Lumbar radiculopathy dbq

Radiculopathy, lumbar region. M54.16 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM M54.16 became effective on October 1, 2023. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of M54.16 - other international versions of ICD-10 M54.16 may differ.

M54.16 is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of radiculopathy, lumbar region. The code is valid during the current fiscal year for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions from October 01, 2023 through September 30, 2024. The code is commonly used in orthopedics medical specialties to specify clinical concepts ...Javascript is not enabled. Please enable Javascript to access this website. {{metaDescription}}VA Disability Ratings for Spinal Stenosis. The VA disability rating system for spinal stenosis is the same general formula as for other similar spinal conditions, including: Lumbosacral or cervical strain (diagnostic code 5237) - used to refer to neck or back pain, Spondylolisthesis/segmental instability (diagnostic code 5239) refers to a condition that causes vertebrae to slip forward over ...Jul 13, 2021 ... DDD can trigger other conditions including radiculopathy, herniated discs, neurological impairments, spinal stenosis, and more. Claiming ...If yes, describe (brief summary): the above radiculopathy is moderately severe but there is no tab for this in the Back DBQ. b. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Comments, if any: No response provided 15.Radiculopathy Ankylosing spondylitis of the thoracolumbar spine (back) NOTE: If there are systemic or other constitutional manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis, ALSO complete the Non-degenerative Arthritis DBQ and the appropriate DBQ for each affected system. Vertebral fracture (vertebrae . ICD Code: Date of diagnosis: of the back)

Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in the spinal cord are damaged, irritated, or compressed. The typical symptoms of a radicular condition depend on the location of the affected nerves. Common symptoms include: Numbness radiating from the spinal area. Physical weakness or pain.The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. If a veteran can prove that their service-connected spinal condition was the primary cause of the secondary condition, they may qualify as having a secondary service-connection condition.Apr 5, 2024 · Effects from neuralgia are considered moderate at worst by VA standards. The condition uses these sciatica VA rating guidelines: 20%: Moderate symptoms. 10%: Mild symptoms. Diagnostic code 8520, or paralysis of the sciatic nerve, has more extensive rating rules, including: 80%: Complete paralysis as evidenced by the foot dangling and dropping ... Thoracic radiculopathy: You'll likely have pain in and around your chest, including when you breathe in and out. Lumbar radiculopathy: The pain or numbness in your lower back can spread to your legs. Some radiculopathy symptoms are similar to other, much more serious issues.Winning your Social Security Disability Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease. When deciding disability cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a process called the 5-Step Sequential Evaluation Process. The first two eligibility requirements are: Step 1 – You are not gainfully employed, and. Step 2 – Your condition is severe.Lumbar radiculopathy is irritation or inflammation of a nerve root in the low back. It causes symptoms that spread out from the back down one or both legs. To understand this condition, it helps to understand the parts of the spine: Vertebrae. These are bones that stack to form the spine. The lumbar spine contains the 5 bottom vertebrae.Lumbosacral radiculopathy is a term used to describe a pain syndrome caused by compression or irritation of nerve roots in the lower back. It can be caused by lumbar disc herniation, degeneration of the spinal vertebra, and narrowing of the foramen from which the nerves exit the spinal canal.

Recommendations for Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbosacral Radicular Pain: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines. by. Ahmad Khoshal Khorami. 1, Crystian B. Oliveira. 2,3, …How the VA Rates Lumbosacral Strains. Lumbosacral strain is a VA disability that can be rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 50%, or 100% depending upon the frequency, severity, and duration of your symptoms. Lumbosacral strains used to be rated using Diagnostic Code 5295.Spine surgery is a medical procedure where an incision is made into the body to correct the spine and relieve the patient from back and neck pains. However, not all back and neck p...Torn or stretched tendons. Inflammation or damage to the posterior tibial tendon, which runs from the lower leg, down to the ankle, and to the middle of the arch of the foot. Dislocated or broken bones in the legs or feet. Health conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) Nerve damage, such as from peripheral neuropathy. Obesity.dcmd124. 68. Mar 11, 2014 #4. The VA C&P exam lists normal strength and reflexes. I had a DBQ exam that was completed by my civilian neurosurgeon in January 2014. I have been a patient of his for over three years. My neurosurgeon noted that I have decreased strength in my left leg as well as atrophy in my left leg.

2010 ford e350 fuse box diagram.

None Swelling Disturbance of locomotion. Less movement than normal due to ankylosis, limitation or blocking, adhesions, etc. Deformity Interference with sitting. More movement than normal due to flail joints, fracture nonunion, etc. Atrophy of disuse Interference with standing.Lumbosacral radiculopathy is a condition in which a disease process causes functional impairment of one or more lumbosacral nerve roots. The most common cause is structural (ie, disc herniation or degenerative spinal stenosis) leading to root compression. The acute time period starts at the time of symptom onset and extends up …Ice and heat can help relieve pain or swelling. Put ice in a plastic bag covered with a towel on your low back. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, or as directed. Cover heated items with a towel to avoid burns. You can also use a heating pad on a low setting. Apply heat for 20 minutes at a time.The use of cervical transforaminal epidural corticosteroid injections, which has been considered a mainstay in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy, was acknowledged by limited high-quality studies in systematic review to be used after failing at minimum 6 weeks of other conservative management. 1,4,7,19,23 Support for other injections, such ...

Sep 11, 2023 ... ... radiculopathy of the upper extremities ... radiculopathy of the upper extremities. ... DBQ this is the key to the promise land of the 100th.The VA does not have a specific disability rating code for peripheral neuropathy. Instead, multiple rating codes are available depending on the nerve(s) impacted and the severity of your condition. However, the VA rates neuropathy analogously to several conditions listed under 38 CFR § 4.124a – neurological conditions and …diagnosis of mechanical low back pain. ***** question 2 of 4::please complete section four and the evidence review in the medical opinion dbq and state whether the veteran’s left shoulder condition, if found, was at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) incurred in or caused by an event, illness, orLumbar Radiculopathy. Lumbar Radiculopathy is the most common type of radiculopathy that affects the (L4-S1) lower spine or lumbar spine. This is common for those seeking a VA rating for lumbar radiculopathy. It is an inflammation of the nerve root which usually involves the sciatic nerve. This is also called the Sciatica.Neck pain is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and disability in patients of different ages. Workers who have experienced neck pain account for up to 40% of work absenteeism.[1][2][3] Cervical radiculopathy, on the other hand, is a condition where the nerve root of a spinal nerve is compressed or impaired, causing the pain and symptoms to spread beyond the neck and ...Winning your Social Security Disability Claim for Degenerative Disc Disease. When deciding disability cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a process called the 5-Step Sequential Evaluation Process. The first two eligibility requirements are: Step 1 - You are not gainfully employed, and. Step 2 - Your condition is severe.Radiculopathy. Diagnosing and Treating Radiculopathy. Most people with radiculopathy will seek medical attention from a primary care physician first for the pain. The doctor will …If the Veteran’s private physician indicates in his notes or in a DBQ that the cervical spine is related to the lumbar spine with a credible rationale, the Veteran should be granted service connection for the cervical spine. ... If the Veteran has a diagnosis of radiculopathy, he should be entitled to a separate evaluation for that also under ...The Back and Spine Overview . The VA awards disability compensation for each Back and Spine condition that is service-connected.The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty.For Reservists, the condition must have occurred in or resulted from an injury in the Line of Duty to qualify.. …Leah, discusses what to expect during a lumbar spine or low back pain C&P (Compensation and Pension) exam for VA disability. After filing a claim for a low b...In this video Leah explains radiculopathy and its relevance to VA disability. She describes radiculopathy as a condition characterized by numbness, pain, and...VA disability ratings are expressed as percentages and range from 10% to 100%. The disability rating for radiculopathy can range from 10% for minor radiculopathy affecting the hand to 90% for major paralysis affecting all three radicular groups (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar). There is not a 100% rating for radiculopathy alone, but 100% ...

Radicular Pain. Radicular pain is one of the symptoms of radiculopathy. Radicular pain consists of pain that radiates from the spinal nerve root either part or all the way into the extremity. Many people confuse the terms radicular pain and radiculopathy. Again, radicular pain is a symptom, which means it's something you feel, while ...

In this video Leah is explaining the process of a C&P exam for veterans with neck pain or cervical spine conditions. She emphasizes that the process should n...Cervical Radiculopathy Symptoms. Cervical radiculopathy signs and symptoms typically include pins-and-needles tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the areas served by the affected nerve root. In addition to these neurological deficits, pain is also present in most cases. These signs and symptoms may be felt in one area only, such as the ...Mild symptoms are rated 10%. Code 8720: Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve (“sciatica”). Neuralgia cannot be rated higher than moderate, even if it is considered severe. If the condition is moderate, it is rated 20%. If it is mild, it is rated 10%.The latest research on Spinal Cord Injury Conditions. Expert analysis on potential benefits, dosage, side effects, and more. Spinal Cord Injury falls under the Other category. Dama...When surgery is necessary for radiculopathy, Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center takes the least invasive approach possible. The goal of the surgery is to relieve nerve compression, thus relieving pain and restoring full use and motion of the affected limbs. Our spine surgeons have developed expertise in some of the most …The diagnosis was lumbar degenerative disk disease with moderate right lower extremity S1 radiculopathy. In June 2004, another VA Compensation and Pension examination of the veteran was conducted. This time the veteran reported having bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy with the symptoms of pain being greater on the right than the left.480-574-2900. Tempe, AZ (Rockford Dr.) 480-342-6800. Jacksonville, FL. 904-953-0305. First Name. Last Name. Email. Mayo Clinic is rated a top hospital for radiculopathy and is home to neck and spine doctors with expertise in diagnosing and treating sports and recreational injuries.If they are checking for radiculopathy while examining for a lumbar claim, yes, it is the same DBQ. If you were going for increases on existing ratings on leg nerves, there is a separate DBQ just for the nerves. Sounds like your hubby will be doing the first one since they mentioned thoracolumbar spine. Is the DDD already service connected?

Experis bellevue.

Brian wells car.

Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly called sciatica, is an injury to the nerve in the lower back that causes pain and numbness that radiates down the legs. Symptoms also may include tingling, weakness, and reflex loss in the leg and feet. A nerve root in any of the five lumbar vertebrae can be damaged, irritated, or compressed by one of many ...Cervical radiculopathy is a dysfunction of a nerve root in the cervical spine, is a broad disorder with several mechanisms of pathology and it can affect people of any age, [6] with peak prominence between the ages of 40-50 [2] [7] [8] . Reported prevalence is 83 people per 100,000 people [8]. A nnual incidence has been reported to be 107,3 per ...Lumbar spine radiculopathy can also result in a condition known as foot drop, which is rated from 10 to 40%. ... DBQs are designed to help the VA gather the medical information they need to more accurately classify each veteran’s service-connected disability. These questionnaires were meant to model and follow the rating codes …Jan 31, 2024 · Neck pain is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and disability in patients of different ages. Workers who have experienced neck pain account for up to 40% of work absenteeism.[1][2][3] Cervical radiculopathy, on the other hand, is a condition where the nerve root of a spinal nerve is compressed or impaired, causing the pain and symptoms to spread beyond the neck and ... Handy tips for filling out Dbq for lumbar radiculopathy online. Printing and scanning is no longer the best way to manage documents. Go digital and save time with airSlate SignNow, the best solution for electronic signatures.Use its powerful functionality with a simple-to-use intuitive interface to fill out Dbq radiculopathy online, e-sign them, and quickly share …Radiculopathy. Spinal Stenosis. Spondylolisthesis. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, you may be eligible for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. To initiate a benefits claim, you must complete and submit a DBQ form. How to Complete the DBQ for Back Thoracolumbar Spine Conditions Fast FactsHere is how the VA rates for the common peroneal nerve (Diagnostic Code 8521): 40% rating for peripheral neuropathy – Complete paralysis of the nerve. Complete loss of movement and feeling in the nerve that controls the foot. Difficulty lifting the front part of your foot, and cannot bend your foot upwards.VA disability ratings are expressed as percentages and range from 10% to 100%. The disability rating for radiculopathy can range from 10% for minor radiculopathy affecting the hand to 90% for major paralysis affecting all three radicular groups (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar). There is not a 100% rating for radiculopathy alone, but 100% ...You definitely should claim your radiculopathy if you suffer the symptoms. That L5-S1 write up very clearly backs up radiculopathy. And those bilateral nerves can be a huge boost to your lower back claim as secondaries. ….

Lumbar Radiculopathy. By: Ari Ben-Yishay, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon. Peer-Reviewed. Radicular pain is often secondary to compression or inflammation of a spinal nerve. When the pain radiates down the back of the leg to the calf or foot, it would in lay terms be described as sciatica. This type of pain is often deep and steady, and can usually be ...IVDS is rated under diagnostic code 5243, and the rating criteria relies on the number of incapacitating episodes and how much bed rest the veteran's physician prescribed within the last year. The ratings range from 10% to 60%. 10% - "With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least one week but less than 2 weeks during ...This is a large nerve formed from several nerve roots in the lower back. This nerve extends down the buttock and down the back of the leg to the foot. With lumbar radiculopathy, nerve roots in the lower back become irritated. This leads to pain and symptoms. The sciatic nerve is commonly affected, so the condition is often called sciatica.If you have chronic back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments, it may be time to find a spine surgeon. The right spine surgeon will let you know if surgery...Lumbar radiculopathy is evaluated under codes 8520, 8620, and 8720. Bilateral factor: If both sides of the body, such as the arms or the legs, are impacted, the VA will issue a rating for each side. Sciatica, or sciatic nerve radiculopathy: paralysis of the sciatic nerve is the 7th most common VA disability and can range higher than typical ...Associated symptoms. When lumbar radiculopathy is suspected, ask the patient about paresthesia (pins and needles or tingling) and more unpleasant dysesthesia (burning, squeezing, crawling, or itching). These are commonly associated with radiculopathy pain and should follow a similar pattern down the leg. Figure 7.Radiculopathy refers to the pinching of nerves in the spinal column. This pinching leads to symptoms including pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the spine to other parts of the body. The VA provides a rating for veterans diagnosed with radiculopathy based on the nerves affected and the condition’s severity.VA Rating. Monthly payment (vet only) Complete; the foot dangles and drops, no active movement possible of muscles below the knee, flexion of knee weakened or (very rarely) lost. 80%. $1,995.01. Incomplete: Severe, with marked muscular atrophy. 60%. $1,3161.88. Incomplete: Moderately severe.Jan 31, 2024 · Neck pain is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and disability in patients of different ages. Workers who have experienced neck pain account for up to 40% of work absenteeism.[1][2][3] Cervical radiculopathy, on the other hand, is a condition where the nerve root of a spinal nerve is compressed or impaired, causing the pain and symptoms to spread beyond the neck and ... Age is the primary risk factor for lumbar radiculopathy, according to a 2019 research review.The peak age range is 45 to 64.Men often are affected in their 40s and women in their 50s and 60s, the ... Lumbar radiculopathy dbq, Sciatica, also known as “lumbar radiculopathy,” occurs when irritation, inflammation, or some type of damage affects the sciatic nerve, which runs down your lower back and legs. Sciatica causes pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can also cause urinary or bowel incontinence., Mar 29, 2022 ... Go to channel · #064 Exercises for pinched nerve in the neck (Cervical Radiculopathy) and neck pain relief. Dr. Andrea Furlan•1.2M views · 20:03., Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) DBQ - Diagnosis options added, including DDD and "Traumatic paralysis." - The Radiculopathy section now requires an explanation of the most likely cause for all neurological findings on exam (i.e. whether they're due to radiculopathy or other non-spine related causes). Bones and Other Skeletal Conditions DBQ, Lumbar radiculopathy can be challenging to recognize and diagnose since many conditions can cause radiating pain into the legs. This resource provides some tips for recognizing lumbar radiculopathy for clinicians and outlines typical presentations of dysfunction by level through the lumbar spine. This content is only available to members., Lumbar radiculopathy is commonly caused by compression of a lumbar nerve root, resulting in symptoms which radiate down the legs. Symptoms include altered sensation, decreased reflexes, weakness, and pain, which may be described as sharp, shocks, burning, tingling, etc. Lumbar radiculopathy affects approximately 3-5% of the population., Reason for study: 32m with low back pain radianting to right leg. Clinical History: hx of lumbar radiculopathy L$-L% in 2004. Now with worsening pain, muscle spasms, and nubness in RLE. Report: MRI lumbar spine without contrast. Clinical Indication: 32M with low back pain radiating to right leg. Contrast: None. Comparison: None. Findings ..., Radiculopathy is the name for any nerve group dysfunction. You have various nerve groups running down from your back into your legs. Sciatica is the most common nerve group to be pinched by a lower back injury. The femoral nerve group is another one AND can be rated separately from sciatica which is why some veteran have 2 radiculopathy ratings ..., The migraines VA rating scale consists of four rating possibilities: 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%. The symptoms become markedly more severe between the 30% and 50% rating levels, as evidenced by the rating criteria below: 8100, migraine headaches: Rating. Migraines with very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe ..., Age is the primary risk factor for lumbar radiculopathy, according to a 2019 research review.The peak age range is 45 to 64.Men often are affected in their 40s and women in their 50s and 60s, the ..., Microsoft Word - Book C Supplement No 63 for Feb 2021.doc. §4.71a Schedule of ratings—musculoskeletal system. ACUTE, SUBACUTE, OR CHRONIC DISEASES. Rating. 5000 Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic: Of the pelvis, vertebrae, or extending into major joints,, Lumbar radiculopathy, or sciatic neuritis, is a condition that usually results from a pinched nerve or a herniated disc, though other causes are possible.. Typical symptoms are weakness, pain ..., Lumbar radiculopathy is usually caused by compression of a lumbar nerve root, resulting in symptoms which radiate down the legs. It causes at least one of the following: decreased strength in the associated myotome, altered sensation in the dermatome or decreased reflexes. [1] ., In this video Leah explains radiculopathy and its relevance to VA disability. She describes radiculopathy as a condition characterized by numbness, pain, and..., Cervical Radiculopathy Symptoms. Cervical radiculopathy signs and symptoms typically include pins-and-needles tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the areas served by the affected nerve root. In addition to these neurological deficits, pain is also present in most cases. These signs and symptoms may be felt in one area only, such as the ..., Note: Complete paralysis (hand inclined to the ulnar side, index and middle fingers extended, atrophy of thenar eminence, cannot make fist, defective opposition of thumb, cannot flex distal phalanx of thumb; wrist flexion weak) Note: Complete paralysis (hand and fingers drop, wrist and fingers flexed; cannot extend hand at wrist, extend proximal phalanges of fingers, extend thumb or make, For example, let's say a veteran has radiculopathy in his lower back. Specifically, the veteran's radiculopathy affects the veteran's sciatic nerve. The veteran has constant, severe pain in his lower back because of the radiculopathy affecting his ability to function on a daily basis. First, the VA will rate the veteran's condition ..., Lumbosacral radiculopathy, like other forms of radiculopathy, results from nerve root impingement and/or inflammation that has progressed enough to cause neurologic symptoms in the areas that are supplied by the affected nerve root (s). Some of the major causes of acute and chronic low back pain (LBP) are associated with …, Sep 12, 2023 ... ... (DBQ) used by the VA and gain insights into ... DBQ: https ... Lumbar Radiculopathy ("Sciatica"): What you need to know., Condition: Lumbar radiculopathy refers to any disorder that affects the nerve roots in the spine in the lower (lumbar) back. Resulting nerve pain that radiates down the leg or legs is also called sciatica. Background: Lumbar radiculopathy is typically caused by compression of the nerves due to inflammation, "wear and tear", or trauma., The AMC rated the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the low back as 40 percent disabling. Separate ratings were assigned for his radiculopathy of the right extremity as 30 percent disabling, and his radiculopathy of the left extremity as 30 percent disabling. ... The nerve involved in lumbar radiculopathy is the sciatic nerve. Neuritis of ..., Secondary conditions develop as a result of an underlying condition or injury. In many cases, lower back pain is caused by spine, discs, or nerve damage. This damage can occur due to an accident, disease, or overuse. While lower back pain is often treatable, it can lead to chronic pain and disability if left untreated., Microsoft Word - Book C Supplement No 63 for Feb 2021.doc. §4.71a Schedule of ratings—musculoskeletal system. ACUTE, SUBACUTE, OR CHRONIC DISEASES. Rating. 5000 Osteomyelitis, acute, subacute, or chronic: Of the pelvis, vertebrae, or extending into major joints,, Mar 11, 2014 · dcmd124. 68. Mar 11, 2014 #4. The VA C&P exam lists normal strength and reflexes. I had a DBQ exam that was completed by my civilian neurosurgeon in January 2014. I have been a patient of his for over three years. My neurosurgeon noted that I have decreased strength in my left leg as well as atrophy in my left leg. , BACKGROUND. Lumbar radiculopathy, also referred to as sciatica, is a syndrome of radiating pain in a lumbar nerve root distribution that may also include motor weakness and sensory disturbances. 1 Nerve root compression is typically caused by intervertebral disc herniation or degenerative changes and less commonly by infection, …, Aug 31, 2022 ... Comments112 ; TDIU: Extra-Schedular & Effective Dates. VA MADNESS · 32K views ; The Cause of Lower Back Pain After Deadlifts. Barefoot Strength ..., Lumbosacral radiculopathy is a disorder that causes pain in the lower back and hip which radiates down the back of the thigh into the leg. This damage is caused by compression of the nerve roots which exit the spine, levels L1- S4. The compression can result in tingling, radiating pain, numbness, paraesthesia, and occasional shooting pain., Thoracic Radiculopathy Secondary to Back Pain. Thoracic radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the upper back is pinched, and people may experience pain in their chest or torso area as a result. This is the least common type of radiculopathy. Lumbar Radiculopathy Secondary to Back Pain. Lumbar radiculopathy is a common condition among veterans ..., BACKGROUND: Lumbar radiculopathy is characterized by radiating pain with or without motor weakness or sensory disturbances; the point prevalence ranges from 1.6 to …, The VA diagnostic codes for disabilities of the spine primarily focus on ankylosis . Ankylosis basically means that the joint is stiff or will not move. So, spinal disabilities focus on the lack of mobility or range of motion. Technically, the highest VA rating for a thoracolumbar spinal disability is 50 percent., Secondary conditions develop as a result of an underlying condition or injury. In many cases, lower back pain is caused by spine, discs, or nerve damage. This damage can occur due to an accident, disease, or overuse. While lower back pain is often treatable, it can lead to chronic pain and disability if left untreated., Lumbosacral radiculopathy refers to a pain syndrome characterized by the compression or irritation of nerve roots in the lumbosacral region of the spine., Radicular Pain. Radicular pain is one of the symptoms of radiculopathy. Radicular pain consists of pain that radiates from the spinal nerve root either part or all the way into the extremity. Many people confuse the terms radicular pain and radiculopathy. Again, radicular pain is a symptom, which means it's something you feel, while ..., Picture the DBQ as the key that unlocks the vault of your VA benefits. It is pivotal in assisting physicians during a veteran's (Compensation and Pension) C&P exam, a crucial component of the VA claims process. Its primary purpose is to rate the veteran's disability diagnosis accurately. The disability rating, measured on a scale of 0 to ...