Stroke Residuals (Cerebrovascular Accident)

DC 8008Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8008

The lasting effects of a stroke (cerebrovascular accident), which may include weakness or paralysis, speech difficulties, and cognitive problems. The VA rates stroke residuals based on the specific impairments that remain after the initial recovery period.

Rating Levels

You have total disability from stroke residuals. You may have complete paralysis of one or more extremities, total inability to communicate, or require nursing care.

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis of one or more extremities (hemiplegia)
Total inability to communicate (global aphasia)
Requires full-time nursing care or assistance
Unable to perform activities of daily living
Neuropsychological testing showing severe cognitive impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming each stroke residual separately — paralysis, speech impairment, cognitive decline, vision loss, and bladder dysfunction can each be rated individually.
⚠Not documenting the stroke onset during or within presumptive period after service.
⚠Missing the connection to service-connected cardiovascular conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease as secondary.
⚠Not getting neuropsychological testing to document cognitive deficits that may not be obvious on a standard exam.

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…