Cerebral Arteriosclerosis

DC 8046Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8046

Hardening and narrowing of the arteries supplying the brain, leading to reduced blood flow and progressive vascular dementia. The VA rates this condition based on the resulting cognitive, emotional, and neurological impairment.

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 8046

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8046. 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 cerebral arteriosclerosis has caused total vascular dementia. You are completely unable to care for yourself, may not recognize family members, and require constant supervision.

What the VA looks for

Total cognitive impairment — unable to communicate meaningfully
Does not recognize family members
Complete inability to perform activities of daily living
Requires constant supervision or institutional care
Persistent danger of falling, wandering, or self-harm

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not differentiating vascular dementia from Alzheimer disease — the VA uses different diagnostic codes and rating criteria, and vascular dementia may be more directly linked to service-connected cardiovascular risk factors.
⚠Not connecting cardiovascular risk factors to service — hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia that developed during or were aggravated by service can establish a causal chain to cerebral arteriosclerosis.
⚠Not requesting neuropsychological testing — this is the gold standard for documenting cognitive decline and distinguishing vascular patterns from other types of dementia.
⚠Not filing for individual neurological residuals separately — hemiplegia, cranial nerve palsies, and other focal deficits from cerebrovascular disease may each be rated under their own diagnostic codes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases
DBQ Mental Disorders (non-PTSD)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8046

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your cerebral arteriosclerosis has caused total vascular dementia. You are completely unable to care for yourself, may not recognize family members, and require constant supervision.

What the VA looks for

Total cognitive impairment — unable to communicate meaningfully
Does not recognize family members
Complete inability to perform activities of daily living
Requires constant supervision or institutional care
Persistent danger of falling, wandering, or self-harm

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not differentiating vascular dementia from Alzheimer disease — the VA uses different diagnostic codes and rating criteria, and vascular dementia may be more directly linked to service-connected cardiovascular risk factors.

⚠Not connecting cardiovascular risk factors to service — hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia that developed during or were aggravated by service can establish a causal chain to cerebral arteriosclerosis.

⚠Not requesting neuropsychological testing — this is the gold standard for documenting cognitive decline and distinguishing vascular patterns from other types of dementia.

⚠Not filing for individual neurological residuals separately — hemiplegia, cranial nerve palsies, and other focal deficits from cerebrovascular disease may each be rated under their own diagnostic codes.