Fibromyalgia
The VA rates Fibromyalgia under Diagnostic Code 5025 across 3 severity levels, from 10% to 40%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together. There are 5 documented secondary conditions linked to Fibromyalgia.
Catalog name: Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome).
Rating schedule · DC 5025 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 5
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 40%
Where this code is published
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Fibromyalgia?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | That require continuous medication for control Note: Symptoms are episodic, present one-third of the time or less. Diagnosis requires meeting ACR criteria (widespread pain + tender point count or symptom severity score). |
| 20% | That are episodic, with exacerbations often precipitated by environmental or emotional stress or by overexertion, but that are present more than one-third of the time |
| 40% | That are constant, or nearly so, and refractory to therapy Note: The 40% rating is the maximum for fibromyalgia under DC 5025. Refractory to therapy means symptoms persist despite adequate treatment trials. |
“That are episodic, with exacerbations often precipitated by environmental or emotional stress or by overexertion, but that are present more than one-third of the time”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Fibromyalgia?
View 5 secondary conditions linked to Fibromyalgia
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips, rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Fibromyalgia in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5002Multi-joint arthritis (except post-traumatic and gout), 2 or more joints, as an active processRated up to 100%
- 5003Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumaticRated up to 20%
- 5009Other specified forms of arthropathy (excluding gout)Rated up to 0%
- 5010Arthritis due to Trauma (Traumatic Arthritis)Rated up to 20%
- 5012Bones, neoplasm, malignant, primary or secondaryRated up to 100%
- 5051Shoulder replacement (prosthesis).
- 5052Elbow replacement (prosthesis).
- 5053Wrist replacement (prosthesis).
- 5054Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)Rated up to 100%
- 5055Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)Rated up to 100%
What to do with a Fibromyalgia rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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On this site
Read next
- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- VA Secondary Conditions Explained: Causation vs AggravationA service-connected condition can cause or worsen other conditions. Learn how 38 CFR 3.310 secondary service connection works: causation versus aggravation.
- VA Presumptive Conditions Explained: When VA Presumes the LinkA presumptive condition means VA presumes your service caused it, so you skip the nexus fight. See the categories, the PACT Act, and what you still prove.
Common Questions About Fibromyalgia VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Fibromyalgia?
The VA rates Fibromyalgia under Diagnostic Code 5025 at 10%, 20%, 40%. The minimum 10% rating requires: That require continuous medication for control. The maximum 40% rating requires: That are constant, or nearly so, and refractory to therapy.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Fibromyalgia?
The VA rates Fibromyalgia under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5025, published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 40% rating for Fibromyalgia?
A 10% rating requires: That require continuous medication for control. A 40% rating requires: That are constant, or nearly so, and refractory to therapy. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Fibromyalgia qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Fibromyalgia maxes at 40%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Fibromyalgia?
The key evidence for Fibromyalgia is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is associated with 5 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Fibromyalgia?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5025 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms. If you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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