TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Front Matter
Introduction and Fundamentals
- Introduction Overview of the VA disability system and how to use this guide
- How to Use This Guide Navigation tips and strategies for getting the most from this resource
- VA Disability Ratings Explained Understanding how the VA evaluates and rates disabilities
- Understanding the Bilateral Factor How the VA accounts for disabilities affecting both sides of the body
Body Systems and Conditions
Mental Health Conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Rating criteria, evidence requirements, and claim strategies
- Depression How the VA evaluates and rates depressive disorders
- Anxiety Disorders Rating criteria for various anxiety conditions
- Other Mental Health Conditions Additional mental health conditions recognized by the VA
Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Knee Conditions Rating criteria for limitation of motion, instability, and other knee issues
- Back Conditions How the VA rates spinal conditions and associated symptoms
- Shoulder Conditions Rating criteria for various shoulder disabilities
- Other Musculoskeletal Conditions Additional joint and muscle conditions recognized by the VA
Neurological Conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) The VA's complex evaluation system for TBI
- Migraine Headaches Rating criteria based on frequency and severity
- Peripheral Nerve Conditions How the VA rates nerve damage and neuropathy
- Other Neurological Conditions Additional neurological disorders recognized by the VA
Respiratory Conditions
- Asthma Rating criteria based on pulmonary function and medication
- Sleep Apnea Rating criteria and service connection strategies
- Sinusitis and Rhinitis How the VA rates these common respiratory conditions
- Other Respiratory Conditions Additional breathing disorders recognized by the VA
Cardiovascular Conditions
- Heart Disease Rating criteria for various heart conditions
- Hypertension How the VA rates high blood pressure
- Other Cardiovascular Conditions Additional heart and vascular conditions recognized by the VA
Digestive Conditions
- Overview of Digestive Conditions Rating criteria and information for digestive system conditions.
Ear Disorders
- Overview of Ear Disorders Rating criteria and information for ear disorders.
Skin Conditions
- Overview of Skin Conditions Rating criteria and information for skin conditions.
Endocrine Conditions
- Overview of Endocrine Conditions Rating criteria and information for endocrine system conditions.
Genitourinary Conditions
- Overview of Genitourinary Conditions Rating criteria and information for genitourinary system conditions.
Infectious Diseases
- Overview of Infectious Diseases Rating criteria and information for infectious diseases.
Claims Process and Resources
- The Claims Process Step-by-step guide to filing a successful VA disability claim
- Building Strong Evidence Strategies for gathering and presenting compelling evidence
- The Appeals Process Options for appealing unfavorable decisions
- Additional Resources Organizations, websites, and tools to support your claims journey
Appendices
- Glossary of Terms Definitions of common VA and medical terminology
- Alphabetical Index of Conditions Quick reference guide to find specific conditions
- Common VA Forms Overview of forms you'll encounter during the claims process