Top 10 VA Disability Claims in 2025

Evidence and Strategy Guide

This page explains the most commonly service-connected VA disabilities based on VA compensation statistics reported in recent VA Annual Benefits Reports.

Frequency does not equal importance. Even if your condition is not on this list, you may still be entitled to benefits if the evidence supports service connection and the correct rating.

Where this “Top 10” list comes from

VA reports multiple tables of statistics such as the number of veterans receiving compensation for each type of disability by VA 4 digit diagnostic code in its VA Annual Benefits Reports. Click the link for the full 2025 report.

  • The conditions listed below reflect diagnoses that repeatedly appear at or near the top of VA’s compensation statistics (for example, tinnitus, knee and spine conditions, hearing loss, scars, radiculopathy, migraines, and PTSD/other trauma-related disorders).

  • Exact rankings and counts change slightly year to year, but these categories have remained the most frequently service-connected conditions across all veterans.

Top 10 Most Common Service-Connected VA Disabilities

Each row summarizes: why the condition is so common in VA claims, what kind of medical evidence is most important, and how VA typically approaches the rating. This is general information only and does not replace individualized legal or medical advice.

Top 10 VA Disability Claims
Condition Why It’s Common Key Medical Evidence Typical Rating Considerations
1. Tinnitus Ringing, buzzing, or noise in the ears Hazardous noise exposure (artillery, aircraft, vehicles, weapons, machinery) is extremely common in service. Many veterans develop chronic tinnitus even when hearing tests are “within normal limits.”
  • Current diagnosis or clear documentation of persistent tinnitus.
  • Service records showing probable noise exposure (MOS, combat, duty assignments).
  • Medical opinion stating tinnitus is at least as likely as not due to in-service noise.
 Generally a single 10% rating when service-connected, regardless of whether one ear or both are affected. Secondary conditions such as sleep disturbance, anxiety, or depression may support additional separate ratings.
2. Limitation of Flexion, Knee Chronic knee pain, reduced range of motion Running, ruck marches, jumps, kneeling, and repeated impact during service frequently damage the knee joint, cartilage, and ligaments. Many veterans later develop arthritis and instability.
  • X-ray or MRI showing degenerative changes or structural injury.
  • Range-of-motion measurements (flexion/extension) using a goniometer.
  • Notes on flare-ups, instability, bracing, injections, or surgical history.
 Ratings usually range from 0–30% for limitation of flexion/extension, with additional ratings possible for instability, meniscal damage, or painful motion. Functional loss during flare-ups should be documented.
3. Lumbosacral / Cervical Strain Chronic low back and neck pain Heavy loads, awkward lifting, vehicle accidents, hard landings, and training injuries all contribute to spine problems that worsen over time, often leading to arthritis and disc disease.
  • Spine imaging (X-ray, MRI) documenting pathology.
  • Range-of-motion testing and documentation of painful motion.
  • Evidence of in-service injury or repetitive strain and medical opinion connecting current spine condition to service.
 Ratings are primarily based on limitation of motion and the presence of muscle spasm or guarding, typically 10–40% for most veterans. Neurological involvement (radiculopathy) may be rated separately.
4. Limitation of Motion of the Arm/Shoulder Difficulty lifting or reaching overhead Repetitive overhead lifting, weapon handling, falls, and impact injuries can lead to shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, and arthritis that persist long after discharge.
  • Orthopedic evaluation and imaging (X-ray, MRI) where appropriate.
  • Range-of-motion findings, especially whether the arm can be raised to shoulder level.
  • Documentation of pain, weakness, and reduced strength with use.
 Ratings generally range from 10–40% based on how far the arm can be raised and whether the dominant arm is affected. Painful motion and functional loss during use are important.
5. Hearing Loss Sensorineural or conductive impairment The same noise exposures that cause tinnitus frequently damage hearing over time. Many veterans eventually need hearing aids and struggle in work and social situations.
  • VA-style audiometric testing (controlled speech discrimination + pure tone thresholds).
  • Evidence of in-service acoustic trauma or hazardous noise exposure.
  • Opinion explaining why loss is not solely due to aging or post-service noise.
 Ratings are based on strict tables that combine speech discrimination and pure tone averages. Many veterans are initially awarded 0%, but can seek increases as hearing worsens.
6. Scars (Including Burns) Painful, unstable, or disfiguring scars Combat wounds, surgeries, and burns often leave permanent scarring. Even when the underlying injury has healed, the scar itself can be painful, sensitive, or cosmetically significant.
  • Measurements of each scar (length, width, area) and location.
  • Photos where appropriate and provider documentation of pain or instability.
  • Evidence that scars affect motion, clothing, or protective gear.
 Ratings depend on the number, size, location, symptoms (pain, instability), and whether the head/face/neck are involved. Multiple scars can lead to combined or separate ratings.
7. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Radiculopathy) Radiating pain, numbness, weakness into the legs Lumbar spine conditions frequently cause nerve root compression, resulting in radiating pain, numbness, and weakness down one or both legs. This is often claimed as secondary to a back disability.
  • Neurological exams noting decreased sensation, strength, and reflex changes.
  • EMG/nerve conduction studies and imaging supporting nerve root involvement.
  • Documentation of falls, gait abnormality, or the need for a cane or brace.
 Each affected leg can receive a separate rating, typically 10–80% depending on whether impairment is mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe with marked muscle atrophy or foot drop.
8. Limitation of Motion of the Ankle Chronic ankle pain and instability Repeated sprains, fractures, ruck marches, and uneven terrain in service often leave lasting ankle issues. Over time this can lead to arthritis, instability, and reduced mobility.
  • Range-of-motion measurements (dorsiflexion and plantar flexion).
  • Imaging (X-ray/MRI) for arthritis or structural damage.
  • Evidence of braces, supports, or frequent sprains and falls.
 Ratings are usually 10–20% for moderate to marked limitation of motion, with potentially higher ratings if there is ankylosis or combined foot/ankle conditions.
9. Migraines / Prostrating Headaches Recurring, debilitating headaches Migraines are common after traumatic brain injury, neck problems, or other service-related conditions. They can significantly interfere with reliability and productivity at work.
  • Formal diagnosis and treatment notes documenting migraine frequency and severity.
  • Headache diaries showing how often attacks occur and their duration.
  • Statements from employers or coworkers about missed work or accommodations.
 Ratings generally range from 0–50%, based on the frequency of “prostrating” attacks and whether they cause “severe economic inadaptability” (such as frequent missed work).
10. PTSD and Other Trauma-Related Disorders Service-related mental health conditions Many veterans experience combat trauma, military sexual trauma (MST), serious accidents, or other events that lead to chronic mental health symptoms. VA has expanded recognition and minimum ratings for service-connected mental health conditions.
  • Diagnosis by a qualified mental health professional using appropriate criteria.
  • Evidence of an in-service stressor (records, awards, MST markers, or credible lay evidence).
  • Detailed notes describing impact on work, relationships, judgment, self-care, and safety.
 All service-connected mental health conditions are evaluated under a single rating formula (0–100%) based on overall occupational and social impairment. Updated criteria are expected to ensure at least some rating where a qualifying diagnosis and nexus are present.

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Core Evidence Checklist for Any VA Disability Claim

Regardless of which diagnosis you have, successful VA disability claims are built from FOUR building blocks: a current disability diagnosis, a service-related event, a medical connection (nexus), and clear evidence of functional impact matching the rating criteria.

These are the same building blocks used to write a

Veteran Narrative Statement in support of your claim!

The Four Disability Claim Building Blocks

1. Current diagnosis by a medical professional;

2. In-service event or related to another service-related claimed or awarded disability; and

3. A medical opinion connecting 1. and 2. together by VA Exam (DBQ) or Private Medical Opinion with Connection (Nexus)“as likely as not” to service.

4. Functional impact tied to rating criteria.

Five Paths to Service Connection

1.    Direct service connection

2.    Presumptive service connection

3.    Secondary service connection

4.    Service connection by aggravation (Existing condition got worse in service after enlistment)

5. Service connection based on 1151 claims (VA Malpractice)

Evidence Checklist

1. Current, well-documented diagnosis

  • Recent medical records showing ongoing symptoms and treatment.
  • Formal diagnosis(s) by appropriate specialists where needed.
  • Test results tied to VA’s rating standards (audiograms, range-of-motion, imaging, etc.).

2. In-service event, injury, or exposure

  • Service treatment or personnel records documenting the event or pattern of exposure.
  • Duty MOS, combat records, awards, or deployment history supporting likely exposures.
  • Credible lay statements when official records are incomplete or missing.

3. Nexus opinion linking the two

  • Medical opinion using the “at least as likely as not” standard (50% probability or greater).
  • Reasoned explanation connecting medical literature, your service history, and your current symptoms.
  • Avoids speculative language (“could be,” “possibly”) without supporting reasoning.

4. Functional impact tied to rating criteria

  • Details about how symptoms affect work, daily activities, and relationships.
  • Employer statements, performance reviews, or attendance records if work is impacted.
  • For pain and flare-ups, descriptions of frequency, duration, and additional functional loss.

Disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. VA laws, regulations, and policies change over time, and the treatment of any specific claim depends on its facts and evidence.

Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you are a veteran seeking assistance with a VA disability claim, you should consult with a qualified, VA-accredited representative or attorney about your specific situation.

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