What rates 40% for Fibromyalgia under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5025?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5025 (DC 5025), a 40% rating for Fibromyalgia requires: Symptoms as above that are constant, or nearly so, and refractory to therapy. 40% is the maximum schedular rating.

What happens during a C&P exam for Fibromyalgia?

An active infectious disease is generally rated at 100% while active; once it resolves, it is rated at 0% and you are rated on the residual disability within the affected body system (38 CFR 4.88b) - claim each residual condition. Recurrence of active infection usually must be confirmed by culture, histopathology, or other diagnostic laboratory testing - make sure that confirmation is in your record.

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Fibromyalgia

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (DC 5025) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5025. Widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points, with or without associated fatigue, sleep disturbance, stiffness, paresthesias, headache, irritable bowel symptoms, depression, anxiety, or Raynaud-like symptoms, that require continuous medication for control.

Q: What rates 10% for Fibromyalgia under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5025?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5025 (DC 5025), a 10% rating for Fibromyalgia requires: Widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points, with or without associated fatigue, sleep disturbance, stiffness, paresthesias, headache, irritable bowel symptoms, depression, anxiety, or Raynaud-like symptoms, that require continuous medication for control.

Q: What rates 20% for Fibromyalgia under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5025?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5025 (DC 5025), a 20% rating for Fibromyalgia requires: Symptoms as above that are episodic, with exacerbations often precipitated by environmental or emotional stress or by overexertion, but that are present more than one-third of the time.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Fibromyalgia VA claim?

Key evidence for a Fibromyalgia claim includes: Laboratory confirmation of the infection (culture, histopathology, serology, or molecular testing); Records documenting the active-disease period and treatment dates; Treatment records for each residual condition, rated within its own body system; CD4/T4 cell counts and records of constitutional symptoms or opportunistic infections (HIV); Service records establishing the qualifying exposure or in-service onset (nexus). All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 502538 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5025

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

10–40%

3 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Fibromyalgia is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5025 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5025 across 3 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive difficulty, and mood issues. Classified as an immune/central sensitization disorder. A qualifying condition for Gulf War illness claims.

Rating Criteria

10%

Widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points, with or without associated fatigue, sleep disturbance, stiffness, paresthesias, headache, irritable bowel symptoms, depression, anxiety, or Raynaud-like symptoms, that require continuous medication for control.

20%

Symptoms as above that are episodic, with exacerbations often precipitated by environmental or emotional stress or by overexertion, but that are present more than one-third of the time.

40%

Symptoms as above that are constant, or nearly so, and refractory to therapy. 40% is the maximum schedular rating.

Key Evidence

—Laboratory confirmation of the infection (culture, histopathology, serology, or molecular testing)

—Records documenting the active-disease period and treatment dates

—Treatment records for each residual condition, rated within its own body system

—CD4/T4 cell counts and records of constitutional symptoms or opportunistic infections (HIV)

—Service records establishing the qualifying exposure or in-service onset (nexus)

—Complete list of prescribed medications and their side effects

C&P Exam Tips

1An active infectious disease is generally rated at 100% while active; once it resolves, it is rated at 0% and you are rated on the residual disability within the affected body system (38 CFR 4.88b) - claim each residual condition.

2Recurrence of active infection usually must be confirmed by culture, histopathology, or other diagnostic laboratory testing - make sure that confirmation is in your record.

3Identify and claim every residual (for example, arthritis, neuropathy, liver or kidney damage, or cognitive issues) - that is where most lasting compensation comes from after the active phase.

4For HIV-related illness (DC 6351), the rating turns on CD4/T4 cell count thresholds (for example, under 200, or 200-500) plus constitutional symptoms and opportunistic infections - bring your CD4 labs.

5Some infections carry presumptive long-term health effects under 38 CFR 3.317 - note any qualifying service exposure that supports the nexus.

6Report your worst days, list all medications and side effects, and describe how the illness and its residuals affect work and daily activity.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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