What Is VASRD
The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) is the official table the VA uses to assign disability percentages to service-connected medical conditions. It contains over 700 diagnostic codes organized by body system, each with specific rating criteria and the percentage awards attached to them.
The VASRD is published in Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 4, and it's the foundation of how the VA translates your medical condition into a dollar amount. Without the VASRD, there would be no consistent way to determine whether your condition rates 10%, 30%, 50%, or 100% disability.
How the VASRD Determines Your Rating
When you file a VA disability claim, a compensation and pension (C&P) examiner evaluates your medical condition and documents their findings. They compare those findings against the specific criteria in the VASRD for your diagnostic code. Each condition has multiple rating levels with thresholds tied to objective measurements or severity descriptions.
For example, the VASRD diagnostic code 5010 (Fungus infection of skin) has ratings from 0% to 20% based on the extent of affected body surface. Code 6260 (Varicose veins) ranges from 0% to 20% depending on symptoms like edema, pain, or pigmentation changes. The examiner determines which rating level matches your actual condition, and that becomes your disability rating.
If you disagree with how the VA applied the VASRD criteria to your case, that's legitimate grounds for appeal. A Veteran Service Officer (VSO) can review whether the C&P exam actually captured the severity described in the VASRD criteria or whether a higher rating was warranted.
VASRD Ratings and Compensation
Monthly compensation is directly tied to your VASRD rating percentage. As of 2024, a 10% rating pays approximately $172 per month, while a 50% rating pays around $3,737 per month, and 100% is approximately $4,323 per month. These amounts increase annually with cost-of-living adjustments.
Your rating also affects eligibility for ancillary benefits like healthcare priorities, education assistance, and vocational rehabilitation. Multiple conditions combine under the VA's "combined ratings" table, which uses a formula rather than simple addition to prevent ratings from exceeding 100%.
Nexus Letters and VASRD Application
When you file a claim, the VA must find a nexus (medical connection) between your current condition and military service. A nexus letter from your private physician or a VA-accredited medical professional can strengthen your case by explaining how your symptoms fit the VASRD criteria. The examiner will reference the VASRD when deciding which rating level applies.
Common Questions
- Can the VASRD change my rating? The VASRD criteria themselves don't change frequently (updates happen roughly every 5 to 10 years for major revisions), but your rating can change if new evidence shows your condition has worsened or improved. The VA will re-examine you if you file for an increase.
- Do I need to memorize VASRD codes? No, but you should find the diagnostic code that matches your condition on the VA's website. Knowing the specific rating criteria helps you prepare for your C&P exam and identify whether the examiner applied the correct standard.
- What if I think the VASRD rating is wrong for my condition? File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) with the VA. A VSO or VA-accredited representative can argue that a different rating level within the VASRD better reflects your medical evidence, or request a higher diagnostic code that may apply.