Cerebral Hemorrhage Residuals

DC 8009Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8009

Lasting disabilities from bleeding in or around the brain, such as from a ruptured aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, or traumatic hemorrhage. Residuals can include paralysis, speech problems, cognitive deficits, seizures, and headaches. The VA rates cerebral hemorrhage residuals based on the specific disabilities that remain after the acute event.

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 8009

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8009. 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

You have total impairment from cerebral hemorrhage residuals. You are unable to care for yourself or are in a persistent vegetative state.

What the VA looks for

Complete hemiplegia or quadriplegia
Total aphasia or inability to communicate
Persistent vegetative state or total cognitive incapacity
Requires constant supervision and assistance
Documented need for aid and attendance

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for each residual disability separately — cerebral hemorrhage can cause paralysis (rated under nerve codes), seizures (rated under epilepsy), headaches (DC 8100), speech problems, and cognitive deficits, each rated independently.
⚠Not getting neuropsychological testing to document cognitive deficits — subtle memory, attention, and executive function problems may be missed on a standard neurological exam.
⚠Not connecting the hemorrhage to a service-connected event — head trauma, hypertension, or toxic exposure during service should be clearly linked in medical records or nexus opinions.
⚠Not documenting the progressive nature of some hemorrhagic residuals — some veterans develop worsening symptoms over time, including post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus or delayed seizures.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases
DBQ Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Cerebral Hemorrhage Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8009

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have total impairment from cerebral hemorrhage residuals. You are unable to care for yourself or are in a persistent vegetative state.

What the VA looks for

Complete hemiplegia or quadriplegia
Total aphasia or inability to communicate
Persistent vegetative state or total cognitive incapacity
Requires constant supervision and assistance
Documented need for aid and attendance

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for each residual disability separately — cerebral hemorrhage can cause paralysis (rated under nerve codes), seizures (rated under epilepsy), headaches (DC 8100), speech problems, and cognitive deficits, each rated independently.

⚠Not getting neuropsychological testing to document cognitive deficits — subtle memory, attention, and executive function problems may be missed on a standard neurological exam.

⚠Not connecting the hemorrhage to a service-connected event — head trauma, hypertension, or toxic exposure during service should be clearly linked in medical records or nexus opinions.

⚠Not documenting the progressive nature of some hemorrhagic residuals — some veterans develop worsening symptoms over time, including post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus or delayed seizures.