RatingScopeHow we source what we write
RatingScope explains what published VA rules say. Here is where the words and numbers come from.
1. The rule text: 38 CFR on eCFR
The rating schedule is in 38 CFR Part 4. Other rules are in Part 3. We read the text on the eCFR website and cite the exact section, for example 38 CFR 4.114. When we list a percentage, it comes from that section.
The eCFR is a continuously updated online version of the Code of Federal Regulations. It is not an official legal edition of the CFR.
2. VA pages: va.gov
For forms, benefit rates, and how VA describes its own process, we use VA pages and link them.
3. Changes: the Federal Register
Proposed rules, final rules, and notices appear in the Federal Register. We use it to write VA News items. A proposed rule is labeled "Proposed rule. Not current law." unless and until a final rule is published and takes effect.
A word on M21-1
M21-1 is VA's procedures manual for its own staff. It is not a statute or a regulation. When we mention it, we say so, and we keep it separate from the rule text.
How we write
We describe what the regulation says. We do not say what a reader would get. We do not predict outcomes. Records mentioned in a guide are "potentially relevant", not a checklist. We use "schedular" for ratings set by the rating schedule.
Found a mistake?
Use the Contact page for corrections. Include the page address. A useful report includes the page address and the text you think is wrong. We compare the page to the source. If the page does not match the source, we update it.
Sources we use
| Source | What we use it for | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 38 CFR 4.114 on eCFR | IBS guide, Diagnostic Code 7319, and the predominant-disability rule | 38 CFR 4.114 |
| 38 CFR 4.124a on eCFR | Lower-extremity radiculopathy guide, Diagnostic Codes 8520 and 8526 | 38 CFR 4.124a |
| 38 CFR 4.31 on eCFR | Zero percent evaluations where a code lists none | 38 CFR 4.31 |
| 38 CFR 4.26 on eCFR | Bilateral factor for disabilities of both legs | 38 CFR 4.26 |
| 38 CFR 4.14 on eCFR | Rule against evaluating the same manifestations more than once | 38 CFR 4.14 |
| 38 CFR 4.69 on eCFR | How the dominant hand is determined for rating purposes | 38 CFR 4.69 |
| 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR | Spine formula Note (1) | 38 CFR 4.71a |
| VA find a representative | Accredited representative search linked from Contact | va.gov find a representative |
| va.gov | VA pages for forms and how VA describes its process | va.gov |
| benefits.va.gov | VA benefit pages | benefits.va.gov |
| news.va.gov | VA News primary sources | news.va.gov |
| Federal Register | Proposed rules, final rules, and notices | federalregister.gov |