Look Up VA Disability Conditions, Ratings, and Evidence
Not all VA disability conditions are rated the same way, and understanding how the VA evaluates yours can make a real difference in how you prepare your claim. This condition lookup tool lets you research specific conditions to see how the VA rates them, what evidence is typically needed, and what rating criteria apply. Whether you are filing a new claim, preparing for a C&P exam, or building an appeal after a low rating, knowing the VA's evaluation standards for your condition helps you submit the right evidence and set realistic expectations.
How the VA Rates Disability Conditions
The VA assigns disability ratings in increments of 10%, from 0% to 100%, based on severity and functional impairment. Each condition is evaluated under a specific diagnostic code in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The criteria define what level of impairment corresponds to each rating percentage. Understanding these criteria helps you document your condition at the level that accurately reflects your disability.
What Evidence Supports Higher Ratings
Rating criteria for each condition describe specific symptoms, functional limitations, and clinical findings the VA looks for at each level. Submitting medical evidence that directly addresses these criteria -- such as range-of-motion measurements, frequency of episodes, or occupational impact -- helps the rater assign a rating that matches your actual level of disability.
Using the Condition Evidence Guide
Search for your claimed condition to see its diagnostic code, rating levels, and the types of evidence that typically support each level. This condition evidence guide helps you identify what documentation you may need, what the C&P examiner is likely to assess, and where your current evidence may fall short relative to the rating criteria.
Common questions
Where does the VA publish its rating criteria for conditions?
The VA's rating criteria are published in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, found in Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Each condition has a diagnostic code with specific criteria for each rating percentage. This tool summarizes those criteria in plain language to help you understand what the VA evaluates.
Can I look up a condition I have not claimed yet?
Yes. Researching a condition before filing helps you understand the evidence requirements, rating schedule references, and evaluation criteria. This allows you to gather the right documentation upfront and decide whether the condition warrants a primary or secondary claim based on the available evidence.
Does Claim Raven determine what rating I should receive?
No. Claim Raven does not assign or predict ratings. Only the VA can determine your disability rating based on the evidence in your file and the applicable rating criteria. This tool helps you understand those criteria so you can prepare the most complete claim possible.