VA Disability Rating Guides
Every VA disability rating guide we publish in one place. Click any condition below to read how the VA rates it, what evidence closes the claim, and how to file.
Filing for the first time? Start with the step-by-step walkthrough — then come back here to pick the rating guide for your specific condition.
How to File a VA Claim — First-Time Walkthrough
The complete decision tree for first-time filers: confirm eligibility → pick your condition → gather evidence → file → C&P exam → read your rating decision. Start here if you haven't filed before.
Use the Combined Rating Calculator
Pick the rating-button grid or paste 50, 30, 10, 10-style numbers to see how the VA combines them — with each math step inline.
VA Tinnitus Claims — Complete Filing Guide
Tinnitus is the #1 most-claimed VA disability — over 2.3M veterans carry a service-connected rating under DC 6260. The flat 10% ceiling, the pre-2000 bilateral carve-out, three service-connection routes (direct, secondary to TMJ, secondary to TBI and ototoxic PTSD medications), the secondary chains most veterans miss, the evidence stack (diagnosis, in-service event, nexus letter), and the three appeal lanes.
VA PTSD Claims — Deep Dive Guide
PTSD is the #2 most-claimed VA disability — and it's won on a four-piece evidence stack: verified in-service stressor, current DSM-5 diagnosis, mental-health nexus letter, and corroborating buddy statements. Stressor rules under § 3.304(f), nexus language, buddy-statement structure, and mental-health C&P exam tactics.
VA MST Claims — Military Sexual Trauma Filing Guide
Military Sexual Trauma has its own claim rules: no nexus letter required, separate evidence standards, no dishonorable discharge bar, no time limit. Eligibility criteria, MST Coordinator evidence sources, and the 6-step filing path.
VA Tinnitus Disability Rating — How to Get 10% (or More)
Tinnitus is the #1 most-claimed VA disability. Here's exactly how the VA rates it, what evidence closes the claim, and how to combine it with hearing loss.
VA Hearing Loss Disability Rating — Complete Filing Guide
Hearing loss is the #3 most-claimed VA disability. How audiograms determine your rating, what evidence closes the claim, and how to combine it with tinnitus.
VA Sleep Apnea Disability Rating — 50% or 100% Guide
Sleep apnea is the #4 most-claimed VA disability — and it only rates at 0%, 50%, or 100%. How to get the 50% guaranteed CPAP rating.
VA PTSD Disability Rating — How to Get 50%, 70% or 100%
PTSD is the #2 most-claimed VA disability. How the VA evaluates PTSD claims, what rating levels mean, and how to build the evidence stack that wins.
VA Hypertension Disability Rating — From 10% to 40% Guide
Hypertension is the most commonly rated VA cardiovascular condition. How the VA rates it, three service-connection routes, and a 6-step filing path.
VA Back Pain Disability Rating — Complete Filing Guide
Back pain only rates when tied to a diagnosed spine condition. Four service-connection routes, common pitfalls, and the appeals lane menu.
VA C&P Exam Prep Checklist
Consolidated exam-day advice for every VA disability claim: printable checklist (bring, describe, what not to say), DBQ vs. nexus letter context, care-specific exam tactics, and how secondary conditions are evaluated.
VA Radiculopathy Disability Rating — Complete Filing Guide
Radiculopathy is one of the most frequently claimed VA peripheral-nerve conditions, routinely secondary to a service-connected back/spine rating. Upper and lower extremity nerve codes (DC 8510–8730), the EMG/NCV requirement, four service-connection routes, and the bilateral-equality pitfall.
VA Secondary Claims — How to File a Service-Connected Secondary
The most common secondary service connections (PTSD → sleep apnea, sleep apnea → hypertension, back pain → radiculopathy) with the nexus letter, intent to file, and 6-step filing path.
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