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The VA Rating Code Book — 38 CFR Part 4
An explainer and a searchable reference — not a claims tool. Learn how the VA's rating schedule works, then look up the codes. Free, no signup.
What the code book is
38 CFR Part 4 — officially the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, often called the VASRD — is the regulation the VA uses to rate service-connected disabilities. It holds more than 1,100 four-digit diagnostic codes (DCs), organized across 14–15 body systems — musculoskeletal, mental health, respiratory, cardiovascular, and more. Each code's criteria assign a rating from 0% to 100%.
You can read the official text any time at the eCFR — 38 CFR Part 4. It's public domain, published by the federal government.
Finding YOUR codes
If you've filed a claim, your four-digit DCs appear on your VA rating decision letter or code sheet. Want a current breakdown? You can request a real-time disability breakdown letter from the VA benefits hotline at 800-827-1000.
The two master indexes
The schedule ships with two indexes. Appendix B is the Numerical Index — every DC sequentially, from 5000 (osteomyelitis) to 9918 (dental/oral). Appendix C is the Alphabetical Index — scan by condition name to find its code.
Four body systems, up close
Musculoskeletal
38 CFR 4.71a
Covers
Spine, joints, bones
What the criteria measure
Degrees of range-of-motion loss drive ratings from 10 to 100%.
Respiratory
38 CFR 4.97
Covers
Lungs, sleep apnea, asthma
What the criteria measure
Breathing-test percentages (FVC / FEV1) and other test results set the level.
Each block links straight to that section's official eCFR text. Hover a block — or tap the arrow — to see what it covers and what the criteria measure.
In plainer terms
Each body-system section rates specific measurable things — motion, test results, how often symptoms hit, what they stop you from doing. That's what "rating criteria" means: the VA isn't rating your pain as a feeling; it's matching what can be measured or documented against the levels written in the regulation.
Type a condition or a four-digit diagnostic code. Matches show the code number, condition name, body system, and a direct link to the official eCFR section.
Coverage today: musculoskeletal, respiratory, mental health, ear, skin & scars, genitourinary — more systems added as they're verified. Every entry comes from the official eCFR text of 38 CFR Part 4 (public domain); the plain-English descriptions are ours.
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Before you act on any of this
This page is general educational information about how the VA's rating schedule works — it is not a determination of eligibility or rating, and it isn't claims advice. Stand Easy Network does not provide claims assistance. For anything that might apply to you, talk to an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or accredited claims agent — their help is free, and you can verify anyone's accreditation at the VA's accreditation search. You can also search our VSO directory.
Always verify your representative is listed as active in the VA OGC database before sharing any information.
Accredited VSOs and CVSOs will never charge a fee or demand a percentage of your back pay.
Stand Easy Network provides general educational information about VA benefits. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Nothing on this page is legal, financial, or claims advice, and we make no promises about claim outcomes.
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