[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 38, Volume 1]

[Revised as of July 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 38CFR4.27]



[Page 372-373]

 

            TITLE 38--PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF

 

                CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

 

PART 4_SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--Table of Contents

 

                   Subpart A_General Policy in Rating

 

Sec. 4.27  Use of diagnostic code numbers.



    The diagnostic code numbers appearing opposite the listed ratable 

disabilities are arbitrary numbers for the purpose of showing the basis 

of the evaluation assigned and for statistical analysis in the 

Department of Veterans Affairs, and as will be observed, extend from 

5000 to a possible 9999. Great care will be exercised in the selection 

of the applicable code number and in its citation on the rating sheet. 

No other numbers than these listed or hereafter furnished are to be 

employed for rating purposes, with an exception as described in this 

section, as to unlisted conditions. When an unlisted disease, injury, or 

residual condition is encountered, requiring rating by analogy, the 

diagnostic code number will be ``built-up'' as follows: The first 2 

digits will be selected from that part of the schedule most closely 

identifying the part, or system, of the body involved; the last 2 digits 

will be ``99'' for all unlisted conditions. This procedure will 

facilitate a close check of new and unlisted conditions, rated by 

analogy. In the selection of code numbers, injuries will generally be 

represented by the number assigned to the residual condition on the 

basis of which the rating is determined. With diseases, preference is to 

be given



[[Page 373]]



to the number assigned to the disease itself; if the rating is 

determined on the basis of residual conditions, the number appropriate 

to the residual condition will be added, preceded by a hyphen. Thus, 

rheumatoid (atrophic) arthritis rated as ankylosis of the lumbar spine 

should be coded ``5002-5289.'' In this way, the exact source of each 

rating can be easily identified. In the citation of disabilities on 

rating sheets, the diagnostic terminology will be that of the medical 

examiner, with no attempt to translate the terms into schedule 

nomenclature. Residuals of diseases or therapeutic procedures will not 

be cited without reference to the basic disease.



[41 FR 11293, Mar. 18, 1976]