Top 10 Most Common Conditions on the VA Disability Conditions List

Attorneys look at the most common conditions veterans submit claims for on the VA disability conditions list, and ‘why’ claims are filed the most. This is the comprehensive guide on the VA disability conditions list and its associated ratings, and the most common conditions and their impact on strategies for claims solvable claims. If you are using the VA disability conditions list, the VA disability Cheat Sheet, or helping clients track the status of their claims, you should read this post in relation to your practice.

Understanding VA Disability Conditions List

The VA Disability Conditions List is the exhaustive service connected conditions the VA assesses, allocates diagnostic codes and respective VA disability percentages to, and assigns rates for. The list, which forms part of the VA disability conditions list and ratings PDF document, organizes conditions into their respective body systems and relevant ranges of disability percentages. 

The attorney is obligated to use the VA disability calculator for estimating the value of ratings to compensation. VA presumptive conditions list should be on hand for faster claims.

How the VA Determines the Most Common Conditions

The VA has been issued the population of veterans with service-connects, and is trying to find the most common conditions on its list of VA disability conditions. Reports with data, show that the most common conditions are tinnitus, knee limitations, and hearing loss. 

The breakdown of bodily systems indicates that for musculoskeletal conditions, which accounts for nearly 38% of claims, hearing loss accounts for approximately 13%, and the remaining claims are neurological (12%) and mental health (7%) for the remaining claims.

Top 10 Most Common Conditions on the VA Disability Conditions List

1. Tinnitus

The most prominent condition, with millions awarded compensation, usually for a 10 % rating and quite often found on the VA disability conditions list along with rating breakdowns. 

2. Limitation of Flexion, Knee

The second most common condition, which receives a considerable amount of claims every year most common ratings assigned are between 0 % and 60 % based on the level of condition and criteria met. 

3. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve

Although not the most common, it still holds a position towards the top of the list; ratings assigned are between 10 % and 80 % depending on the level of functional loss.

4. Hearing Loss

Also a common condition; and the VA ratings are awarded between 0 % and 100 % based on audiometric assessment results.

5. Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain

Also common, rated at proportions of between 10 % and 100 % based on the period of time and whether or not the condition has ankylosed. 

6. Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The most common condition of this nature; rated between 0 % to 100 % based on the level of social and work activities undertaken.

7. Limitation of Motion of the Arm

Often claims are made, routinely rated at 10 %, although if the condition is aggravated, then the rating increases. 

8. Limitation of Motion of the Ankle

Routine claims made, on average rated at 10 % 

9. Scars, General

General Scars are often claimed. ratings are up to 60% if they are disfiguring or cause a loss of movement. 

10. Migraines

Migraines Every veteran evaluated, on average, to have migraines suffers a disability percentage between 10-50%

The list of 10 most common conditions for a disability does help lawyers understand the basis for most veteran claims, how claims get rated, and what evidence is likely to be challenged.

What to Do If Your Condition Isn’t on This List

Veterans who served between 1939 and 1945 or served for more than eight years who have the top ten cannot be completely dismissed. Any will have to utilize the entire VA disability conditions list. Check the legal document for the set of diagnostic codes and the VA disability conditions list and claims pdf for the VA disability calculator rating range. 

If the condition being claimed falls on the VA presumptive conditions list, claims are likely much easier, as proving an in-service event is not required. Denial of claims can be filed, even in instances where claims are not commonly made.

How to File a VA Disability Claim

1. Use the diagnostic codes, such as on VA form 21-526EZ, to select the relevant condition(s) from the VA Disability Conditions List.
2. Support your claim and prove your relevant points with appropriate evidence like medical and service records, as well as nexus letters.
3. Estimate combined ratings with tools like the VA calculator, then advocate for appropriate VA disability rates.
4. The VA disability claim status tools, claim status tools, or phone support options can be helpful to check claim status.
5. In the event a claim gets denied, be ready to appeal it, say, for example, VA disability claims where the evidence is not available to support them at the outset.

Conclusion

The most common conditions listed in the VA Disability Conditions list together with how ratings are allocated enables attorneys to better represent the veteran clients. With the attorney’s help, clients are positioned successfully whether he is reviewing the VA presumptive conditions, calculating combined ratings, or completing VA form 21‐526EZ. There are clients who have intricate problems or conditions for which support is paramount.