Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 8004: Parkinson's Disease (Paralysis Agitans) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Rating range
- 30%
- Rating levels
- 1
- Body system
- Neurological conditions
The VA rates Parkinson's Disease (Paralysis Agitans) under diagnostic code 8004 in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 8004 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Minimum rating. Ascertainable residuals (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, speech, gait, autonomic, cognitive, and mood impairment) are evaluated separately under the appropriate body-system codes and combined, so the overall evaluation can reach 100% What raters look for30% minimum; rate residuals separately |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Parkinson's. The Parkinson's condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Parkinson's appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 892 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Parkinson's as the primary issue. The Parkinson's condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Parkinson's appeals generally rather than DC 8004 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 8004?
Diagnostic code 8004 is the VA rating schedule entry for Parkinson's Disease (Paralysis Agitans), found in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 8004?
DC 8004 provides ratings of 30%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 8004 require?
The 30% rating for Parkinson's Disease (Paralysis Agitans) requires: Minimum rating. Ascertainable residuals (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, speech, gait, autonomic, cognitive, and mood impairment) are evaluated separately under the appropriate body-system codes and combined, so the overall evaluation can reach 100%.