VA benefits tied to where you are rated

VA health care enrollment for mental health care

If you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, you may be eligible to enroll in VA health care, which includes mental health services. If you receive VA compensation (payments) for a service-connected disability — including a mental health condition — you may qualify for enhanced eligibility status, which places you in a higher priority group for care.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. Apply for VA health care online at va.gov/health-care/apply, by phone at 877-222-8387, or in person at a VA medical center.
2. If you receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability, note it when you apply — it may qualify you for enhanced eligibility status and a higher priority group.
3. Once enrolled, ask your VA primary care team for a mental health referral, or contact the facility mental health clinic directly.

VA health care eligibility — basic eligibility and enhanced eligibility status · Verified 2026-07-11

Disability compensation for PTSD, depression, or anxiety (mental-disorder rating)

PTSD, depression, and anxiety are rated on one shared scale — the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders — based on how much your symptoms impair your work and social life, not on the diagnosis label. A 70% rating, for example, reflects deficiencies in most areas of life such as work, family, judgment, thinking, or mood. The higher the impairment, the higher the rating and monthly compensation.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your mental health condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Support the claim with a diagnosis and evidence of how symptoms affect your work and daily life — the rating is based on functional impairment, not the label.
3. Attend your C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam; the examiner assesses your occupational and social impairment against the General Rating Formula.

38 CFR §4.130 — General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders · Verified 2026-07-11

Disability compensation for residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI)

The lasting effects of a traumatic brain injury are rated under Diagnostic Code 8045. The VA looks at three main areas — cognitive (memory, concentration, executive function), emotional/behavioral, and physical — and rates the residuals that were not otherwise classified using a 10-facet table. Your overall rating comes from your highest-scoring facet (a facet scored “3” maps to 70%; any facet scored “total” maps to 100%).

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim listing your TBI and its residual symptoms at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez.
2. Bring records of cognitive, emotional/behavioral, and physical symptoms so each area of dysfunction can be evaluated.
3. Note that a distinct diagnosis with its own diagnostic code — such as migraine headache — is rated separately from the TBI residuals table, so ask that each be considered.

38 CFR §4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8045 — Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) · Verified 2026-07-11

Disability compensation for migraine headaches

Migraines are rated under Diagnostic Code 8100 based on how often you get “prostrating” attacks — attacks so severe you have to stop what you are doing and lie down. Roughly: characteristic prostrating attacks about once a month over several months rate 30%; very frequent, completely prostrating, prolonged attacks that cause severe economic inadaptability rate the top 50%.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for migraine headaches at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez.
2. Keep a headache log showing how often attacks are “prostrating” (force you to stop and lie down) and how they affect your ability to work — frequency and economic impact drive the rating.
3. If your migraines are a residual of a service-connected TBI, note that they are rated separately under DC 8100, not folded into the TBI residuals table.

38 CFR §4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8100 — Migraine · Verified 2026-07-11

In-clinic exposure therapy for PTSD (ask your VA provider)

Prolonged Exposure (PE) is a proven, one-on-one talk therapy for PTSD where you work with a VA provider to gradually approach trauma-related memories and situations you have been avoiding. Some VA facilities deliver this exposure therapy using virtual reality (the VA’s BraveMind system is one example, where available). This is clinical care you ask your VA provider about — it is not a benefit you “qualify for” at a rating percentage, and it is not a take-home headset.

Available via VA healthcare based on clinical need — not gated by your rating

How to claim

1. If you are enrolled in VA health care, talk to your VA primary care provider or mental health clinic about trauma-focused therapy for PTSD.
2. Ask specifically about Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, and whether your facility offers a virtual-reality-assisted option such as BraveMind.
3. You can also find a VA PTSD program or Vet Center near you at va.gov/find-locations to start care.

VA National Center for PTSD — Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD · Verified 2026-07-11

Disability compensation for hearing loss

Service-connected hearing loss is rated from an examination by a state-licensed audiologist that includes a speech-discrimination test (Maryland CNC) and a puretone audiometry test — done without hearing aids in. The VA converts each ear’s scores into a Roman-numeral designation and then combines the two ears to set your percentage. The worse your measured hearing, the higher the rating and monthly compensation.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for hearing loss at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Attend the VA audiology exam — a state-licensed audiologist runs the Maryland CNC speech-discrimination test and a puretone audiometry test; the exam is done without your hearing aids in.
3. If only one ear is service-connected, note it — the rating formula still combines both ears, assigning the non-service-connected ear a baseline designation.

38 CFR §4.85 — Evaluation of hearing impairment (Table VII, Diagnostic Code 6100) · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Recurrent tinnitus — persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing you hear in one ear, both ears, or in your head — is rated under Diagnostic Code 6260. It carries a single 10% evaluation no matter how many ears are affected, and it can be rated separately from (and combined with) a hearing-loss rating. Note: a proposed VA rulemaking could change how tinnitus is evaluated, so this record is flagged for annual re-verification.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for tinnitus at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, listing it separately from any hearing-loss claim.
2. Describe when the ringing started and how it affects your daily life; tinnitus is often service-connected alongside noise-exposure hearing loss.
3. Expect a single 10% evaluation for recurrent tinnitus regardless of whether you hear it in one ear, both ears, or your head.

38 CFR §4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260 — Tinnitus, recurrent · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for Meniere’s syndrome and peripheral vestibular disorders

Inner-ear balance conditions are rated on how badly they disrupt your life. Meniere’s syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops) is rated by how often you get attacks of vertigo with hearing impairment and staggering — from 30% up to 100% for the most frequent attacks. A peripheral vestibular disorder is rated 10% for occasional dizziness and 30% for dizziness with occasional staggering, once objective findings support the diagnosis.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your inner-ear/balance condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez.
2. Bring medical evidence of vertigo frequency and any staggering or hearing impairment — objective findings are required before a compensable rating for a vestibular disorder can be assigned.
3. Ask the VA to rate whichever method (the Meniere’s criteria, or separately rating vertigo, hearing impairment, and tinnitus) results in the higher overall evaluation.

38 CFR §4.87, Diagnostic Codes 6204 & 6205 — Peripheral vestibular disorders; Meniere’s syndrome · Verified 2026-07-13

Hearing aids and batteries (ask your VA provider)

If you are enrolled in VA health care, a VA audiologist can evaluate your hearing and decide whether you need hearing aids or other hearing assistive devices. When they are recommended and fit, the hearing aids — plus repairs and future batteries — are provided at no charge to you as long as you keep your VA eligibility for care. This is clinical care you ask your VA provider about; it is not a benefit you “qualify for” at a rating percentage.

Available via VA healthcare based on clinical need — not gated by your rating

How to claim

1. If you are not already enrolled, register for VA health care at the enrollment section of your chosen VA Medical Center (bring your DD214, driver’s license, and any health insurance).
2. Once registered, schedule an appointment at the VA Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic for a hearing evaluation.
3. The audiologist decides whether hearing aids or other assistive devices are needed; if recommended and fit, the devices, repairs, and batteries are at no charge while you maintain VA eligibility.

VA Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service — Hearing Aids · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for anatomical loss of an eye

The most severe vision losses carry the highest ratings under §4.79. Anatomical loss of both eyes rates 100%, as does having no more than light perception in both eyes. Anatomical loss of one eye is rated based on the vision remaining in the other eye. These are the codes that apply when an eye is lost or has almost no usable vision.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your eye condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring your eye-exam records documenting the loss and the vision remaining in your other eye — the rating for loss of one eye depends on the other eye’s acuity.
3. Ask whether you should be reviewed for special monthly compensation (SMC), which the rating schedule flags for the most severe vision losses.

38 CFR §4.79, Diagnostic Codes 6061–6063 — Anatomical loss / light perception · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for impaired central visual acuity

Impaired central visual acuity is rated under §4.79 by comparing the vision in each eye. Diagnostic Code 6066 covers eyes with acuity of 10/200 (3/60) or better and steps the rating up as the other eye’s vision worsens: for example, 10/200 in one eye with 10/200 in the other rates 90%, dropping toward 40% as the other eye improves toward 20/50. The worse the combined acuity, the higher the rating.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your vision condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez.
2. Bring a current eye exam giving your best-corrected visual acuity in each eye (for example, 20/70 or 10/200) — the rating is set by these measured values.
3. If your acuity has worsened since your last rating, ask for a re-evaluation; the scale steps up as the vision in the better eye declines.

38 CFR §4.79, Diagnostic Code 6066 — Visual acuity in one eye 10/200 (3/60) or better · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for visual field defects

Losing part of your field of vision — not sharpness, but how wide an area you can see — is rated under Diagnostic Code 6080. Homonymous hemianopsia (loss of the same half of the field in both eyes) rates 30%. Losing the temporal (outer) half of the field rates 30% if both eyes are affected, 10% for one eye. These defects can also be evaluated as an equivalent visual-acuity level, whichever gives the higher rating.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your visual field defect at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez.
2. Bring the results of a formal visual field test (perimetry) showing which part of your field is lost and whether one or both eyes are affected.
3. Ask that your defect be evaluated both on the field-defect scale and as an equivalent visual-acuity level — the VA assigns whichever yields the higher rating.

38 CFR §4.79, Diagnostic Code 6080 — Visual field defects · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for diplopia (double vision)

Diplopia — double vision — is rated under Diagnostic Code 6090 by mapping where in your field of view the doubling occurs. The VA converts the affected zone to an equivalent visual-acuity value: double vision within the central 20 degrees is treated as 5/200, while doubling that appears only farther out in the field converts to progressively better acuity values (and thus a lower rating). The examiner charts the diplopia field to set the level.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for diplopia (double vision) at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez.
2. Bring an eye exam that charts your diplopia field — where the double vision occurs (central versus peripheral) and in which direction (down, lateral, up).
3. Note that the VA converts the affected zone to an equivalent visual-acuity value, so the more central the double vision, the higher the rating.

38 CFR §4.79, Diagnostic Code 6090 — Diplopia (double vision) · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for a neck (cervical spine) condition

Neck (cervical spine) conditions such as cervical strain (DC 5237) are rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, based mainly on how far you can bend your neck forward (forward flexion) and whether the spine is fixed in place (ankylosis). Roughly: forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 but not more than 40 degrees rates 10%; 15 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, rates 30%; unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine rates 40%.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your neck (cervical spine) condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring evidence of your neck range of motion (forward flexion in degrees) and any muscle spasm, guarding, or ankylosis — these drive the rating under the spine formula.
3. Note that the cervical (neck) and thoracolumbar (lower-back) spine segments are generally evaluated separately, so list each affected segment.

38 CFR §4.71a — General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (DC 5235-5243), Diagnostic Code 5237 (cervical strain) · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for a lower-back (thoracolumbar spine) condition

Lower-back (thoracolumbar spine) conditions such as lumbosacral strain (DC 5237) are rated under the same General Rating Formula for the Spine, based mainly on forward flexion of the lower back and whether the spine is fixed (ankylosis). Roughly: forward flexion greater than 30 but not more than 60 degrees rates 20%; 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, rates 40%; unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine rates 50%.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your lower-back (thoracolumbar spine) condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring evidence of your lower-back forward flexion in degrees and any muscle spasm, guarding, abnormal gait, or ankylosis — these drive the rating under the spine formula.
3. If both your neck and lower back are affected, list them separately — the two spine segments are generally evaluated as separate disabilities.

38 CFR §4.71a — General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (DC 5235-5243), thoracolumbar spine · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for a herniated disc (intervertebral disc syndrome) — including sciatica/radiculopathy

A herniated (slipped) disc pressing on a nerve root is rated as intervertebral disc syndrome under Diagnostic Code 5243 — the VA uses whichever gives the higher rating: the spine range-of-motion formula, or a formula based on how many weeks of doctor-prescribed bed rest ("incapacitating episodes") you had in the past year. Importantly, the nerve-pain that shoots down your leg or arm (sciatica or radiculopathy) is evaluated SEPARATELY as an associated neurologic abnormality — so a spine claim can lead to more than one rating.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your disc condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, and describe any nerve pain, numbness, or weakness radiating into a limb (sciatica/radiculopathy).
2. Bring evidence of any doctor-prescribed bed rest for flare-ups ("incapacitating episodes") over the past 12 months — this can raise the rating under the disc-syndrome formula.
3. Ask that any radiating nerve symptoms be evaluated separately as an associated neurologic abnormality, in addition to the spine rating itself.

38 CFR §4.71a — Diagnostic Code 5243 (intervertebral disc syndrome) + Spine Formula Note (1), associated neurologic abnormalities · Verified 2026-07-13

Back brace / spinal orthosis (ask your VA provider)

If you are enrolled in VA health care, VA orthotic clinicians can evaluate you for a spinal orthosis (back or neck brace) designed to treat a neuromusculoskeletal disorder or acquired condition. Braces can be off-the-shelf or custom-made, provided on a prescription. This is clinical care you ask your VA provider about — it is not a benefit you "qualify for" at a rating percentage.

Available via VA healthcare based on clinical need — not gated by your rating

How to claim

1. If you are not already enrolled, apply for VA health care at va.gov/health-care/apply so you can access orthotic services.
2. Ask your VA primary care provider for a referral to the VA Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic (OPPCS) clinic for a spine/back evaluation.
3. A VA orthotist determines whether a spinal orthosis (back or neck brace) is appropriate and fits it to a prescription.

VA Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic Clinical Services — Who We Are (orthotic care) · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for sleep apnea

Sleep apnea (obstructive, central, or mixed) is rated under Diagnostic Code 6847. The rating turns on how the condition is managed and how severe it is: needing a breathing-assistance device such as a CPAP machine rates 50%; persistent daytime sleepiness rates 30%; a documented sleep disorder with no symptoms rates 0%; and chronic respiratory failure or needing a tracheostomy rates 100%. Note: a proposed VA rule could change these criteria in the future, so this record is a watch item.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for sleep apnea at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Support the claim with your sleep-study results and, if you use one, documentation that a breathing-assistance device such as a CPAP machine was prescribed for you.
3. Because a proposed rule may change how sleep apnea is rated, keep copies of your current evidence and check va.gov for the latest criteria before you file.

38 CFR §4.97, Diagnostic Code 6847 — Sleep Apnea Syndromes · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma is rated under Diagnostic Code 6602 primarily by your breathing-test numbers (FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC) and by the medication you need to control it. Intermittent inhaler use rates 10%; daily inhaled or oral bronchodilator or anti-inflammatory medication rates 30%; frequent physician visits or courses of oral steroids rate 60%; and the most severe cases, including more than one attack per week with respiratory failure or daily high-dose steroids, rate 100%.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for bronchial asthma at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez.
2. Bring your pulmonary function test (PFT) results — the rating turns heavily on your FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC percentages — plus a list of the inhalers or oral medications you use.
3. If you have no clinical findings of asthma at the time of your exam, note that a verified history of asthmatic attacks must be in your record for the condition to be evaluated.

38 CFR §4.97, Diagnostic Code 6602 — Asthma, bronchial · Verified 2026-07-13

CPAP and breathing-assistance devices (ask your VA provider)

A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is the breathing-assistance device the VA rating schedule names for sleep apnea. If you are enrolled in VA health care and a VA sleep study shows you need one, your VA care team can prescribe and supply the CPAP machine and its replacement supplies. This is clinical care you ask your VA provider about — it is not a benefit you “qualify for” at a rating percentage.

Available via VA healthcare based on clinical need — not gated by your rating

How to claim

1. If you are not already enrolled, apply for VA health care at va.gov/health-care/apply so you can access a VA sleep evaluation.
2. Ask your VA primary care provider for a referral to the VA sleep clinic for a sleep study — a CPAP machine is prescribed based on that study.
3. Once prescribed, your VA care team supplies the CPAP machine and its replacement supplies (mask, tubing, filters) as ongoing clinical care.

38 CFR §4.97, Diagnostic Code 6847 — breathing-assistance (CPAP) device · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for limited shoulder/arm movement (limitation of motion of the arm)

When a shoulder or arm condition limits how far you can raise the arm, it is rated under Diagnostic Code 5201 (arm, limitation of motion) by how high you can lift it. Roughly: raising the arm only to shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 90 degrees) rates 20%; midway between the side and shoulder level (limited to 45 degrees) rates up to 30%; and being able to lift the arm only 25 degrees from the side rates up to 40%. The rating is higher on your dominant (major) side than your non-dominant (minor) side.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your shoulder or arm condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring evidence of your shoulder/arm range of motion in degrees (how high you can raise the arm) — arm motion in degrees drives the rating under DC 5201.
3. Note which arm is your dominant (major) side, since the same limitation rates higher on the dominant side.

38 CFR §4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5201 — Arm, limitation of motion of · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for limited elbow/forearm movement (limitation of flexion or extension)

When an elbow or forearm condition limits how far you can bend (flexion) or straighten (extension) the arm, it is rated under Diagnostic Code 5206 (limitation of flexion) and Diagnostic Code 5207 (limitation of extension) by the number of degrees you have left. Roughly: forearm flexion limited to 100 degrees rates 10%, worsening to 50% at 45 degrees; forearm extension limited to 45 degrees rates 10%, worsening to 50% at 110 degrees. Limited bending and limited straightening of the same arm can be rated under their own codes.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your elbow or forearm condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring evidence of how far you can bend and straighten the arm (in degrees) — forearm flexion (DC 5206) and extension (DC 5207) in degrees drive the rating.
3. If both bending and straightening are limited, ask that each be considered under its own diagnostic code.

38 CFR §4.71a, Diagnostic Codes 5206 & 5207 — Forearm, limitation of flexion and extension · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for limited wrist movement (limitation of motion of the wrist)

When a wrist condition limits how far you can bend the wrist, it is rated under Diagnostic Code 5215 (wrist, limitation of motion). A wrist that can bend backward (dorsiflexion) less than 15 degrees, or whose forward bend (palmar flexion) is limited in line with the forearm, rates 10% — the same on both the dominant (major) and non-dominant (minor) side. More severe wrist conditions that lock the joint (ankylosis) are rated higher under a separate diagnostic code.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your wrist condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring evidence of your wrist range of motion in degrees (how far it bends backward and forward) — wrist motion drives the rating under DC 5215.
3. If the wrist is fused or locked in place (ankylosis), ask that it be considered under DC 5214, which rates higher.

38 CFR §4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5215 — Wrist, limitation of motion of · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for limited thumb or finger movement (limitation of motion of the digits)

When a thumb condition limits how well you can move or oppose the thumb, it is rated under Diagnostic Code 5228 (thumb, limitation of motion) by the gap that remains between the thumb pad and the fingers when you try to touch them. Roughly: a gap of more than two inches rates 20%; a gap of one to two inches rates 10%. Individual index and long fingers are rated under DC 5229 and ring/little fingers under DC 5230, based on how far short of a full fist they close.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your thumb or finger condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring evidence of the gap (in inches) between your thumb pad and fingers when you try to oppose them — that gap drives the thumb rating under DC 5228.
3. For a limited index, long, ring, or little finger, ask that it be considered under DC 5229 or DC 5230.

38 CFR §4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5228 — Thumb, limitation of motion · Verified 2026-07-13

Prosthetic or orthotic device for an arm or hand (ask your VA provider)

If you are enrolled in VA health care, VA prosthetic and orthotic clinicians can evaluate you for an assistive or artificial upper-limb device — for example a hand or arm prosthesis, or an orthosis (brace/splint) — designed and fitted on a prescription to restore function. This is clinical care you ask your VA provider about — it is not a benefit you "qualify for" at a rating percentage.

Available via VA healthcare based on clinical need — not gated by your rating

How to claim

1. If you are not already enrolled, apply for VA health care at va.gov/health-care/apply so you can access prosthetic and orthotic services.
2. Ask your VA primary care provider for a referral to the VA Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic (OPPCS) clinic for an arm/hand evaluation.
3. A VA prosthetist or orthotist determines whether a prosthesis or orthosis is appropriate and fits it to a prescription.

VA Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic Clinical Services — Who We Are (prosthetic care) · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for limited knee bending (limitation of flexion)

When a knee condition limits how far you can bend the leg, it is rated under Diagnostic Code 5260 (limitation of flexion) by the number of degrees of bend you still have — less bending means a higher rating. Roughly: flexion limited to 45 degrees rates 10%; limited to 30 degrees rates 20%; limited to 15 degrees rates 30%.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your knee condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring evidence of your knee range of motion in degrees (how far you can bend the leg) — flexion in degrees drives the rating under DC 5260.
3. If both bending (flexion) and straightening (extension) are limited, note both — they can be rated separately.

38 CFR §4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5260 — Leg, limitation of flexion of (the knee) · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for limited knee straightening (limitation of extension)

When a knee condition limits how far you can straighten the leg, it is rated under Diagnostic Code 5261 (limitation of extension) by how many degrees short of straight you are — the more you cannot straighten, the higher the rating. Roughly: extension limited to 10 degrees rates 10%; limited to 20 degrees rates 30%; limited to 45 degrees rates 50%. Limited bending and limited straightening of the same knee can each be rated separately.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your knee condition at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring evidence of how far short of fully straight your knee extends (in degrees) — extension in degrees drives the rating under DC 5261.
3. If your knee is limited in both bending and straightening, ask that DC 5260 (flexion) and DC 5261 (extension) each be considered.

38 CFR §4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5261 — Leg, limitation of extension of (the knee) · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for knee instability or a "giving way" knee (subluxation)

A knee that feels loose, gives way, or partially dislocates (recurrent subluxation or instability) is rated under Diagnostic Code 5257. Under the current criteria the rating turns on the severity of the ligament injury and whether a medical provider has prescribed a brace and/or an assistive device (cane, crutches, or walker) for you to walk — a prescribed brace-plus-assistive-device for a worse tear rates higher than instability without any prescribed device. Knee instability can be rated in addition to limited knee motion.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your knee instability at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring evidence of any ligament tear and whether a medical provider prescribed a brace and/or an assistive device (cane, crutch, or walker) for walking — this drives the DC 5257 rating.
3. Ask that instability (DC 5257) be considered in addition to any limited-motion rating (DC 5260/5261) for the same knee.

38 CFR §4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5257 — Knee, other impairment of (recurrent subluxation or instability) · Verified 2026-07-13

Knee brace / leg orthosis (ask your VA provider)

If you are enrolled in VA health care, VA orthotic clinicians can evaluate you for a knee brace or leg orthosis designed to treat a neuromusculoskeletal disorder or acquired condition. Braces can be off-the-shelf or custom-made, provided on a prescription. This is clinical care you ask your VA provider about — it is not a benefit you "qualify for" at a rating percentage.

Available via VA healthcare based on clinical need — not gated by your rating

How to claim

1. If you are not already enrolled, apply for VA health care at va.gov/health-care/apply so you can access orthotic services.
2. Ask your VA primary care provider for a referral to the VA Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic (OPPCS) clinic for a knee/leg evaluation.
3. A VA orthotist determines whether a knee brace or leg orthosis is appropriate and fits it to a prescription.

VA Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic Clinical Services — Who We Are (orthotic care) · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for flatfoot (pes planus)

Acquired flatfoot is rated under Diagnostic Code 5276 by how severe the deformity is and whether shoes or arch supports relieve it. Mild flatfoot relieved by a built-up shoe or arch support rates 0%; moderate flatfoot with pain on use rates 10%; severe and pronounced flatfoot rate higher, up to 30% (unilateral) or 50% (bilateral) for the pronounced level. Bilateral (both feet) generally rates higher than one foot.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for flatfoot (pes planus) at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Bring evidence of how the deformity affects you — pain on use, whether arch supports or built-up shoes relieve it, and whether one or both feet are involved.
3. Note that bilateral flatfoot is generally rated higher than one foot at the same severity level.

38 CFR §4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5276 — Flatfoot, acquired · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is rated under Diagnostic Code 5269 primarily by how well treatment relieves it. If neither non-surgical nor surgical treatment gives relief, it rates 20% for one foot or 30% for both feet; otherwise it rates 10% whether one or both feet are affected. If the condition causes actual loss of use of the foot, it rates 40%.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for plantar fasciitis at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez.
2. Document the treatments you have tried (non-surgical and surgical) and whether they relieved your symptoms — the rating turns on lack of relief from treatment.
3. If you were recommended for surgery but are not a surgical candidate, note it — the VA still evaluates you under the applicable 20% or 30% criteria.

38 CFR §4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5269 — Plantar fasciitis · Verified 2026-07-13

Disability compensation for other foot injuries

Foot injuries that do not fall under a more specific code are rated under Diagnostic Code 5284 by overall severity: moderate rates 10%, moderately severe rates 20%, and severe rates 30%. If the injury results in actual loss of use of the foot, it is rated 40%. This is the catch-all code for foot trauma and residuals not otherwise listed.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File a disability compensation claim for your foot injury at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez, describing the injury and its lasting residuals.
2. Bring records showing the severity of the residuals — the rating steps up from moderate (10%) to moderately severe (20%) to severe (30%).
3. If the injury caused loss of use of the foot, ask that it be considered for the 40% evaluation.

38 CFR §4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5284 — Foot injuries, other · Verified 2026-07-13

Orthopedic shoes and inserts / orthotics (ask your VA provider)

If you are enrolled in VA health care, VA orthotic and pedorthic clinicians can evaluate you for orthopedic shoes and shoe inserts (orthotics) designed to support, correct, or accommodate the mechanics of your foot, ankle, and leg. Devices can be off-the-shelf or custom-made, provided in accordance with a prescription. This is clinical care you ask your VA provider about — it is not a benefit you “qualify for” at a rating percentage.

Available via VA healthcare based on clinical need — not gated by your rating

How to claim

1. If you are not already enrolled, apply for VA health care at va.gov/health-care/apply so you can access orthotic and pedorthic services.
2. Ask your VA primary care provider for a referral to the VA Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic (OPPCS) clinic for a foot/gait evaluation.
3. A VA orthotist, pedorthist, or certified therapeutic shoe fitter determines whether orthopedic shoes or inserts are appropriate and fits them to a prescription.

VA Orthotic, Prosthetic & Pedorthic Clinical Services — What We Provide · Verified 2026-07-13

Annual clothing allowance

If a skin medicine, prosthetic, or orthopedic device tied to a service-connected disability wears out or stains your clothes, the VA can pay you an annual clothing allowance to replace them. You qualify because of that qualifying device or skin medication — not because of any particular rating percentage. It can be a one-time payment or paid once a year.

Available at any rating

$1,053.19 (as of 2026) · reviewed annually

How to claim

1. File a clothing allowance claim (VA Form 10-8678) at va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/clothing-allowance, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Have your VA provider document the prosthetic/orthopedic appliance or the prescribed skin medication that wears or stains your clothing.
3. Submit the claim by the annual deadline (August 1) to receive that year’s allowance.

VA special benefit allowance rates — Clothing allowance (effective December 1, 2025) · Verified 2026-07-13

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant helps you buy, build, or change a permanent home so you can live more independently. You qualify based on a serious service-connected disability — for example the loss, or loss of use, of more than one limb; blindness in both eyes; or certain severe burns — not on a rating percentage alone. For FY 2026 the maximum SAH grant is up to $126,526.

Available at any rating

$126,526 (as of 2026) · reviewed annually

How to claim

1. Check your eligibility and apply for a housing grant at va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants, online or with VA Form 26-4555.
2. Have documentation of the qualifying service-connected disability (such as loss or loss of use of more than one limb, or blindness) ready.
3. Work with a VA Specially Adapted Housing agent, who is assigned after you apply, to plan the home purchase or adaptation.

VA disability housing grants — Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant (FY 2026) · Verified 2026-07-13

Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant

The Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant helps you buy, build, or change a permanent home to adapt it to a serious service-connected disability — for example the loss, or loss of use, of both hands; certain severe burns; or certain breathing (respiratory) injuries. You qualify based on that qualifying condition, not on a rating percentage alone. For FY 2026 the maximum SHA grant is up to $25,350.

Available at any rating

$25,350 (as of 2026) · reviewed annually

How to claim

1. Check your eligibility and apply for a housing grant at va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants, online or with VA Form 26-4555.
2. Have documentation of the qualifying service-connected disability (such as loss or loss of use of both hands, or a qualifying burn or respiratory injury) ready.
3. Work with your assigned VA Specially Adapted Housing agent to plan the home adaptation.

VA disability housing grants — Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant (FY 2026) · Verified 2026-07-13

Automobile allowance

The automobile allowance is a one-time payment toward a specially equipped vehicle. You qualify based on a service-connected disability such as the loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet or hands, permanent decreased vision in both eyes, a severe burn, or ALS — not on a rating percentage alone. The VA pays the seller of the specially equipped vehicle directly.

Available at any rating

$27,074.99 (as of 2026) · reviewed annually

How to claim

1. File an automobile allowance claim (VA Form 21-4502) at va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/automobile-allowance-adaptive-equipment, or with help from an accredited VSO.
2. Have your VA provider document the qualifying disability (such as loss or permanent loss of use of a foot or hand, or qualifying vision loss).
3. The seller of the specially equipped vehicle submits the claim, and the VA pays them the one-time allowance directly.

VA special benefit allowance rates — Automobile allowance (effective October 1, 2025) · Verified 2026-07-13

Adaptive equipment for a vehicle

Separate from the automobile allowance, the VA can pay for approved adaptive equipment that makes a vehicle safe for you to drive or ride in — for example special controls or a lift. You qualify based on a service-connected disability such as loss or loss of use of a foot or hand, qualifying vision loss, or ankylosis (a locked joint) in one or both knees or hips (ankylosis qualifies you for adaptive equipment only). There is no separate dollar ceiling published for adaptive equipment; ask the VA which equipment it will cover for your situation.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. File an automobile allowance / adaptive-equipment claim (VA Form 21-4502 for the allowance, or VA Form 10-1394 for adaptive equipment) at va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/automobile-allowance-adaptive-equipment.
2. Have your VA provider document the qualifying disability (such as loss or loss of use of a foot or hand, or ankylosis of a knee or hip).
3. Ask the VA which adaptive equipment it will approve for your vehicle before you buy it, since coverage is approval-based rather than a fixed dollar amount.

VA automobile allowance and adaptive equipment — eligibility (38 U.S.C. §3903 context) · Verified 2026-07-13

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — worth asking about

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a higher, tax-free monthly payment on top of regular disability compensation for veterans with especially serious disabilities — for example the anatomical loss or loss of use of a hand or foot, blindness, deafness, or the need for regular aid and attendance. If you have one of these serious conditions, it is worth asking the VA or an accredited VSO whether you qualify for SMC. This card is an awareness pointer — it does not list SMC rate figures.

Available at any rating

How to claim

1. Ask the VA or an accredited VSO whether your disabilities qualify for Special Monthly Compensation — SMC is often added during a regular disability claim.
2. Gather evidence of any qualifying condition (such as loss or loss of use of a hand or foot, blindness, deafness, or needing regular aid and attendance).
3. File or amend your disability compensation claim at va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez and note the SMC-qualifying conditions.

38 CFR §3.350 — Special monthly compensation ratings (38 U.S.C. 1114) · Verified 2026-07-13