What are the VA rating percentages for Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (DC 8018) is rated at 30%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8018. Minimum rating from date of diagnosis per § 4.124a DC 8018.

What rates 30% for Multiple Sclerosis under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8018?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8018 (DC 8018), a 30% rating for Multiple Sclerosis requires: Minimum rating from date of diagnosis per § 4.124a DC 8018.

What secondary conditions are linked to Multiple Sclerosis?

Common secondary conditions for Multiple Sclerosis include Major Depressive Disorder, Fatigue, Cognitive Dysfunction, Bladder Dysfunction, Bowel Dysfunction. Secondary service connection is established under 38 C.F.R. 3.310 when a condition is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability.

What happens during a C&P exam for Multiple Sclerosis?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Multiple Sclerosis

Q: What rates 100% for Multiple Sclerosis under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8018?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8018 (DC 8018), a 100% rating for Multiple Sclerosis requires: Per the § 4.124a general framework for organic CNS disease, ratings extend up to 100% based on combined impairment of motor, sensory, or mental function. Each affected residual (motor weakness in extremities, optic neuritis with visual impairment, cerebellar ataxia, bowel/bladder dysfunction, cognitive impairment, depression, fatigue) is rated separately under its applicable DC and combined with the 30% minimum baseline under § 4.25.

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

Key evidence for a Multiple Sclerosis claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 801838 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Diagnostic Code

DC 8018

38 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Rating Range

30–100%

2 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Multiple Sclerosis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 8018 of 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8018 across 2 severity tiers (30% / 100%). 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. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Major Depressive Disorder or Fatigue under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

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

Overview

Chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system causing variable neurological deficits.

Rating Criteria

30%

Minimum rating from date of diagnosis per § 4.124a DC 8018.

100%

Per the § 4.124a general framework for organic CNS disease, ratings extend up to 100% based on combined impairment of motor, sensory, or mental function. Each affected residual (motor weakness in extremities, optic neuritis with visual impairment, cerebellar ataxia, bowel/bladder dysfunction, cognitive impairment, depression, fatigue) is rated separately under its applicable DC and combined with the 30% minimum baseline under § 4.25.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

05Secondary Conditions

Major Depressive DisorderMODERATE

MS directly affects brain mood centers; chronic disease burden

FatigueMODERATE

Primary MS fatigue from demyelination

Cognitive DysfunctionMODERATE

White matter lesions affect cognition

Bladder DysfunctionMODERATE

Spinal cord lesions affect bladder control

Bowel DysfunctionMODERATE

Neurological dysfunction affects bowel

Sexual DysfunctionMODERATE

Neurological and psychological factors

SpasticityMODERATE

Upper motor neuron damage causes spasticity

Chronic PainMODERATE

Neuropathic pain from demyelination

Optic NeuritisMODERATE

MS commonly affects optic nerve

Trigeminal NeuralgiaMODERATE

Demyelination of trigeminal pathway

OsteoporosisMODERATE

Immobility and steroids weaken bones

Pressure UlcersMODERATE

Immobility in advanced MS

Tools

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

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a (Neurological conditions and convulsive disorders). Source verified 2026-05-15 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.124a on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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