both sides of a hyphen, before looking up the criteria. A partial number can point to the wrong part of the analysis.
For an unlisted condition, the code can indicate an analogous evaluation. Read the explanation of the comparison rather than assuming the code means you have the exact listed diagnosis. The underlying condition and the residual effects used for evaluation can serve different roles.
Does a hyphenated code always mean two separate ratings?
No. It can identify a relationship between the underlying condition and the basis used to evaluate its residuals. The award and rating explanation determine what is actually evaluated. Two code numbers in one label should not be counted automatically as two independently compensable disabilities.
Official regulatory text
38 CFR § 4.27
eCFR snapshot: September 3, 2026. Layout and spacing are adapted for reading. The full section and its tables are included below.
§ 4.27 Use of diagnostic code numbers.
The diagnostic code numbers appearing opposite the listed ratable disabilities are arbitrary numbers for the purpose of showing the basis of the evaluation assigned and for statistical analysis in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and as will be observed, extend from 5000 to a possible 9999. Great care will be exercised in the selection of the applicable code number and in its citation on the rating sheet. No other numbers than these listed or hereafter furnished are to be employed for rating purposes, with an exception as described in this section, as to unlisted conditions. When an unlisted disease, injury, or residual condition is encountered, requiring rating by analogy, the diagnostic code number will be “built-up” as follows: The first 2 digits will be selected from that part of the schedule most closely identifying the part, or system, of the body involved; the last 2 digits will be “99” for all unlisted conditions. This procedure will facilitate a close check of new and unlisted conditions, rated by analogy. In the selection of code numbers, injuries will generally be represented by the number assigned to the residual condition on the basis of which the rating is determined. With diseases, preference is to be given to the number assigned to the disease itself; if the rating is determined on the basis of residual conditions, the number appropriate to the residual condition will be added, preceded by a hyphen. Thus, rheumatoid (atrophic) arthritis rated as ankylosis of the lumbar spine should be coded “5002-5240.” In this way, the exact source of each rating can be easily identified. In the citation of disabilities on rating sheets, the diagnostic terminology will be that of the medical examiner, with no attempt to translate the terms into schedule nomenclature. Residuals of diseases or therapeutic procedures will not be cited without reference to the basic disease.
[41 FR 11293, Mar. 18, 1976, as amended at 70 FR 75399, Dec. 20, 2005]
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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