Syringomyelia

DC 8024Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8024

A condition where a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) forms inside the spinal cord, gradually destroying nerve tissue. Causes pain, weakness, stiffness, and loss of sensation, especially in the hands and arms. Often associated with Chiari malformation or spinal cord injury.

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 8024

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8024. 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

Totally disabling — your syringomyelia has caused severe paralysis, inability to use your arms or legs, or loss of bowel and bladder control that prevents you from caring for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Severe paralysis of upper and/or lower extremities
Complete loss of fine motor function in hands
Bowel or bladder dysfunction
Wheelchair-dependent or bedridden
Unable to perform activities of daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing separately for each affected extremity — syringomyelia can impair arms and legs separately, and each extremity may warrant its own peripheral nerve rating in addition to the central nervous system rating.
⚠Not documenting progressive changes — syringomyelia often worsens over time. Serial MRIs showing syrinx growth and sequential neurological exams showing declining function are powerful evidence.
⚠Failing to connect syringomyelia to a service-connected Chiari malformation or spinal cord injury — establish the causal chain clearly with a medical nexus opinion.
⚠Not reporting pain adequately — the burning, aching pain of syringomyelia is often underreported because veterans focus on weakness. Pain itself contributes to 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…

Syringomyelia

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8024

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Totally disabling — your syringomyelia has caused severe paralysis, inability to use your arms or legs, or loss of bowel and bladder control that prevents you from caring for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Severe paralysis of upper and/or lower extremities
Complete loss of fine motor function in hands
Bowel or bladder dysfunction
Wheelchair-dependent or bedridden
Unable to perform activities of daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing separately for each affected extremity — syringomyelia can impair arms and legs separately, and each extremity may warrant its own peripheral nerve rating in addition to the central nervous system rating.

⚠Not documenting progressive changes — syringomyelia often worsens over time. Serial MRIs showing syrinx growth and sequential neurological exams showing declining function are powerful evidence.

⚠Failing to connect syringomyelia to a service-connected Chiari malformation or spinal cord injury — establish the causal chain clearly with a medical nexus opinion.

⚠Not reporting pain adequately — the burning, aching pain of syringomyelia is often underreported because veterans focus on weakness. Pain itself contributes to functional impairment.