Brain Tumor Residuals

DC 8002Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8002

Residual neurological effects from a brain tumor (benign or malignant). The VA assigns a minimum 60% rating for malignant tumors and rates benign tumors based on the resulting neurological deficits such as weakness, seizures, cognitive impairment, or sensory loss.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 8002

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8002. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your brain tumor residuals are so severe that you cannot work or care for yourself. This includes total disability from the tumor itself during active disease, or devastating residual neurological deficits.

What the VA looks for

Active malignant brain tumor with ongoing treatment
Total or near-total hemiplegia
Severe cognitive impairment requiring constant supervision
Unable to perform activities of daily living
Hospice or palliative care documentation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for each residual condition separately — brain tumors can cause seizures, headaches, cognitive impairment, vision loss, and motor weakness, each potentially rated individually under its own diagnostic code.
⚠Not maintaining follow-up imaging — regular MRI surveillance is important both for medical care and to document the ongoing nature of the condition for VA purposes.
⚠Assuming a benign tumor means a low rating — benign tumors can cause severe neurological damage depending on their location and size, and ratings are based on residual deficits, not tumor grade alone.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Brain Tumor Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8002

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Active malignant brain tumor with ongoing treatment
Total or near-total hemiplegia
Severe cognitive impairment requiring constant supervision
Unable to perform activities of daily living
Hospice or palliative care documentation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for each residual condition separately — brain tumors can cause seizures, headaches, cognitive impairment, vision loss, and motor weakness, each potentially rated individually under its own diagnostic code.

⚠Not maintaining follow-up imaging — regular MRI surveillance is important both for medical care and to document the ongoing nature of the condition for VA purposes.

⚠Assuming a benign tumor means a low rating — benign tumors can cause severe neurological damage depending on their location and size, and ratings are based on residual deficits, not tumor grade alone.