DC 8021Neurological Conditions38 CFR § 4.124a

Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant

The VA rates Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant under Diagnostic Code 8021 across 2 severity levels, from 30% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.

Rating schedule — DC 8021 at a glance

Minimum rating
30%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
100%

Full schedular disability

Rating tiers
2

30%, 100%

CFR section
§ 4.124a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Neurological Conditions
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant?

RatingCriteria
30%

Minimum rating

100%

Malignant

Malignant

These diagnostic codes sit next to Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant 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.

  1. 8012HematomyeliaRated up to 100%
  2. 8017Amyotrophic lateral sclerosisRated up to 100%
  3. 8018Multiple sclerosisRated up to 30%
  4. 8019Meningitis, cerebrospinal, epidemicRated up to 100%
  5. 8020Brain, abscess ofRated up to 100%
  6. 8022Spinal cord, new growths of, benignRated up to 60%
  7. 8023Progressive muscular atrophyRated up to 30%
  8. 8024SyringomyeliaRated up to 30%
  9. 8025Myasthenia gravisRated up to 30%
  10. 8045Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI)Rated up to 100%
All 113 neurological conditions

Common Questions About Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant?

The VA rates Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant under Diagnostic Code 8021 at 30%, 100%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Minimum rating. The maximum 100% rating requires: Malignant.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant?

The VA rates Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8021, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 30% and a 100% rating for Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant?

A 30% rating requires: Minimum rating. A 100% rating requires: Malignant. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 100% rating for Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant 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 Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant?

The key evidence for Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. 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 Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant?

The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8021 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.

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