VA updates disability rating schedule related to hematologic and lymphatic systems

WASHINGTON — Effective Dec. 9, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updated portions of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD or Rating Schedule) that evaluates the hematologic and lymphatic systems.

These federal regulations used by the Veterans Benefits Administration help claims processors evaluate the severity of disabilities and assign disability ratings.

“Our goal is to provide Veterans with the best possible customer service,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “When providing benefits, that means ensuring our benefits delivery is in line with current medical analysis.”

One diagnostic code was removed, nine were added, and several were restructured. The complete list of updates to the rating schedule are now available online. Claims pending prior to Dec. 9, 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 Dec. 9 will be rated under the new rating schedule.

By updating the rating schedule for conditions related to the hematologic and lymphatic systems, VA claims processors can make more consistent decisions with greater ease and ensure Veterans understand these decisions. VA remains committed to improving its service to Veterans continuously and staying at the forefront of modern medicine as it has for decades.

VA has issued several VASRD updates since September 2017, including updates for dental and oral conditions, conditions related to the endocrine system, gynecological conditions and disorders of the breast diseases of the eye and skin conditions.