Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables
The VA rates Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables under Diagnostic Code 5296 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 80%. At 80%, veterans receive $3151/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 5296 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 80%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 30%, 50%, 80%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Area smaller than the size of a 25-cent piece or 0.716 in(4.619 cm) 2 2 |
| 30% | Area intermediate |
| 50% | Area larger than size of a 50-cent piece or 1.140 in(7.355 cm) 2 2 |
| 80% | With brain hernia |
“Area larger than size of a 50-cent piece or 1.140 in(7.355 cm) 2 2”
Common Questions About Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables?
The VA rates Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables under Diagnostic Code 5296 at 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Area smaller than the size of a 25-cent piece or 0.716 in(4.619 cm) 2 2. The maximum 80% rating requires: With brain hernia.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables?
The VA rates Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5296, 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 80% rating for Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables?
A 10% rating requires: Area smaller than the size of a 25-cent piece or 0.716 in(4.619 cm) 2 2. A 80% rating requires: With brain hernia. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 80% rating for Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables?
The key evidence for Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables 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.
What happens at the C&P exam for Skull, loss of part of, both inner and outer tables?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5296 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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