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Stroke / Cerebrovascular Accident VA Disability Rating
DC 8008 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.3
OVERVIEW
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident/CVA) is rated at 100% for 6 months following the event under DC 8008. After 6 months, the rating is based on residual neurological deficits. Stroke in veterans may be related to service-connected hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Each residual deficit (paralysis, speech, cognitive, vision) is rated separately.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% — Totally incapacitating residuals (hemiplegia, aphasia, severe cognitive loss)
Rate stroke residuals under appropriate neurological codes. Complete hemiplegia (DC 8520): 100% for complete paralysis of upper and lower extremities. Aphasia requiring continuous speech therapy and preventing employment. Severe cognitive impairment affecting all ADLs. Combined residual ratings frequently reach 100%.
70% — Severe multi-system neurological residuals
Significant hemiparesis, moderate aphasia, or cognitive impairment substantially affecting employment and ADLs. Rate each residual separately and combine.
50% — Moderate neurological residuals
Moderate hemiparesis with ambulatory capability, mild aphasia, or cognitive effects substantially limiting function. Multiple moderate residuals combine.
30% — Mild neurological residuals affecting work
Mild hemiparesis, word-finding difficulty, or neurological effects that intermittently affect work reliability and social functioning.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Brain imaging (CT/MRI) documenting the stroke
-Neurology records documenting the event and residual deficits
-Rehabilitation records (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)
-Documentation of contributing service-connected conditions (hypertension, AFib, diabetes, sleep apnea)
-Cognitive testing if post-stroke cognitive deficits present
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC 8510-8530
Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body is the most common stroke residual.
DC Various
Post-stroke aphasia or dysarthria.
DC 9434
Post-stroke depression affects up to 33% of stroke survivors.
DC Various
Post-stroke cognitive deficits affect memory, attention, and executive function.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.100% rating is automatic for 6 months post-stroke. File immediately.
2.After 6 months, EVERY residual deficit is rated separately: arm weakness, leg weakness, speech, vision, cognitive, swallowing.
3.If your stroke was caused by service-connected hypertension, AFib, or diabetes, the stroke itself becomes secondary service-connected.
4.Post-stroke depression is extremely common and separately ratable. Get a mental health evaluation.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.124a; DCs 8520, 8021, 9326; 38 C.F.R. § 4.14 (Avoidance of pyramiding)
Stroke has no single diagnostic code. Rate each neurological residual (paralysis, speech, vision, cognitive, sensory) under the appropriate diagnostic code. Combine residuals under § 4.25. Avoid pyramiding under § 4.14 — do not separately rate conditions that are part of the same disability picture. Common codes: hemiplegia DC 8520, organic mental syndrome DC 9326.
DOLLAR IMPACT
100% for 6 months pays $3,938.58/mo. Post-stroke residuals with hemiparesis (40-80%), speech (30-100%), cognitive (30-100%), and depression (50-70%) frequently maintain 100% combined permanently.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026