The rating schedule

Rating Criteria by Condition

What the regulation actually says it takes to get each rating level — quoted from 38 CFR Part 4 as currently in force, not summarized from secondhand sources.

• Back & Spine

  38 CFR §4.71a · 9 diagnostic codes · 2 rating formulas

• Hearing Loss

  38 CFR §4.85 · §4.86 · §4.87

• Knee Conditions

  38 CFR §4.71a · 9 diagnostic codes

• Migraines

  38 CFR §4.124a · 1 diagnostic code

• PTSD & Mental Health

  38 CFR §4.130 · 8 diagnostic codes · 1 rating formula

• Radiculopathy

  38 CFR §4.124a · 15 diagnostic codes

• Sleep Apnea

  38 CFR §4.97 · 1 diagnostic code

• Tinnitus

  38 CFR §4.87 · 1 diagnostic code

SOURCE: eCFR, 38 CFR Part 4 (issue date 2026-02-27, current through 2026-06-08) · retrieved 2026-06-10

Have ratings for more than one condition? They combine — they don't add. Run the real VA math.