Tabes Dorsalis

DC 8015Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8015

A late complication of untreated syphilis that damages the dorsal columns and dorsal roots of the spinal cord, causing progressive ataxia (unsteady gait), lancinating pains, loss of reflexes, and impaired position sense. The VA rates this condition based on the severity of ataxia, pain, and sensory loss.

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 8015

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8015. 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 tabes dorsalis causes total disability — you cannot walk safely even with assistive devices, you have constant severe pain, and you have lost bowel and bladder control. You require constant care.

What the VA looks for

Complete inability to ambulate without constant assistance
Intractable lancinating pain unresponsive to treatment
Charcot joints (neuropathic arthropathy) documented
Complete bowel and bladder incontinence
Requires constant care and supervision

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the connection between military service and syphilis exposure — tabes dorsalis results from untreated syphilis, and the initial infection often occurred during service.
⚠Not filing separately for bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, and joint deformities — Charcot joints, neurogenic bladder, and optic atrophy are separately ratable complications.
⚠Not keeping a pain diary — lancinating pains are episodic and may not be occurring during the C&P exam, so documented frequency and severity are critical evidence.

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…

Tabes Dorsalis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8015

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Complete inability to ambulate without constant assistance
Intractable lancinating pain unresponsive to treatment
Charcot joints (neuropathic arthropathy) documented
Complete bowel and bladder incontinence
Requires constant care and supervision

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the connection between military service and syphilis exposure — tabes dorsalis results from untreated syphilis, and the initial infection often occurred during service.

⚠Not filing separately for bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, and joint deformities — Charcot joints, neurogenic bladder, and optic atrophy are separately ratable complications.

⚠Not keeping a pain diary — lancinating pains are episodic and may not be occurring during the C&P exam, so documented frequency and severity are critical evidence.