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 What raters look forascertainable residuals required for the minimum rating; residuals rated separately and combined when higher |
DC 8004 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 356 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 8004 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 25.8%, denied 50.0% and sent 24.2% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 8004 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
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 3,051 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Parkinson's, 2021 to 2026. The Parkinson's condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Parkinson's appeals generally rather than DC 8004 specifically. The DC 8004 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. 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.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 8004?
In 356 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 8004 from 2021 to 2026, 25.8% were granted, 50.0% denied and 24.2% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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