LVMAC Tidbit: New VA Schedule for Rating Hemic and Lymphatic Systems Meant to Ensure Consistent Decisons

Today the the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it had updated portions, of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD or Rating Schedule), effective December 9, 2018,  which evaluate the hematologic and lymphatic systems.

One diagnostic code was removed, nine were added, and several were restructured.  The complete list of updates to the rating schedule are now available online.

Claims pending prior to December 9, will be considered under both the old and new rating criteria, and whichever criteria is more favorable to the Veteran will be applied. Claims filed on or after December 9 will be rated under the new rating schedule.

By updating the rating schedule for conditions related to the hematologic and lymphatic systems, VA claims processors can make more consistent decisions with greater ease and ensure Veterans understand these decisions. It is part of a concerted effort on the part of the VA to improve its services to veterans — disability being important to the maintenance of VA healthcare and other medically-related services for veterans.

As reported previously, updating the VASRD has been ongoing and is the first time the VA has done such a whole-system review.   It has issued several VASRD updates since September 2017, including updates for dental and oral conditions, conditions related to the endocrine system, gynecological conditions and disorders of the breast diseases of the eye and skin conditions.

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As of 10 December 2018