Condition-specific guides with rating criteria, evidence requirements, C&P exam tips, and strategies to maximize your VA disability claim.
Learn the paths to 100% VA disability: scheduler, TDIU, and 100% P&T. Understand VA math, strategic claims, and what it takes to reach total disability.
Learn how VA rates sleep apnea from 0% to 100%, what evidence wins claims, CPAP requirements, and how to file secondary conditions.
Understand VA's PTSD rating criteria, what symptoms qualify for each level, C&P exam tips, and how to document your mental health claim.
Anxiety and depression are rated under the same criteria as PTSD. Learn the rating levels, how to document symptoms, and secondary connections.
PTSD often causes or aggravates other conditions. Learn which secondary conditions to claim, how to prove the connection, and maximize your rating.
VA doesn't add ratings—it uses 'VA Math.' Learn how combined ratings work, the bilateral factor, rounding rules, and how to calculate your total rating.
A strong nexus letter can make or break your claim. Learn what elements VA requires, who can write one, and how to get a compelling medical opinion.
Tinnitus is the #1 VA disability claim. Learn how to file, prove service connection, and claim secondary conditions like migraines and anxiety.
VA rates back conditions on range of motion. Learn the rating criteria, how to document flare-ups, and secondary conditions you may be missing.
Migraine ratings depend on frequency and economic impact. Learn what VA looks for, how to track your headaches, and C&P exam strategies.
Digestive conditions are common Gulf War presumptives. Learn how to file GERD and IBS claims, rating criteria, and secondary service connection.
VA disability ratings determine your monthly compensation based on how much your service-connected conditions affect your ability to work and live. Ratings range from 0% to 100% in 10% increments.
Each condition has specific diagnostic criteria outlined in 38 CFR Part 4, the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Understanding these criteria—and knowing what evidence VA raters look for—is key to getting the rating you deserve.
Our guides break down the rating criteria for the most common conditions, explain what evidence wins claims, and provide strategies for your C&P exam. Start with our 10-Step Guide for the complete claims process, then dive into condition-specific guides above.
Use our AI Assistant for personalized guidance, or try the VA Calculator to estimate your combined rating.