Symptom and Condition Finder
The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) is written in complex medical terminology. Veterans do not experience “radiculopathy”; they experience “shooting pain down their leg.” Use this engine to map your plain-English symptoms directly to the published 38 CFR diagnostic codes that may relate to your symptoms.
Search Symptoms
Describe what hurts or bothers you in plain English.
Common Triggers
Tinnitus
"Ringing or buzzing in ears"
Nearly always rated at exactly 10%. Highly subjective, but requires an in-service event (e.g., combat, flightline) and a current diagnosis.
Radiculopathy (Sciatic Nerve)
"Shooting pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg"
Often claimed secondary to a lower back (lumbar) condition. Can be claimed for both legs separately (bilateral factor applies).
DC 8520 schedular maximum: 80% for complete paralysis. When involvement is wholly sensory, 38 CFR 4.124a says the evaluation should be mild, or at most moderate.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
"Severe heartburn, acid reflux, or difficulty swallowing"
Commonly claimed secondary to PTSD medications (NSAIDs/SSRIs) or directly from toxic exposure.
DC 7206 includes an 80 percent schedular level for the specific recurrent or refractory esophageal-stricture, dysphagia, associated-symptom, and treatment criteria listed in the schedule.
Migraines
"Severe headaches requiring lying down in a dark room"
The key to higher ratings is the frequency of 'prostrating' attacks (meaning you must stop all activity) and economic impact.
Sleep Apnea (OSA)
"Snoring, gasping for air in sleep, or waking up exhausted"
Requires a formal sleep study. If prescribed a CPAP machine, the current standard rating is an automatic 50%.
Lumbar Spine (Lumbosacral Strain)
"Lower back pain, stiffness, or inability to bend forward"
Rated entirely on Range of Motion (how far forward you can bend before feeling pain).
Pes Planus (Flat Feet) / Plantar Fasciitis
"Foot pain, collapsed arches, heel pain"
Must prove that military service aggregated or caused the arch collapse. Custom orthotics usage is a key evidentiary piece.
PTSD / Major Depressive Disorder
"Panic attacks, isolation, anger outbursts, dark thoughts"
All mental health conditions (except eating disorders) are rated under the same general criteria based on occupational and social impairment.