Veterans are faced with a wide range of service-connected injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions that may be eligible for disability claims via the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans who continue to combat physical and mental conditions after they have returned home may not know which injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions are eligible for disability compensation with the many changes to VA benefits in 2025. Many may be asking — what are the most common VA disability claims? We are here to answer your questions at VA Benefits Attorneys.

Top 10 Most Common VA Disability Claims

The number of service-related injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions that qualify for VA disability benefits are almost too many to count. The eligible medical conditions include cardiovascular diseases, mental conditions like anxiety and depression, multiple forms of cancer, ear conditions like tinnitus, infectious diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome, muscular issues, neurological disorders, respiratory diseases, sleep disorders, and much more.

Here is a better look at the most common VA disability claims that veterans may be eligible for:

1. Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a medical condition where individuals hear a ringing or buzzing noise in their ears with no apparent external audio source. This condition is often related to other disabilities like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or depression and carries a 10% disability rating. 

2. Limited Knee Flexion

Military service puts a lot of stress on the back and the knees — which has a significant impact on the health of veterans who have separated from service. Limited knee flexion is a condition where veterans have limited range of motion in the knee and disability ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 60% based on knee mobility.

3. Hearing Loss

Veterans — whether combat veterans or not — have most likely been exposed to loud noises that may have had a negative impact on hearing. Hearing loss disability claims have a disability rating that will range from 0% to 100% based on the severity of the hearing loss.

4. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder — PTSD

Not all service-connected injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions are visible when veterans return home from combat. PTSD is a common disability claim and has been claimed by more than 1,186,000 veterans. PTSD can carry a disability rating of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. 70% is the most common rating for veterans. 

5. Cervical Strain  

Veterans with a stiff or aching back may qualify for a VA disability claim based on cervical strain or lumbosacral that can include reduced range of motion of the back, neck, or spine. The VA disability rating for cervical strain can range from 10% to 100% based on the range of motion.

6. Scars and Scar Tissue

The visible scars that veterans come home with may make them eligible for VA disability. More than 1,017,000 veterans have filed disability claims for scar tissue and the disability rating ranges from 10% to 80%. Scar tissue disability ratings are impacted by severe distortion — particularly on the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, chin, forehead, or cheeks.

7. Sciatica

Paralysis of the sciatic nerve (sciatica) affects more than 1,000,000 veterans who have filed claims with the VA. This medical condition can result in reduced mobility and pain that radiates from the lower back down through the hips and legs. VA disability ratings for sciatica can be 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80%.

8. Limited Range of Motion in the Ankle

Ruck marches, hiking, and running all have an impact on veterans’ legs, feet, and ankles. More than 760,000 veterans have filed VA disability claims for limited range of motion in the ankle and this disability claim can carry a disability rating of 10% or 20% based on the degree of motion. 

9. Migraines  

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and other head injuries can lead to chronic migraines for veterans with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to lights or sounds. Chronic migraines can last hours or days and can impact multiple aspects of day-to-day life. VA ratings for migraines are 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50%.

10. Limited Range of Motion in the Arm

Injuries to the arms and extremities are not uncommon in veterans and more than 660,000 veterans have disability claims for limited range of motion in the arm. This condition can be known as frozen shoulder and includes symptoms like stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The disability rating for this condition is 30%, 30%, or 40% based on the degree of motion.

READ MORE: Top VA Disability Claims Trends in 2025

Many veterans want to know — what are the most common VA disability claims? We have got you covered with this list of the Top 10 Most Common VA Disability Claims. Contact the VA Benefits Attorneys Team today for a FREE case review!