Essential Tremor

DC 8105Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8105

A neurological disorder that causes involuntary, rhythmic shaking, most commonly in the hands. Essential tremor worsens with purposeful movement and can significantly interfere with eating, writing, and fine motor tasks.

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 8105

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8105. 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

Completely disabling tremor — your tremor is so severe that you cannot perform activities of daily living independently and require constant assistance.

What the VA looks for

Unable to perform any activities of daily living without assistance
Tremor affects both fine and gross motor function
Constant supervision or care required
Refractory to all medical and surgical interventions
Total occupational impairment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not differentiating essential tremor from Parkinson's disease tremor — essential tremor is primarily an action/postural tremor, while Parkinson's is a resting tremor. Make sure your neurologist clearly documents the distinction.
⚠Failing to document how tremor affects specific daily activities — generic statements like "has tremor" are insufficient. Document difficulty with eating, writing, dressing, and occupational tasks.
⚠Not requesting a rating for the dominant versus non-dominant hand — tremor in your dominant hand typically causes greater functional impairment and may warrant a higher rating.
⚠Not documenting medication side effects — beta-blockers and anti-seizure medications used for tremor can cause fatigue, dizziness, and cognitive effects that compound functional impairment.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases

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 8105

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Completely disabling tremor — your tremor is so severe that you cannot perform activities of daily living independently and require constant assistance.

What the VA looks for

Unable to perform any activities of daily living without assistance
Tremor affects both fine and gross motor function
Constant supervision or care required
Refractory to all medical and surgical interventions
Total occupational impairment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not differentiating essential tremor from Parkinson's disease tremor — essential tremor is primarily an action/postural tremor, while Parkinson's is a resting tremor. Make sure your neurologist clearly documents the distinction.

⚠Failing to document how tremor affects specific daily activities — generic statements like "has tremor" are insufficient. Document difficulty with eating, writing, dressing, and occupational tasks.

⚠Not requesting a rating for the dominant versus non-dominant hand — tremor in your dominant hand typically causes greater functional impairment and may warrant a higher rating.

⚠Not documenting medication side effects — beta-blockers and anti-seizure medications used for tremor can cause fatigue, dizziness, and cognitive effects that compound functional impairment.