VA updated musculoskeletal and muscle injuries portion of its rating disabilities schedule

The musculoskeletal and muscle injuries portion of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) has been revised to reflect updated medical information used to assess Veterans’ medical records and determine their VA disability rating.

The revision, effective Feb. 7, ensures that this portion of the VASRD uses current medical terminology by removing obsolete conditions, clarifying ambiguities, and providing detailed and updated criteria for the evaluation of musculoskeletal and muscle injury disabilities, including adding conditions that previously did not have diagnostic codes.

“These changes were based on scientific and/or medical information and reflect cited, published materials available to the public,” said Acting VA Under Secretary for Benefits Thomas Murphy. “During the course of finalizing this rulemaking, VA received comments from various Veterans Service Organizations and Veterans to ensure fair evaluations are established. VA claims processors will use this update to make consistent decisions with greater ease.”

Claims for musculoskeletal and/or muscle injury conditions adjudicated after Feb. 7, but were pending on the effective date, will be considered under both the old and new rating criteria, and whichever criteria is more favorable to the Veteran will be applied. Claims filed on or after the effective date will be rated under the new criteria.

Learn about the complete list of updates to the rating schedule.

https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5626