Residuals refer to the ongoing symptoms, limitations, or impairments that remain after the initial or acute phase of an illness, injury, or medical condition has passed. In the VA disability system, residuals are often the basis for a veteran’s disability rating, especially when the original condition is no longer active but has caused lasting effects.

• The VA compensates veterans for current functional limitations, even if the original illness or injury has healed

• Ratings are based on the impact of the residuals on the veteran’s daily life, employment, and health

• Residuals may appear in cases involving:

  • Surgeries

  • Injuries

  • Infections or illnesses

Note: Each case is unique, and the presence of residuals must be supported by medical evidence

• TBI Residuals: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals can include cognitive impairments, memory loss, headaches, and mood changes.

• Cancer Residuals: After cancer treatment, a veteran may experience residual effects like erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, or chronic pain.

• Stroke Residuals: Stroke residuals can include paralysis, speech difficulties, and cognitive deficits.

• Cold Injury Residuals: Residuals from cold injuries can include pain, numbness, and circulatory problems in the affected areas.

  Note: These are just a few examples. Each case is unique, and the presence or severity of residuals must be supported by medical evidence

• The VA uses the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities to evaluate residual effects

• May assign ratings based on:

  • Pain, range of motion, or weakness

  • Neurological complications or secondary effects

  • Disfigurement, scarring, or organ damage

• Veterans may be rated for multiple residual conditions from one original injury

Note: It's important to note that residuals are different from secondary conditions. Secondary conditions are new conditions that develop as a result of a service-connected disability

At Greene & Marusak, we help veterans identify and claim the full range of residual effects from service-connected conditions. Whether you’re seeking an initial rating, increased rating, or appealing a denial, our VA-accredited team ensures no lasting symptoms are overlooked.

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737