The latest update in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) at Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations is for genitourinary and cardiovascular regulations. The newest regulations take effect on Nov. 14.
The changes were made to ensure that these portions of the rating schedule contain current medical terminology and provide detailed and updated criteria for the evaluations related to genitourinary and cardiovascular disabilities.
Since September 2017, VA has updated the rating schedule for the following body systems:
- Dental and oral conditions
- Endocrine system
- Gynecological conditions and disorders of the breast
- Organs of special sense (eye conditions)
- Skin
- Hematologic and lymphatic systems
- Infectious diseases, immune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies
- Musculoskeletal system and muscle injuries
Some of the changes include renaming conditions to reflect current medicine, removing obsolete conditions, clarifying ambiguities, and adding conditions that previously did not have diagnostic codes. The complete list of updates is available online.
Starting today, claims related to genitourinary and cardiovascular conditions that were pending prior to Nov. 14 will be considered under both the old and new rating criteria for evaluation purposes, and whichever criteria is more favorable to the Veteran will be applied. VA will only apply the new schedule for claims received on or after Nov. 14.
VA will continue updating the remaining body systems located in the VASRD.