Part 4 schedules
Disability ratings for most conditions come from Part 4 schedules. Each diagnostic code has criteria paragraphs.
Plain language summaries
Educational sites summarize CFR, but decisions cite the regulatory text. Use summaries to ask better medical documentation questions.
Updates
Schedules change slowly. Note the rating criteria date on condition pages in this site.
Key sections to know
Rating decisions most often cite a handful of parts of Title 38:
- 38 CFR 4.25 sets the combined ratings table. With more than one condition, VA uses this table instead of simple addition. For example, a 50 percent and a 30 percent rating combine to 65 percent, which rounds to a 70 percent combined rating.
- 38 CFR 4.16 governs total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU): the path to a 100 percent payment when service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful employment.
- 38 CFR 3.310 covers secondary service connection, when one service-connected condition causes or aggravates another.
You can read the current text of any section on the eCFR at ecfr.gov under Title 38 (Part 3 for claims procedures, Part 4 for the rating schedule).
More resources
Try the VA disability calculator, browse VA condition guides, or read in-depth articles.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Rating criteria are summarized from publicly available 38 CFR regulations. Consult a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or VA-accredited attorney for advice on your specific claim.