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VA diagnostic code directory

Browse VA Diagnostic Codes by Body Area

Start with the place that hurts or is not working normally. You can still browse every VA body system below.

Neck

21 diagnostic codes

DC 5235Vertebral fracture or dislocation

This diagnostic code covers vertebral fractures or dislocations - basically broken or displaced bones in your spine, whether in your neck (cervical) or back...

DC 5236Sacroiliac injury and weakness

Sacroiliac injury affects the joint where your lower back connects to your pelvis, often causing pain and weakness in that area. The VA rates this condition...

DC 5237Lumbosacral or cervical strain

Diagnostic Code 5237 covers lumbosacral strain (lower back) or cervical strain (neck), injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues around your spine...

DC 5238Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is when your spinal canal narrows and squeezes your spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. The VA rates this condit...

DC 5239Spondylolisthesis or segmental instability

Spondylolisthesis is when one of your vertebrae (spine bones) slips forward or backward over the one below it. Segmental instability means parts of your spin...

DC 5240Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that mainly affects your spine, causing inflammation that can eventually lead to vertebrae fusing together (ank...

DC 5241Spinal fusion

Spinal fusion covers vertebrae that have been surgically joined together, often due to injury or degenerative conditions. The VA rates this condition under t...

DC 5242Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010)

Diagnostic Code 5242 covers degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease in your spine (wear-and-tear damage that causes your vertebrae and discs to...

DC 5243Intervertebral disc syndrome

Diagnostic Code 5243 covers intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), assigned only when disc herniation compresses or irritates an adjacent nerve root; other dis...

DC 5322Group XXII. Function: Rotary and forward movements of the head; respiration; deglutition. Muscles of the front of the neck: (Lateral, supra-, and infrahyoid group.) (1) Trapezius I (clavicular insertion); (2) sternocleidomastoid; (3) the "hyoid" muscles; (4) sternothyroid; (5) digastric

This diagnostic code covers injuries to the muscles in the front of your neck that control head movement, breathing, and swallowing. These include major musc...

DC 5323Group XXIII. Function: Movements of the head; fixation of shoulder movements. Muscles of the side and back of the neck: Suboccipital; lateral vertebral and anterior vertebral muscles

This diagnostic code covers muscle injuries affecting your neck and shoulder movement - specifically the deep muscles at the base of your skull and along you...

DC 6515Laryngitis, tuberculous, active or inactive

Tuberculous laryngitis is tuberculosis infection of the larynx (voice box), either active or inactive. The VA does not rate this condition under the standard...

DC 6516Laryngitis, chronic

Chronic laryngitis is long-term inflammation of your voice box (larynx) that causes ongoing voice problems. The VA rates this condition at either 10% or 30%...

DC 6518Laryngectomy, total

A total laryngectomy means the entire voice box (larynx) has been surgically removed, usually due to cancer or severe trauma. The VA doesn't actually rate un...

DC 6519Aphonia, complete organic

Complete organic aphonia means you've completely lost your ability to speak at a normal volume due to physical damage or disease affecting your vocal cords o...

DC 6520Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)

This condition covers narrowing of the larynx (voice box) that makes it harder to breathe, whether from injury, surgery, or other causes. The VA rates this b...

DC 6521Pharynx, injuries to

This rating covers injuries to your pharynx (the throat area behind your mouth and nose) that cause serious problems with swallowing, breathing, or speaking....

DC 7800Burn scar(s) of the head, face, or neck; scar(s) of the head, face, or neck due to other causes; or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck

This diagnostic code covers scars and disfigurement on your head, face, or neck - whether from burns, injuries, surgeries, or other causes. The VA rates thes...

DC 8211Paralysis of eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve

This diagnostic code covers paralysis of various muscles or body parts caused by nerve damage or neurological conditions. The VA rates paralysis based on how...

DC 8311Neuritis of eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve

Neuritis is inflammation of one or more nerves that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. The VA rates neuritis under this code by treating it the...

DC 8411Neuralgia of eleventh (spinal accessory, external branch) cranial nerve

Neuralgia is nerve pain that feels like sharp, shooting, or burning sensations along specific nerve pathways. The VA rates neuralgia using the same criteria...

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Musculoskeletal System (162 codes)
Muscle Injuries (31 codes)
Eye (45 codes)
Ear (12 codes)
Smell and Taste (2 codes)
Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders, and Nutritional Deficiencies (31 codes)
Respiratory System (61 codes)
Cardiovascular System (33 codes)
Digestive System (51 codes)
Genitourinary System (40 codes)
Gynecological Conditions (20 codes)
Hemic and Lymphatic Systems (21 codes)
Skin (30 codes)
Endocrine System (19 codes)
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders (119 codes)
Mental Disorders (33 codes)
Dental and Oral Conditions (15 codes)

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.