Reference: 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8045

What is the VA rating for Stroke Residuals?

The published Stroke Residuals schedule uses specific diagnostic codes.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

Under 38 CFR 4.124a, Diagnostic Codes 8007, 8008, and 8009, VA rates brain vessel conditions (such as embolism, thrombosis, or hemorrhage/stroke) at 100 percent for the first 6 months. Thereafter, VA evaluates the specific residuals (e.g., paralysis or speech loss) under their respective diagnostic codes, with a minimum rating of 10 percent.

EXPLORE THIS CONDITION

Explore Stroke Residuals Criteria & Tools

Save this condition to find it again later. Saved only on this device and browser. Never sent to RatingScope. Lost if you clear browser data or switch devices or browsers.

Common Questions & FAQs

Start with your question

What are you trying to understand about stroke residuals?

Overview

About this condition

Under 38 CFR 4.124a, Diagnostic Codes 8007, 8008, and 8009, VA rates brain vessel conditions (such as embolism, thrombosis, or hemorrhage/stroke) at 100 percent for the first 6 months. Thereafter, VA evaluates the specific residuals (e.g., paralysis or speech loss) under their respective diagnostic codes, with a minimum rating of 10 percent.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8007-8009

This guide is educational only. RatingScope does not diagnose Stroke, cannot determine service connection, and does not predict a VA decision. Residuals are rated on a case-by-case basis based on the specific bodily functions impaired.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.

100%

Highest listed pathway

Initial 6 months following the stroke.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Rate the vascular conditions under Codes 8007 through 8009, for 6 months
Qualification explanation
A temporary 100 percent rating is assigned for the first 6 months following a stroke or brain vessel vascular event.
Medical evidence
Medical records documenting a recent stroke, brain hemorrhage, thrombosis, or embolism

Residual-Based Rating

Next: Higher ratings depend entirely on the severity of the specific residuals evaluated under their own diagnostic codes.

Based on specific impairments, with a minimum of 10%.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Rate residuals, thereafter, minimum 10
Qualification explanation
After the initial 6 months, the rating is based on the severity of the specific residuals (like paralysis, speech loss, or cognitive impairment) rated under their specific diagnostic codes. However, as long as there are ascertainable residuals, the minimum rating is 10 percent.
Medical evidence
Records detailing specific lasting impairments (e.g., motor deficits, speech issues)

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Medical Evidence 1

A confirmed medical diagnosis of stroke, embolism, thrombosis, or hemorrhage of brain vessels.

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

Medical Evidence 2

Detailed records of any lasting impairments (residuals) present after 6 months.

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

Official VA Forms & DBQs

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

Take the public DBQ to your private physician or review it prior to your C&P examination.

Terminology

Plain-English terms

Common Questions

Questions veterans commonly ask

Learn More

Continue Understanding

Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Stroke Residuals

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Stroke Residuals yet.

Keep going

Compare a percentage level and combined-rating math, or review evidence context.

See all tools

VA Math & Combined Ratings

Understand the whole-person method, final rounding, and bilateral limits, then calculate how percentages combine.

Open VA Math guide

Evidence Center

Understand common evidence categories and what they can clarify without treating them as a checklist.

Open Evidence Center