The VA recognizes thousands of conditions for service connection, all rated under its Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4). This guide maps the most-claimed ones by body system and links to a detailed guide for each. Use it to find your condition and understand how it is rated.
Every one of these has the same underlying requirement: to be service-connected, you generally need a current diagnosis, an in-service event or exposure, and a medical link between them (38 CFR 3.303). That third element, the link, is what a nexus letter provides.
Musculoskeletal conditions
Musculoskeletal conditions make up the largest share of VA claims. They are rated primarily on range of motion and functional loss.
- Back and lumbosacral strain (DC 5237) — see our guide to back pain nexus letters
- Neck and cervical strain (DC 5237) — see our cervical strain guide
- Knee conditions (DC 5257, 5260, 5261) — see our knee conditions guide
- Sciatica and radiculopathy (DC 8520) — see our sciatica guide
These conditions frequently cause secondary problems as the body compensates, which is where combined ratings grow.
Mental health conditions
All mental health conditions are rated under the same formula (38 CFR 4.130), based on how much they impair work and social functioning.
- PTSD — see our PTSD nexus letter guide
- Depression and anxiety — often secondary to physical conditions; see our secondary mental health guide
- MST-related claims — special evidence rules apply; see our MST guide
Hearing and auditory conditions
Driven by noise exposure, these are among the most-claimed conditions.
- Tinnitus (DC 6260) — flat 10 percent; see our tinnitus guide
- Hearing loss (DC 6100) — rated by a strict test formula; see our hearing loss guide
Sleep and respiratory conditions
- Sleep apnea (DC 6847) — often secondary to PTSD; see our sleep apnea guides
Neurological conditions
- Migraines (DC 8100) — rated on prostrating attacks; see our migraines guide
Secondary conditions: the multiplier
One service-connected condition often causes others. Claiming those secondary conditions is one of the most overlooked ways to raise a combined rating. See our guides to secondary conditions, sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, radiculopathy, and chronic pain and depression.