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8022
§ 4.124a Schedule of ratings—neurological conditions and convulsive disorders.

Benign spinal cord tumor

A noncancerous tumor in the spinal cord that may cause pain, weakness, or numbness.

What the rating means

VA rates a benign spinal cord tumor under Diagnostic Code 8022. The regulation sets a minimum rating of 60% for the benign tumor itself. If the tumor has been treated and leaves behind residual effects — such as nerve or other neurological problems — those residuals are rated separately, with a minimum rating of 10% for each residual condition.

The 60% minimum for the tumor and the 10% minimum for residuals are floors, not ceilings. If the actual severity of the residuals would produce a higher rating under the formula that applies to those specific residuals, VA uses the higher number. Because this code covers residuals broadly, the exact rating for any residual depends on which neurological formula applies to that residual condition and how severe it is. The regulation does not set upper limits for residuals under this code.

Evidence that helps

For the 60% minimum rating of the benign tumor itself, medical records confirming the diagnosis — such as imaging studies, pathology reports, or neurology or neurosurgery notes — are the foundation. Records showing the tumor is spinal and benign in nature directly support this level.

For residual conditions rated at a minimum of 10%, evidence should reflect the specific neurological effects the tumor or its treatment has left behind. This could include nerve conduction studies, physical examination findings documenting weakness, sensory loss, or paralysis, and treatment records from surgery, radiation, or other interventions. Statements from you or people who know you describing how residual symptoms affect your ability to work, move, or carry out daily activities help show the real-world impact. The stronger the connection between the documented residual symptoms and the tumor, the more clearly the evidence supports a rating above the 10% floor.

Secondary conditions

Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.