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Many veterans live with conditions that started during service or were made worse by it. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers disability benefits to help. Some conditions are more common than others. Knowing what the top VA disability claims are can help you understand your options, prepare your case, and avoid mistakes. Here are the top 7 VA disability claims most frequently filed by veterans, with the VA disability rating range for each.

1. Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the most common VA disability claim. It is the ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears that does not go away. The VA rates tinnitus at a fixed 10 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available. Veterans do not need an advanced test to prove it. Describing the symptoms is often enough. That 10 percent may not seem like much, but tinnitus is one of the conditions commonly connected to service since noise exposure is so common. Tinnitus can also come with hearing loss, sleep problems, and stress.

2. Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is another top VA disability condition. Many veterans worked in noisy environments without proper hearing protection, which caused permanent damage over time. The VA uses hearing tests called audiograms to rate hearing loss. Ratings can range from 0 percent to 100 percent, depending on how severe the loss is and how much it affects speech recognition. Even if you only qualify for a low rating, filing a hearing loss claim is important. It documents your condition and may support other claims, such as tinnitus. Hearing loss can affect relationships, communication, and job opportunities, which is why it is one of the most common VA claims.

3. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is one of the most recognized mental health conditions for veterans. It develops after exposure to trauma like combat, accidents, or military sexual trauma. Symptoms often include nightmares, flashbacks, mood swings, or avoiding certain situations. These symptoms can interfere with work, family, and daily activities. The VA rating for PTSD can range from 0 percent to 100 percent, depending on how much it affects your daily life. Veterans who cannot keep steady employment because of PTSD may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100 percent level. PTSD continues to be one of the most common and life-changing VA claims.

4. Scars

Scars can come from burns, shrapnel, surgeries, or other service-related injuries. While scars may not sound serious at first, they are one of the top VA disability claims. The VA rates scars based on their size, location, pain, and whether they are unstable or limit movement. Ratings for scars can range from 0 percent up to 80 percent, depending on severity. Scars that are large, painful, or on visible areas like the face or neck often receive higher ratings. Scars are also often connected to other service-related injuries, which can raise a veteran’s total disability rating.

5. Knee Conditions

Knee problems are very common in the military. Years of marching, running, and carrying heavy loads cause strain and damage. Many veterans also suffer knee injuries from training or combat. The VA rates knee conditions mostly on range of motion, stability, and pain. Common ratings are 0 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent, or 30 percent, with 10 percent being the most common. Some veterans qualify for separate ratings if they have instability and limited motion, which can increase total compensation. Knee conditions affect daily mobility, make it hard to work, and may lead to other problems like arthritis or hip issues.

6. Lumbar and Cervical Spine Conditions

Back and neck conditions are another top VA disability claim. Common problems include degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and herniated discs. These issues often come from years of lifting heavy equipment, carrying packs, and the physical strain of service. The VA rates spine conditions on pain and range of motion. Ratings can go from 0 percent to 100 percent, depending on how severe the condition is. If the spine is fused or movement is very limited, the rating may be higher. Veterans can also qualify for ratings tied to nerve problems like sciatica or numbness in the arms or legs. These conditions make it hard to move, work, or even sleep, which is why they are one of the most common VA claims.

7. Migraines (Headaches)

Migraines are more than just headaches. They can cause nausea, dizziness, vision problems, and sensitivity to light or sound. Many veterans develop migraines from traumatic brain injuries, stress, or other service-related conditions. The VA rates migraines at 0 percent, 10 percent, 30 percent, or 50 percent. A 50 percent rating is given if migraines are frequent and so severe that they stop you from keeping steady work. Migraines are common among veterans and affect work, focus, and overall quality of life.

Why These Conditions Are the Top VA Claims

These seven conditions are the top claims because they are common, clearly tied to service, and have a major impact on daily life. Even so, filing a VA claim is not always simple. Many veterans are underrated or denied at first. Having strong medical evidence, detailed records, and support can make the difference between a denial and the correct rating.

Additional Things Veterans Should Know

While these are the most common claims, they aren’t the only ones that qualify. Other frequent claims include sleep apnea, traumatic brain injury, depression, and ankle injuries.

Many conditions overlap. For example, tinnitus often comes with hearing loss, and PTSD can worsen migraines or sleep problems. Spine issues can lead to nerve pain that qualifies for its rating. Looking at the full picture can help you maximize your benefits.

Secondary conditions also matter. A service-connected knee injury that changes the way you walk may later cause hip or back problems. Those new conditions can also be connected and rated.

And if your condition has worsened since you first filed, you can apply for an increased rating. Don’t settle for an outdated rating if your health has changed.

Top 7 VA Disability Claims

Building a Strong Claim

Filing for VA disability benefits is more than submitting paperwork. To get the rating you deserve, you need to present a complete picture of your health. Here are ways to strengthen your claim:

Keep your medical records updated and organized. Save copies of every doctor’s visit, test, or treatment. The VA looks for a clear record showing your condition over time.
Track your symptoms in detail. Keep a log of when symptoms happen and how they affect you. For example, record the number of migraines each month, or how often PTSD disrupts your sleep.
Use statements from family or friends. People who see you every day can describe changes that medical records don’t always capture. These lay statements give your claim a human side.
Attend all VA exams and be honest about your limitations. The C&P exam is critical. Show up and be clear about your struggles. Don’t minimize your pain or limitations; describe them as they truly are.
Get help if your claim is denied or underrated. Denials are common. That doesn’t mean your claim is invalid. Accredited attorneys and representatives can help you appeal and fight for a fair rating.
Stick with your medical treatment. Follow your doctor’s instructions, even if treatment doesn’t cure your condition. Consistent care shows the VA that your condition is ongoing.
Show how your condition affects daily life. Be specific about how your disability changes your routine. Does it limit work? Stop you from exercising? Keep you from enjoying family activities? These details matter.

Example: How Documentation Helps

A veteran with knee pain kept a journal of swelling, limited mobility, and missed workdays. His wife wrote a statement about how he struggled with stairs at home. Along with his medical records, this evidence gave the VA a full picture of his condition. The result was a higher rating than if he had only submitted his medical files.

Why These Steps Matter

Each piece of evidence, such as medical records, journals, statements, exams, and treatment, works together to show the VA the real impact of your condition. Taking time to build your claim properly improves your chances of both approval and an accurate rating.

Get Help With Your VA Disability Claim

The top VA disability conditions, tinnitus, hearing loss, PTSD, scars, knee issues, spine problems, and migraines, are filed by thousands of veterans every year. If you are living with one of these conditions, you are not alone. You deserve a fair VA rating and the benefits you earned through service.

Unruh Law Firm helps veterans nationwide with their VA claims. We understand how these conditions affect daily life, and we know how to present strong cases to the VA. Contact us today at 415-335-6417 for a free case review. We will listen, explain your options clearly, and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Top 7 VA Disability Claims

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