Top 20 VA Disability Claims:
According to the VBA’s FY 2023 report to Congress, here’s an updated list of the 20 most common VA claims. Similarly, the top 20 VA disability claims are outlined in the Veterans Benefits Administration Annual Benefits Report for 2022. Because of the nature of military service, veterans are more likely to develop certain medical conditions that qualify for disability. Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that veterans are more likely to be wounded and disabled than non-veteran civilians. These disabilities can present challenges in holding a job and performing everyday activities and can lead to other chronic conditions.
Note: Of the 37,296,902 total service connected disabilities for all veteran demographics, this list represents 14,649,502 of them or 39.3% of the total.
#1. Tinnitus The VA diagnostic code for tinnitus is 6260 under rating 38 CFR § 4.87.
#2. Limitation of Flexion of the Knee The diagnostic code for knee flexion limitation is 5256 under 38 CFR § 4.71a.
#3. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica) The diagnostic code for sciatic nerve paralysis is 8520 under rating 38 CFR § 4.124a.
#4. Hearing Loss The VA diagnostic code for hearing loss is 6100 under rating 38 CFR § 4.85.
#5. Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain These conditions are covered by diagnostic codes 5235 to 5243 for spine diseases and injuries under rating 38 CFR § 4.71a.
#6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) The diagnostic code for post-traumatic stress disorder is 9411 under rating 38 CFR § 4.130.
#7. Limitation of Motion of the Arm The diagnostic code for limitation of motion of the arm is 5201 under 38 CFR § 4.71a.
#8. Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle The diagnostic codes for limitation of motion in the ankle are 5270 and 5271 under 38 CFR § 4.71a.
#9. Migraines (Headaches) The diagnostic code for migraines is 8100 under 38 CFR § 4.124a.
#10. Scars, General Diagnostic codes 7800 through 7805 under rating 38 CFR § 4.118 apply to scarring.
These conditions are commonly associated with military service and may result from combat experiences, exposure to environmental hazards, physical exertion, or other factors. VA Care Now provides information about the top 20 VA disability claims, including which conditions qualify for benefits, how to file a claim, and how to appeal a denial.
#11. Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine: The diagnostic code for degenerative arthritis of the spine is 5003 under 38 CFR § 4.71a.
#12: Respiratory Disorders: The diagnostic codes for each respiratory disorder can be found under rating 38 CFR § 4.97.
#13. Sleep Apnea: The diagnostic code for sleep apnea is 6847 under rating 38 CFR § 4.97.
#14. Eczema: The diagnostic code for eczema is 7806 under rating 38 CFR § 4.118.
#15. Flatfoot: The diagnostic code for flatfoot is 5276 under 38 CFR § 4.71a.
#16. Erectile dysfunction: The diagnostic code for erectile dysfunction, which includes any injury that causes scarring or penile deformity, is 7522 under rating 38 CFR § 4.115b.
#17. Hiatal Hernia: The diagnostic code for hiatal hernia is 7346 under rating 38 CFR § 4.114.
#18. Diabetes mellitus Type 2: The diagnostic code for diabetes mellitus type 2 is 7913 under rating 38 CFR § 4.119.
#19. Hemorrhoids: The diagnostic code for hemorrhoids is 7336 under rating 38 CFR § 4.114.
#20. Major Depression Disorder: The diagnostic code for major depressive disorder is 9434 under rating 38 CFR § 4.130.
