Understanding the VA’s Diagnostic Code

In order to get a fair evaluation of your claim for a service connected disability, you need to understand how the VA uses Diagnostic Codes to determine how debilitating your ailment or injuries are. Knowing this information and how- to use it is very important, and could make a substantial difference on the percentage awarded.

Whether you are evaluated by the VA or an outside the VA doctor, the VA will get a report giving a diagnosis of your symptoms, and their severity. Knowing how the information from your evaluation is going to be used will enable you to be prepared for the evaluation. Understanding how the Diagnostic Codes are used will enable you to not overlook symptoms and their severity that you should mention.

It is advisable in most cases that you create a letter using the same diagnostic code information the VA uses, and provide a detailed description of your symptoms and how severe they are. This letter is to be presented to the doctor at the time of your evaluation. By doing this, your chances of getting a fair assessment of your disability are enhanced because you will not forget to mention all the symptoms you are experiencing and their severity.

What to Do Go to http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr then go to Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 4, Schedule of Rating Disabilities Volume 1. Title 38 ---- Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans Relief.

Chapter I Department of Veterans Affairs
Part 4 ----- Schedule For Rating Disabilities
Subpart A ---- General Policy in Rating

Use Appendix C, to part 4, Alphabetical Index of Disabilities on page 3. Enter the medical term for your aliment or injury. Do this for each claim you are filing for.

Print out all information on all the injuries or aliments you are filing for.

If you have multiple claims, you should do up a separate letter particular to each claim and present it to the individual doctor assigned to evaluate that claim. You then will need to create another letter using each of the individual letters, making them into one letter. Be sure to use the diagnostic code information to list all your claims, how, when, where, your symptoms, and how severe they are. This letter will be submitted to the VA along with your claim.

Note: Using Diagnosis section code numbers, and referring to the code in your letters is not necessary.

If you have any questions, please contact a VA Certified (VSO) Veterans Service Officer. Filing a claim on your own behalf is not advised. Having a service organization represent you is free and is your best bet to winning a fair and favorable decision when applying for any benefit or entitlement.

If you do not have access to a computer, go to your local library. Most have computer stations with free access to the Internet. I put this information together in the hope that it will help you obtain the fairest rating possible. Good luck.

William T. Bradley, Director of Veterans Services, Adams, MAVA & MA Certified VSO/Agent,

William Bradley Veteran Service Office 8 Park Street Adams, MA 01226
(413) 743-8340 FAX (413) 743-8316