VA rating guides
What each percentage means for common conditions, in plain language, with the official regulation linked.
PTSD
PTSD and most other mental health conditions use one shared scale, the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. VA looks at how much symptoms affect work and social life.
Tinnitus
Ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears that keeps coming back. It is one of the most common VA claims.
Sleep apnea
Obstructive, central or mixed sleep apnea, confirmed by a sleep study.
Migraines
Rated by how often you have "prostrating" attacks: attacks bad enough that you have to stop and lie down.
Back pain (lumbosacral strain)
Most back conditions use the General Rating Formula for the Spine, based mainly on how far you can bend forward.
Knee (limited motion)
Knees are rated on how far they bend (flexion, DC 5260) and straighten (extension, DC 5261). Each can be rated separately.
Hearing loss
Rated from two hearing tests, a speech test (Maryland CNC) and a tone test, run through VA tables. Many veterans receive 0% at first.