VA disability ratings lay out the percentage of disability a veteran experiences due to service-related injuries and conditions. A high disability rating implies a greater impact on the veteran’s life. The VA rates herniated discs based on their impact on the veteran, including how they impact activities of daily living and how much pain, weakness, and numbness the veteran experiences. The herniated disc disability rating falls under 38 § CFR 4.71a, which takes a look at the musculoskeletal system.
60% disability rating when the veteran is incapacitated for at least 6
weeks out of the past 12 months
40% disability rating when the veteran has incapacitating episodes that
last for at least 4 weeks, but not 6 weeks, out of a 12-month period
20% disability rating when incapacitating episodes are at least 2 weeks,
but less than 4 weeks, out of the past 12 months
10% disability rating when the incapacitating episodes last for at least
one week, but less than 2 weeks, out of a 12-month period.