How is “38 CFR” used in VA claims?

This term shows up on forms, decision letters, or educational pages. The summary at the top explains the usual meaning—always read your own documents in full context.

Is this page legal advice?

No. Glossary entries are educational only. For strategy on your claim, work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer or representative.

Where can I read related topics?

Use related links on this page, browse the glossary index, or open a condition guide when we link one for the same topic.

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Use the VA calculator for combined math and the document generator if you need structured buddy statement or nexus drafts.

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VA disability claims glossary

38 CFR

Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations contains VA disability rating schedules and claims procedures used in adjudication.

Published 2026-04-02

Diagnostic code Rating decision

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.

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.

Questions about this term

Calculate Your Combined VA Rating

Use our free calculator to estimate combined disability percentage using the same VA math rules used for most claims.

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Part 4 schedules

Plain language summaries

Updates

More resources

Related reading

Questions about this term

Calculate Your Combined VA Rating