Research Tool
38 CFR Search
Search 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities) by keyword or diagnostic code. Educational use only — not legal advice.
What you can search for:
- Diagnostic codes for specific conditions (e.g., PTSD is DC 9411)
- Keywords like "combined ratings", "TDIU", "reasonable doubt", "secondary"
- Body systems like "spine", "sleep apnea", "migraines", "tinnitus"
- Rating concepts like "prostrating", "unemployability", "service connection"
This tool searches 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities) sourced directly from eCFR.gov. Always verify against the current official text at eCFR.gov.
What is 38 CFR Part 4?
Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 4, is the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities — the official regulatory text that defines how VA rates each service-connected condition on a percentage scale. Each condition is assigned a diagnostic code, and the regulation lays out the specific criteria (symptoms, frequency, severity) that correspond to each rating percentage. Service members and veterans search this regulation to understand what evidence and symptom levels correspond to particular ratings for their own conditions, whether they're preparing a claim, reviewing a decision, or just trying to understand how the rating system works before they separate.
How to use this tool
Search by keyword — such as a condition name, body system, or rating concept like "TDIU," "combined ratings," or "reasonable doubt" — or search directly by diagnostic code if you already know it (for example, DC 9411 for PTSD or DC 6260 for tinnitus). The quick-search shortcuts above the form jump straight to a few commonly searched diagnostic codes. Each result shows the relevant CFR section text with its rating criteria, a link to the current official text on eCFR.gov, and — if you're signed in — an option to save the reference to your plan for later.
Educational use only
eCFR content in this tool is provided for educational research and planning purposes only. Always verify current regulations directly at eCFR.gov, since regulatory text can change. This tool does not provide legal advice or VA representation, and searching or reviewing this content is not a substitute for guidance from an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or attorney, and it does not guarantee any particular rating outcome for your claim.
Frequently asked questions
What is a diagnostic code?
A diagnostic code (DC) is the numeric identifier 38 CFR Part 4 assigns to a specific condition or body system — for example, DC 9411 for PTSD or DC 6847 for sleep apnea. VA uses these codes internally to apply the correct rating criteria to your claimed condition.
Does finding a matching CFR section guarantee my rating?
No. The regulation describes the criteria VA considers, but your actual rating depends on the specific medical evidence in your claims file, examination findings, and VA's adjudication of that evidence. This tool is for research and planning, not a prediction or guarantee of any outcome.
Is this the same as the official eCFR website?
No. This tool indexes 38 CFR Part 4 content sourced from eCFR.gov to make it easier to search by keyword or diagnostic code, but eCFR.gov remains the authoritative, current source. Always confirm anything you find here against the live text at eCFR.gov before relying on it.