VA Disability Rating for Brain, vessels, hemorrhage from (DC 8009)

Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124aDBQ: DBQ NEURO Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases

This diagnostic code covers brain hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain) from blood vessel problems like aneurysms or strokes. The VA gives you a temporary 100% rating for the first 6 months after the hemorrhage while you recover. After that 6-month period, they'll rate you based on whatever ongoing problems you have from the brain bleed, with a 10% minimum as long as ascertainable residuals remain (38 CFR 4.124a, note to DCs 8000 to 8025). Residuals that cannot be measured, such as headaches, dizziness or fatigue, count when they are consistent with the brain bleed and not more likely due to something else.

Rating levels

  • 100% — You receive a 100% rating for 6 months following a hemorrhage from the blood vessels of the brain. This 6-month period covers the acute phase and early recovery. After it ends, the VA rates the lasting effects (residuals), with a minimum rating of 10%.
  • 10% — After you've recovered from a brain hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), you'll receive this as the minimum disability rating for any lasting effects or symptoms that remain. The VA will evaluate whatever residual problems you still have - such as headaches, memory issues, balance problems, or other neurological symptoms - and rate those ongoing effects, but this serves as the floor rating you'll get.

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.

Encephalitis, epidemic, chronic (DC 8000)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 8000.
Brain, new growths of, malignant (DC 8002)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 8002.
Brain, new growth of, benign (DC 8003)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 8003.
Paralysis agitans (DC 8004)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 8004.
Bulbar palsy (DC 8005)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 8005.