Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)
The VA rates Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome) under Diagnostic Code 5025 across 3 severity levels, from 10% to 40%. The 40% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation. There are 5 documented secondary conditions linked to Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome).
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 5025
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%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)?
| 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 (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)?
View 5 secondary conditions linked to Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)?
The VA rates Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome) 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 (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)?
The VA rates Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5025, governed by 38 CFR 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 (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)?
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 (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome) qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome) 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 (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)?
The key evidence for Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome) 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 (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)?
Fibromyalgia (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome) 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 (fibrositis, primary fibromyalgia syndrome)?
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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