Neurological disorders affect the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that connect them, impacting both quality of life and ability to work. Many veterans experience neurological disorders due to toxic exposure, nerve or brain injuries, or other causes linked to their military service, making them eligible for VA benefits.
This quick guide will help you find out how the VA rates neurological disorders, who qualifies for VA presumptions, and how to successfully make a VA claim for maximum compensation and disability benefits.
What Is the VA Disability Rating for Neurological Disorders?
The VA rates neurological disorders from 0% to 100% under the 38 CFR 4.124a Schedule of ratings for neurological conditions and convulsive disorders, with ratings depending on the specific condition and the frequency, severity, and duration of its symptoms.
Ratings may be assigned separately for different extremities (arms, legs) or parts of the body and the VA also applies the bilateral factor. The VA will combine them (as well as ratings for other conditions or complications) into a total rating that will determine the compensation and benefits the veteran is entitled to receive – calculate it here.
VA Ratings for Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder
Functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder) involves physical symptoms, such as pain, that cannot be explained by an identifiable physical illness or injury. It has been associated with traumatic incidents and extreme stress during service.
Functional neurological symptom disorder is rated under diagnostic code 9424 for conversion disorder, with VA disability ratings between 0% to 100% depending on the severity of symptoms and their impact on the veteran’s life.
VA Ratings for Other Neurological Disorders
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Migraine Headaches
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Radiculopathy
- Parkinson’s Disease / Parkinsonism
- Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia
How to Claim VA Disability for Neurological Disorders
To receive VA disability for a neurological disorder, you will require:
- A current diagnosis of a specific neurological disorder
- Proof of an in-service event, injury or illness
- A medical nexus (or link) between the current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, or illness
The easiest path to VA disability is when a condition is considered presumptive, meaning that the veteran doesn’t have to prove the connection between a diagnosed disorder and military service in a certain location at a certain time recognized by the VA.
Which Neurological Disorders Are Presumptive Conditions?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Presumptive for any veteran with 90+ days of continuous military service on active duty. It is one of the few medical conditions guaranteed to be assigned 100% disability by the VA, but veterans should also pursue additional benefits that are available to them. Find out more about special monthly compensation for ALS.
Parkinson’s Disease
This condition is presumptive for:
- Agent Orange exposure
- Camp Lejeune water contamination (at least 30 days between 1953-1987)
- Burn pit exposure (Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.)
Even if you do not qualify from the VA presumption, you may be able to receive compensation. Learn how to prove service connection for Parkinson’s.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
The VA presumes service connection for MS if symptoms appear within 7 years of discharge. It can also be directly connected with evidence linking MS to military service. See how to get 100% VA disability for multiple sclerosis.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Early-onset peripheral neuropathy is presumed by the VA to have been caused by Agent Orange, for the veterans who were exposed to it. With delayed onset, the condition is considered a neurobehavioral effect of water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Veterans who don’t qualify for a VA presumption can claim disability for neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus (type 2) or other medical conditions. Learn more here.
Brain Cancer
Brain cancer is presumptive for:
- Ionizing radiation exposure
- Burn pit exposure
The VA Claims Process
Step 1: Gather the Evidence
- Medical records: Documentation of the diagnosis, treatment history, and ongoing care
- Military service records: Evidence of exposures, injuries, or incidents during service
- Nexus letter: A detailed statement from a doctor connecting the condition to military service
- Personal statements and other lay evidence: Accounts from the veteran, family members, or fellow service members describing incidents or symptoms and their effects on the veteran’s life and relationships
Step 2: File the Claim
- File VA Form 21-526EZ for disability compensation
- Be specific about the neurological condition and how it relates to the military service
- Include all supporting documentation
Step 3: Examination(s)
- Prepare for the Compensation and Pension exam – learn more here
- Attend all the examinations scheduled by the VA and be sure to discuss how the symptoms affect your daily life
- Bring a symptom journal if you have one
Step 4: The VA Decision
- The VA will issue a rating decision – here’s what the VA decision letter will include
- If the claim is approved, you’ll receive a disability rating and compensation
- If denied or underrated, you have the right to appeal – by yourself or with a VA lawyer
Special Monthly Compensation for Neurological Disorders
In addition to their VA disability compensation, veterans with severe neurological disorders may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), which provides even more benefits and financial assistance.
- SMC-L: for veterans who require aid and attendance
- SMC-K: for loss of use of extremities due to neurological conditions
- SMC-S: “housebound” benefits for severe limitations
Many veterans receive increased ratings and special monthly compensation when they appeal the initial decision. An experienced VA attorney can be helpful in winning maximum compensation and benefits for your disability. Get a free evaluation of your case here.
